User:Sparkgap/Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area

Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area is a North Carolina state park in Alleghany County, North Carolina in the United States.

Located near Sparta, North Carolina, it encompasses 442 acre on Bullhead Mountain.

This natural area is adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it is just north of Stone Mountain State Park, which manages the property.

The State Natural Area is a key component of the Bullhead Mountain - Mahogany Rock Important Bird Area (IBA).

History
In 1994, Mahogany Rock In 2000,

Ecology
Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area

Recreation
Recreation at the natural area is limited to hiking and nature observation, such as birdwatching. There are no developed facilities in the natural area. An old, dirt road allows for limited exploration of the natural area; however, this road crosses privately held lands, limiting public access. Also, a permit is required from Stone Mountain State Park to legally drive on the road within the natural area. Anyone accessing the natural area from adjacent NPS lands must bushwhack through the woods, as there are no trails or old roads leading from the parkway.

Nearby state parks
The following state parks are within 30 mi of Bullhead Mountain State Natural Area
 * Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
 * New River State Park
 * Stone Mountain State Park - Parent park
 * Stone Mountain State Park - Parent park

To be incorporated

 * Alleghany News:
 * Efforts are underway to preserve Bullhead
 * Bullhead preservation efforts hit $304k snag
 * Transportation board to help buy Bullhead
 * Heritage group gives $192,000 to Bullhead
 * Bullhead Mountain could become park
 * Bullhead bill headed for Hunt's desk
 * Bullhead purchase supporters celebrate land preservation
 * Hawk watchers migrate to county
 * Failure to Protect the Parkway is disappointing
 * Hawk Watch Site Profile - Bullhead Mountain
 * Hawk Watch Site Profile - Mahogany Rock
 * Bullhead Mountain - Mahogany Rock