Sandy Mush Game Lands

About and How to Visit:

he Sandy Mush Game Lands consist of 2,765 acres of land in Buncombe and Madison Counties, managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission  and owned by the State of NC. Sandy Mush Creek and Turkey Creek flow through it.

The Sandy Mush Game Lands are open to the public for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and birding.

One of 105 sites on the NC Birding Trail, the Game Lands are actively managed with prescribed fire to restore native warm season grasses and forbs to benefit wildlife habitat.  Turkey Creek and Sandy Mush Creek gorges offer opportunity to view various warblers, Wood Thrush and Acadian Flycatcher.

SAHC’s involvement in conservation:

In 2004, SAHC assisted the State of NC in the acquisition of the land, once owned by CP&L/Progress Energy, for conservation and public ownership. In 2011, we acquired an 88-acre tract  because it formed a critical linking bridge and wildlife corridor between non-contiguous portions of the game lands — and in 2017 we transferred this tract to the state for inclusion in the Sandy Mush Game Lands .

Unfortunately, open public access to an old roadbed and the presence of hidden, steep slopes led to illegal dumping in the decades prior to our acquisition. Dealing with the hundreds of illegally dumped items on the property was a high priority goal for our Land Management and Stewardship team — so we led volunteer work days to help clean up the debris.

More Info:

Sandy Mush Game Lands Map

Sandy Mush Game Management Plan