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Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge


Bordering the southwest edge of the city of Macon, Bond Swamp offers hiking and wildlife viewing in 5,500 acres of wetlands and upland forest. The Refuge contains two tracts: the swamp itself, and Brown's Mount. Both tracts are administered by Piedmont National Refuge, and the refuge headquarters is on the north of Macon.

Bond Swamp tract

The official web site provides good information about the main part of the refuge, and its hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

Browns Mount tract

Browns Mount reopened to the public in June 2010. As of this writing, the official web site is out of date. However, the contact information is correct, so you can use that to get the latest information.

For at least 1000 years, Browns Mount has been recognized for one of the best views in Middle Georgia. A short but moderately steep trail leads to a view across the Ocmulgee River valley and the city of Macon. Other trails circle the summit. The trail from the parking lot to the scenic view is well maintained, but other trails may be difficult to follow. At one time, the site was used for school groups, so the site includes a large picnic shelter and the parking lot can accommodate busses. There are convenience stores and fast-food restaurants nearby at the interstate highway interchange.
Before going to Browns Mount, you may want to print a guide to the scenic overlook (203 kb).

Access

From Macon, take Interstate 16 southeast to the Highway 23 (Cochran Short Route) exit and follow Highway 23 about 3 miles south. For Brown's Mount, turn right on Bondsview Road, then immediately left on Joe Brown Road and left again into the parking area. For the Longleaf Pine Trail, continue about 1 mile south on Highway 23, and the parking lot will be on the left. For the Stone Creek Access, continue an additional 0.5 mile south on Highway 23, and the parking lot will be on the right.

From the south, the Stone Creek Access is 15.6 miles (25 Km) north of the junction of State Route 96 and US Highway 23. The Longleaf Pine Trail and Brown's Mount are further north.

Coordinates

The Stone Creek Access parking lot is approximately Latitude 32° 44' 20'' N, Longitude 083° 33' 50'' W

Point of Contact

Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

References

Brown's Mount reopening to the public in June
The Macon Telegraph, May 26, 2010

The View From Above: Archaeological Excavations at Brown's Mount
by Mark Williams, 1993
Available from the Lamar Institute

This page is just a starting point. Once you decide which sites you might visit, we strongly recommend you contact the owner or manager for the latest information on features, access, and safety.


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David Farrier, farrier@iglou.com

Brown's Mount last spot checked Dec 2010.
Last edited 19 Feb 2010