Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bland County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) covers over 10,000 acres of mountainous terrain in Bland County, Virginia. Located within the Appalachian Mountains foothills, its landscape consists of mixed hardwood and pine forests, rocky outcrops, and several small streams feeding into tributaries of the New River. This WMA provides vital habitat for white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and numerous small mammals and songbirds, making it a popular destination for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. The area’s history is tied to Appalachian forestry and conservation efforts aimed at preserving native wildlife populations and forest health. Recreational opportunities include regulated hunting and trapping, primitive hiking on informal trails, and wildlife viewing particularly during fall and spring migrations. Access is primarily via gravel forest roads, offering remote and quiet areas for outdoor pursuits. Notable landmarks include vantage points with views of the surrounding mountains and secluded creek valleys. Bland County WMA appeals to visitors looking for solitude, natural landscapes, and traditional outdoor sports in a less developed setting compared to national or state parks. The area is managed to balance wildlife conservation with public recreational use.