Home

Wildlife Viewing Guide

Design by Lenz Design, Decatur, Georgia.

Wildlife Viewing > Historic Heartland > Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

Description: The refuge is 35,000 acres of predominantly loblolly pine on the ridges with hardwoods found along creek bottoms and in scattered upland coves. Clear streams and beaver ponds provide ideal wetland habitat for migrating waterfowl. Old-growth pine forests that support a colony of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers can be found. The population on the refuge is the only known population in the Piedmont region of Georgia. The rich diversity of habitats provides a haven for nearly 200 species of birds and many mammals.

Viewing Information: Red-cockaded woodpeckers can be seen in the spring from mid-April to mid-June during the nesting season. This is also a great time to watch for migrating songbirds, especially spring warblers. Spring migration begins in March and peaks in April through early May, and fall migration peaks in September and October. A bird checklist for the refuge is available at the visitors center. Late November through January are the best months to see waterfowl. A six-mile auto drive and three foot trails are open during daylight hours year-round. Approximately 50 miles of gravel roads are also open for public travel, except during limited fall white-tailed deer hunts. Caution should be used on these roads during wet weather. Resident songbirds, turkeys, white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and much of the other wildlife found on the refuge can be seen from these roads and trails. The refuge visitors center is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on federal holidays. Refuge staff are available to assist and orient visitors in finding the best viewing areas and times. Those interested in group programs and tours involving staff should make reservations at least two weeks in advance.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 south to exit 61. Travel east on Juliette Road 18 miles. Entrance is marked.

Management: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 912-986-5441

Closest Town: Round Oak, GA

Site Notes: observation platforms, tours, interpretive programs, six-mile auto driving tour, hunting, fishing

Additional Information: Georgia's Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site adjoins the refuge. A good day-trip can be made to the refuge and Jarrell Plantation.

ParkingRestroomsHikingBoat RampSmall Boats

[ Previous Topic | Next Topic ]


Read and add comments about this page


Reader-Contributed Links to the Georgia Wildlife Viewing Guide Book: