The fertile waters of Lake Eufaula – officially the Walter F. George Lake and a highlight along the 13-lake Alabama Bass Trail – have drawn bass anglers for decades. The 45,000-acre impoundment on the Chattahoochee River extends from Fort Gaines, Ga., north to Phenix City, Ala., and is set amid Alabama’s scenic Wiregrass region. Those fishing the lake often take in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the protected lands surrounding it, as well.
This scenic park is one of the many gems of the Alabama State Parks system. Located on the banks of Lake Eufaula, it is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Many outdoor enthusiasts also come for the hiking, wildlife and bird watching. Lakepoint offers a variety of other amenities, including a swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis courts and playgrounds. The park also has a full-service restaurant and lounge. Overnight visitors may choose from accommodations in the lodge, at one of the lakeside cabins or cottages or among the nearly 200 campsites.
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
The 11,184-acre refuge is home to a variety of resident wildlife, from alligators to birds of prey, and is known as a haven for wintering waterfowl. It is located just north of Eufaula, along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in both southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. Its combination habitats include wetlands, croplands, woodlands, old fields, grasslands and open water, creating a home for an estimated 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals and many species of amphibians, reptiles and fishes.
In addition to the great fishing on Lake Eufaula, there are opportunities to enjoy hunting and photography interpretive programs on the refuge. Eufaula NWR offers an eight-mile wildlife drive that meanders through a variety of upland and wetland habitats. Along the route, you’ll find a wildlife viewing platform and observation tower for even better opportunities to view the various habitats and wildlife. The drive is also open for hiking and biking. A one-third mile walking trail is located near the main entrance and winds through the woods, over a creek, and near the edges of longleaf pine restoration sites.
Both the state park and refuge are home to sites along this diverse birding trail, which features 20 sites located in national forests, state parks and other public lands. Many birders include these Eufaula locations in their quest to visit all the sites along Alabama’s network of Alabama Birding Trails throughout the state.
Lake Eufaula is a paradise for outdoorsman, on the water and off. Add these and the many other attractions near the lake to your next trip along the Alabama Bass Trail.
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