Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A map, information, and a bird list containing 281 species can be acquired by writing
Refuge Manager, Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2, Box 97-B, Eufaula, AL
36027-9294.
Lakepoint Resort State Park
Located in the middle of the wildlife refuge and right on US 431 is the heavily developed
Lakepoint Resort State Park. This park is mostly a marina, a lodge, and a large parking lot
with a small beach. However, Canada geese often congregate here in the winter; sometimes,
as many as a hundred or more wander around the parking lot, the beach, and the grassy area
in between. Mallards collect near the lodge, which can be seen from the beach. Many of these
ducks and geese have become domesticated and depend on handouts from the lodge. Many
gulls, mostly ring-billed, gather here. Both American crow and fish crow occur here, and this
park gives you a good opportunity to practice distinguishing between them. Information on
lodging at the park can be obtained by calling 800-544-LAKE, or writing to Lakepoint Resort
State Park, P.O. Box 267, Eufaula, AL 36072-0267.
TUSKEGEE NATIONAL FOREST
East of Montgomery, near Auburn and Tuskegee, is one of the nation's smallest national
forests, in terms of size. However, the Tuskegee National Forest has a subtle beauty, and be-
ing right next to 1-85, it is extremely accessible. At exit 42, take SH 186 south from 1-85, and
you will reach the forest in about a mile; the ranger station is but 1.8 miles from the interstate,
on the left. Just past the ranger station is the Atasi picnic ground and parking area that gives
you access to the Bartram Trail. Named for the naturalist William Bartram, the trail is 8.5
miles long and runs the length of the national forest. This parking area hits the trail just about
at its midpoint, and hiking trips of almost any length can be easily planned for the Bartram
Trail. The eastern end of the trail is on US 29, about a mile east of its intersection with US
80, and the western terminus of the trail is at a parking area on County Road 53, about a mile
north of where CR 53 meets US 80. With only gentle hills in this area, the trail is an easy
walk for almost everyone.
