Destinations

Chattahoochee a southern treat

The big gator slid slowly into the water at our approach. It was one of many the Bass Edge television crew had encountered during its three days on the Chattahoochee River. Earlier in the day a curious otter had made itself available for close-up viewing. The ubiquitous herons fished along the bank as show host Aaron Martin and his guest, Elite Pro Dave Wolak, chunked crankbaits toward the bank.

At times, and at certain places, an angler can get a wilderness feeling on the Chattahoochee River, which straddles the southern Alabama and Georgia border. But soon that feeling is likely to give way to one of the speed boats that race up and down the river.

The Chattahoochee is a popular destination for all forms of water sports. Anglers ply its water for trophy bass throughout the year, while sun-worshipers enjoy the river’s sandy beaches in warmer months. The river is very popular to boaters for whom speed is the name of the game.

But beyond the river itself, this lovely slice of the south has an abundance of recreational opportunities.

Boaters can access Lake Eufaula, upstream, through a towering lock. The 46,000-acre reservoir has 13 Army Corps of Engineers parks and State Parks on both the Alabama and Georgia shores. George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge is a popular destination for visitors to Georgia. The park features a 60-room lodge, conference center, restaurant, cottages and the 18-hole Meadows Links Golf Course. A three-mile nature trail which winds through hardwoods and pines is an excellent place to spot the regions abundant wildlife.

Farther north, Florence Marina State Park features boat ramps, camping, tennis courts, a golf course and a 200-gallon aquarium. The park also includes the Kirbo Interpretive Center, the site of Indian burial mounds, which presents the history of the Rod Creek Indians.

Another important archeological site can be found in Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park. The seven earthen mounds in the park were built between 250-950 A.D. by the Swift and Weeden Island Indians. The mounds include Georgia's oldest great temple mound, two burial mounds and four ceremonial mounds. The park's museum is partially situated inside an excavated mound, providing an unusual setting for viewing artifacts and a film. Outdoor activities include camping, fishing, picnicking, boating and swimming.

Providence Canyon State Park, near Lumpkin, features Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” A visitors center explains how the massive gullies (the deepest being 150 feet) were caused by erosion due to poor farming practices in the 1800s. Visitors can enjoy views of the canyons from the rim trail, and backpackers who set off before 4 p.m. can stay overnight along the backcountry trail.

History buffs will enjoy Westville Village, a living history museum which depicts an 1850 west Georgia village. Birders flock to Eufaula National Wildlife refuge from all over the south. The 11,184-acre refuge is the home to ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, bald eagles and ospreys.

There is no shortage of side trips for the angler and his family on a visit to the Chattahoochee River region. With an average annual temperature of 50 degrees, the area’s attractions can be enjoyed year around.



George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge
http://www.gastateparks.org/info/georgetb/

Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park
http://www.gastateparks.org/info/kolomoki/

Providence Canyon State Park
http://www.gastateparks.org/info/providence/

Westville Village
http://www.westville.org/

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/eufaula/