Outdoors & Adventure
Clarks Hill Lake (also known as J. Strom Thurmond Lake) is one of the 10 most-visited Corps of Engineer lakes in the nation, boasting some of the country’s best bass fishing and host to numerous local, regional and national tournaments, including the 2007 American Bass Anglers Weekend Series National Championship and the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series “Pride of Georgia” Tournament. One of the largest inland bodies of water in the South, Clarks Hill Lake covers more than 70,000 acres and has 1,200 miles of undulating shoreline bordered by stands of pine and hardwood trees. Its glassy surface is broken by little islands that provide sanctuary for a diversity of plants and wildlife, including some endangered species.
McDuffie Public Fishing Area Area,a.k.a. the “State Ponds,” belies the spectacular beauty of this area covering 570 acres. Located in Georgia’s upper coastal plain near Dearing, it encompasses a public fishing area, a warmwater fish hatchery and the McDuffie Environmental Education Center. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the “State Pond” beckons visitors with an array of outdoor recreational opportunities: seven ponds for quality bream, bass and catfish angling; two archery ranges; a 12- acre dove field; several lakes for waterfowl hunting; a variety of nature trails; kids’ fishing events and adventures held spring, summer and fall; and onsite campground. 4695 Fish Hatchery Rd., SE, Dearing GA, 706-595-1684.
Amity Recreation Area is located on the largest Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi River, offers more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, with beaches, boating, a ball field and picnic shelters for family outings. Visitors may spot bald eagles and ospreys among the area’s wildlife that also includes whitetail deer. Every Fourth of July, a local boat club sponsors fireworks at Amity (and Raysville Campground offers some of the very best seats to see the show). 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill GA, 800-533-3478.
Big Hart Recreation Area, located at the confluence of Big Creek and Hart Creek on the western end of beautiful Clarks Hill Lake, includes a swimming beach, picnic sites, shelter, playground, boating and boat ramp—not to mention some of the best fishing in the country. 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill GA, 800-533-3478.