Fall Color Photo Hike: Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge & More

Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is a part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The rich diversity of habitat provides a haven for nearly 200 species of birds. In the forests, birds commonly seen include woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, brown-headed nuthatches and chickadees. Wood ducks, great blue herons, and belted kingfishers may be found near the wetlands. In open areas, look for hawks, bluebirds and the wild turkey.  There are 92 confirmed species occuring in Piedmont NWR. The refuge is located just north of Macon. The refuge has a visitor's center with exhibits describing refuge wildlife and habitats. The parks has 4 miles of trails near the visitor center and a 6 mile driving tour.

The Woodpecker, Allison Lake, and Creek/Pine wildlife trails are located adjacent to Allison Lake and the visitor center. These trails are limited to foot travel and involve some moderate walking over uneven and hilly terrain. The 0.9 mile Allison Lake Trail and the 1.3 mile Pine & Creek Trails interconnect and provide foot access through hardwood and pine habititat and views of Allison Lake. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Trail is 2.9 miles starting at Allison Lake and travels through an active colony site. **NOTE** The refuge website warns several times ... "ticks and chiggers are present throughout the year and are especially bad in the summer and early fall. Use a strong insect repellent." Be prepared to lather up with deet before the event!

The Little Rock Wildlife Drive is a 6-mile auto tour route over narrow graveled roads. The self-guided tour consists of a series of numbered stops along the drive corresponding to a brochure available at the entrance of the drive or the refuge visitor center. Many different habitats can be observed including uplands pine, hardwoods, native grass fields, creeks, a pond and seasonally flooded areas.

Why leaves change colors in the fall

Photographing fall colors

Photo.net

Optional: For those who can stay after the hike/drive, we'll have some fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette. If time allows, we'll also stop  nearby at the Jarrell Plantation State Park for some late afternoon photos.

Meet at Event: Visitor's center at the Piedmont NWR. The refuge may be visited by exiting I-75 at Exit 186 in Forsyth and driving east along Juliette Road for 18 miles to the refuge office and visitor center. An alternate route is State Highway 11, between Gray and Monticello. Just north of Round Oak on Hwy 11, turn west on Juliette Road and proceed for 3 miles to the office/visitor center.

No cost to enter the refuge.

If heavy rain is forcasted, this event will be canceled. Look for a weather emial update a few days before the event.