Trail Overview

Bear Spotter is a seasonal section of trails in the Chowan Swamp Game Lands. It's a scenic area of the game lands that are generally only open during deer season. The trail starts at the Gatlington Boat Ramp and proceeds down season paths that are primarily hunter access roads and are also designated for horse riding. The route briefly follows Sandbanks Road before hitting the dirt again at Buck Road and meandering deeper into the game lands. Be mindful that in some places, the trail borders and crosses private land. Please respect posted signage and avoid trespassing on private land. Riding through this area can almost guarantee seeing deer, turkey, and if you're lucky, a black bear or two!

Photos of Chowan Game Lands - Bear Spotter

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Difficulty

The trail is almost entirely hard-packed dirt road. There are a few places where the surface is loose sand. Most SUVs should be able to complete the route without the use of 4WD. During and after rainfall, the trail may be more difficult.

Technical Rating

Anna S

Jan 12, 2026

Open

Big sandy spot at the beginning of the trail we got stuck in. The trail also ends on private property, having to three point turn in a tight spot or reverse until you find a spot to turn around. Not as pretty as the other listed trails.

Jose Betancourt

Sep 28, 2025

Open

the northern part of the trail is open but the south end is closed no bear btw. also be careful there is a lot of private roads and not a lot of signs 😢

will Williams

Sep 24, 2025

Open

It looks like the majority of the gates are now open for the season. (See map & key in my photos We saw one turkey and I was the only one there. Enjoy.

Greg F

Jul 31, 2025

Open

Gate closed/locked ~750 yards from boat ramp

Jeff Roberts

Mar 30, 2025

Open

This trail begins at a primitive campsite which is right next to the paved road. Upon continuing down the trail, you arrive at the river. There are plenty of places where you can fish or just enjoy the scenery with your vehicle right next to the water. People were fishing and had regular cars, so obviously not a very technical trail. It is somewhat sandy, but obviously shouldn't be a problem.

Kendra Patterson

Mar 23, 2025

Open

Sand got a little deep in spots, but it easily navigated around.

Will Garrett

Jan 18, 2025

Open

most gates were open. it had rained recently, so there was mud and some leftover patches of snow from prior snowfall.

Will Garrett

Jun 01, 2024

Open

Reid Fraser

Mar 14, 2024

Open

We followed the trail from near the boat launch to the road where the gate was closed. The trail was well traveled with some sandy sections and rolling bumps.

George Perkins

Mar 10, 2024

Open