Wildlife Viewing Guide
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Wildlife Viewing Guide |
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Buford
Trout HatcheryDescription: Buford Trout Hatchery is located in the Chattahoochee River flood plain. The river bank is forested with walnut, birch, oak, and tulip poplar trees. The hatchery grounds include old fields and constructed raceways for rearing trout. Here is an excellent opportunity to see thousands of young rainbow, brook, and brown trout being raised for release into the trout streams of the North Georgia mountains.
Viewing Information: Although the hatchery is only 36 acres, it offers an opportunity to view a number of birds and mammals. Blue and green herons and kingfishers are relatively common in the morning or at dusk. Great egrets and ospreys can be seen as unexpected visitors. Hawks and vultures are common during the day. A variety of ducks fly along the river and can be seen frequently. Songbirds are common and can be viewed seasonally. Small mammals are not common, but beavers, mink, and otters can be viewed on occasion by the patient observer. White-tailed deer sometimes leave the surrounding woods and venture onto the hatchery grounds. The hatchery is open to visitors year-round from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directions: From the intersection of GA Hwy. 400 and GA Hwy. 20 south of Cumming, Ga. go east 4.0 miles on GA Hwy. 20. Turn left into the Chattahoochee River Subdivision go 0.75 miles to Trout Place. Turn right on Trout Place Road and follow it to the hatchery.
Access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is along the path that starts at the hatchery gate. Access to the hatchery is from the parking area inside the gate.
Management: Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division, 770-781-6888
Closest Town: Cumming, GA
Additional Information: The hatchery staff will schedule tours for organized groups. Tours must be scheduled in advance. The emphasis of these tours is the trout hatchery and trout management
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