Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the state of Georgia, USA.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and attractions.
One of the main reasons to visit Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. The refuge is home to more than 200 species of birds, as well as mammals like deer, beavers, and otters. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and hunting in designated areas of the refuge.
Some of the specific points of interest at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge include the scenic lakes and ponds, which offer excellent opportunities for fishing and bird watching. The refuge also features several hiking trails, including the 7-mile Big Hammock Trail, which winds through pine forests and along the edges of fields.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former military training facility during World War II. The refuge was established in 1939, with the goal of providing a safe haven for migratory birds and other wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge depends on your interests. Spring and fall are popular times for bird watchers, as many species migrate through the area during these seasons. Summer is a great time for fishing and hiking, while winter offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife in their winter habitats.
Overall, Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. With its variety of activities and attractions, it offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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