Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in the state of Georgia that was established in 1989 to preserve and protect the unique wetland habitats found there.


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Summary

The refuge covers over 6,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species.

There are many good reasons to visit Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, including its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot or by boat, and there are several hiking and paddling trails available. Some of the specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Wetland Loop Trail, the Bond Swamp Observation Tower, and the Little River Canoe Trail.

One of the most interesting facts about Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is that it is home to the largest population of the endangered Robust Redhorse fish in the world. The refuge is also an important habitat for several other endangered species, including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and the Gopher Tortoise.

The best time of year to visit Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and unique habitats in all seasons.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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