Nantahala National Forest

Manager
Forest Service
Designation
National Forest
Size
532,900 acres
Region
North Carolina

Mushroom harvest rules

Rules vary

US National Forests and Grasslands

The Forest Service lists mushrooms as a special forest product. Rules and permits are set by each forest, so check with the district office before you pick.

The Forest Service lists mushrooms among special forest products. Federal regulation prohibits removing a forest product except as authorized (36 CFR 261.6), and prohibits selling or exchanging a forest product obtained under free use. Whether personal-use picking is free, limited or needs a permit is decided by each national forest, so contact the district office. Wilderness areas and closures may add restrictions.

Official source: USDA Forest Service: Special Forest Products; 36 CFR 261.6

Last verified: November 11, 2026

Rules change. Confirm with the land manager before you pick.

See the foraging laws for North Carolina.

Location

The marker shows an approximate point, not a boundary. Check the manager's map for exact borders and access points.

Species recorded in North Carolina and in season now

Based on state-wide records for this month, not specific to this land. Edibility rules still apply: never eat a wild mushroom based on this site.

All species in season in North Carolina

Land data: USGS PAD-US (public domain).