Travel Piece

Unwind at Hardley Creek
November 17, 2012
550
Wallace

 Hardley Creek Reservation

Dam and Powerhouse near fishing pond. Photo courtesy of R. Millenbine, U.S. Army Corp.of Engineers

Imagine it, fresh air, blue skies and bluer water. Occasionally it is good to unplug to unwind, and to reconnect with nature and the family. Hardley Creek Recreation area at West Point Lake is just the place for you.  

West Point Lake is located in Troup County Georgia on the Alabama-Georgia state line. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, West Point Lake extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and other family oriented opportunities.

 Park Ranger Rocky Millenbine of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said that they are the civilian portion of the Army, and the major building agency for the U.S. Government. They actually built the powerhouse and dam for flood control, hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife development as well as general recreation. The powerhouse’s three massive generators produce enough power annually to serve 24,000 homes.

Linda Jennings, tourism director of the LaGrange Chamber of Commerce says “Visitors will be amazed at what this area has to offer. There are 2.5 million visitors per year at the lake.”





Photo Courtesy of R. Millenbine, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Hardley Creek reservation is one of 29 recreation areas on West Point Lake.  Hardley Creek Reservation offers natural scenic beauty, and the best view in the area of the Powerhouse and dam.” says Ranger Millenbine.



Children get a kick out of hauling in their ‘fresh catch’ from the preteen fishing pond, which is located in view of the dam and powerhouse. The youth and handicapped designated fishing pond is the only one in the area. The pond is stocked with catfish yearly and has a sidewalk all around it. 

 Close by is a walking trail that goes to the visitors’ center and observation deck for the Powerhouse where one can actually see the workings of the huge facility.” This is a great educational opportunity for the whole family.”  Ranger Millenbine says, “The Powerhouse is a ‘peak performance plant’,” meaning that they are mandated to release water daily to keep the river flowing and generate electrical power to the area during peak usage times.

Nature is always on display. It is not unusual to see majestic  bald eagles, nesting Ospreys, and red tail hawks perched in trees and gliding over the lake ‘fishing’ for a meal.  Ranger Millenbine states.





Evening at the Powerhouse. Photo courtesy of R. Millenbine, U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers

Ranger Millenbine invites you to bring your family and friends to visit.  “Hardley Creek Reservation is an affordable safe facility that offers families an opportunity to get closer to nature, and spend quality time with family and friends. There are picnic areas, grills, clean restrooms and the covered shelter is a fully electric facility. “Millenbine also says that “Safety is our number one priority; we want our guests to have a great time, and come back.  Best of all it is free.”

Located about 70 miles south of Atlanta, take I-85 S to Exit 6 (Kia Plant exit) to Gabbetville road until you reach West Point road and turn left. Follow P.M.O road, (Project Management Office road, you will see a large marble monument) which goes over the dam the turn left go downhill into the park entrance.