North Carolina Quick Facts
- Personal Use PermitNot required (National Forests)
- Best SeasonApril - November
- Top SpeciesChanterelles, Chicken of Woods, Morels
- Key LocationsPisgah NF, Nantahala NF
- National ParksProhibited (Great Smoky Mountains)
North Carolina offers year-round mushroom foraging from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plain. The state's mild climate and diverse ecosystems support an exceptional variety of edible mushrooms.
North Carolina Foraging Regulations
National Forests (Best Option)
North Carolina has four National Forests:
- Pisgah National Forest - Blue Ridge Mountains, excellent diversity
- Nantahala National Forest - Western NC, chanterelle paradise
- Uwharrie National Forest - Central Piedmont
- Croatan National Forest - Coastal plain species
Personal Use Guidelines
Personal use mushroom collection is allowed on all North Carolina National Forests without a permit. Commercial harvesting requires permits.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Park Restriction
Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all foraging. This is strictly enforced. Use the surrounding Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests instead.
State Parks & Game Lands
NC State Parks have varying rules - many prohibit or restrict collection. NC Game Lands generally allow limited foraging. Check specific regulations before visiting.
Best Mushrooms in North Carolina
Chanterelles
North Carolina is excellent chanterelle territory. The Appalachian forests produce abundant golden chanterelles from June through October. The Pisgah and Nantahala are particularly productive.
Chicken of the Woods
Common throughout NC on oaks and other hardwoods. Fruits from spring through fall. An excellent beginner mushroom.
Morels
Spring morels appear in April-May, primarily in the mountains. Look in old orchards, tulip poplar stands, and disturbed areas.
Lion's Mane
Found on dead hardwoods, particularly beech and oak. A prized medicinal and culinary mushroom common in NC forests.
North Carolina Mushroom Season
| Month | Species | Best Region |
|---|---|---|
| April-May | Morels | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| June-July | Early Chanterelles, Chicken of Woods | Mountains and Piedmont |
| August-October | Peak Chanterelles, Hen of Woods | Statewide |
| November-December | Oyster, Lion's Mane | Statewide (mild winters) |
Best Foraging Locations
Pisgah National Forest
Over 500,000 acres of prime foraging habitat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rich cove forests produce exceptional chanterelle crops.
Nantahala National Forest
Western NC's largest national forest. The diverse elevations support species from spring through late fall.
Track Your North Carolina Finds
Use Mushroom Tracker to GPS-tag your Blue Ridge spots and track seasonal patterns.
