Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia Could Be the Subsequent UNESCO World Heritage Website

Set on the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers in southeastern Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp isn’t solely one among America’s most necessary ecosystems, but it surely’s additionally the most important blackwater swamp in North America. It’s dwelling to a number of endangered species just like the indigo snake and wooden stork.

The title comes from the Creek phrase for “land of the trembling earth,” which is derived from the motion of the peat beneath the water. It was these Indigenous individuals who first lived within the swamp earlier than European settlement. The logging trade got here subsequent, as did an ill-fated try to empty the Okefenokee. Nonetheless, it created some infrastructure for pioneers to dwell inside the distant areas till the Fifties.

In 1937, the Okefenokee Swamp was first named a wildlife refuge by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent in depth time in Georgia. The Civilian Conservation Corps is liable for a lot of what you see inside the refuge at the moment, together with Firm 1433, an all-Black unit of the corps.

The swamp itself contains each a Georgia state park, Stephen C. Foster, and the federally managed Okefenokee Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, which covers greater than 350,000 acres. Entry for either side is $5 per car and each settle for nationwide park passes.

In 2023, the positioning began the nomination course of for UNESCO World Heritage standing. It will be part of 26 different heritage websites in america, together with the Everglades and Nice Smoky Mountains nationwide parks, and would carry each elevated tourism to the area and additional safety. And to guard the swamp from encroaching mining efforts, the boundaries have been expanded by 22,000 acres.

Planning Your Go to

There are a number of entry factors to enter the Okefenokee Swamp, however most vacationers will use one among three. To the west is Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, which has trails and a chosen dark-sky park.

The Folkston aspect is the preferred, to the east, with boat excursions and lots of the landmarks vacationers come for. Waycross is the opposite, to the north, and is probably the most developed with a number of eating places and retailers. This entrance is managed by an area swamp tour firm.

How you can Get There

Due to its distant location, transportation is pretty restricted. Jacksonville, Florida, has the closest airport, below two hours by automobile. For extra choices, the Atlanta airport is a five-hour drive away. A automobile is crucial to achieve the Okefenokee Swamp and to get round inside its boundaries. However as soon as there, you possibly can navigate lots of the park’s roads by bicycle. You can too carry or lease a kayak or canoe to discover the waterways independently.

Greatest Time to Go to

The summer time months might be highly regarded and humid for the uninitiated, however fall and spring are perfect for visiting the Okefenokee Swamp. The protect additionally has a number of fee-free days all year long.

Within the spring, Stephen C. Foster State Park hosts “Swamper’s Information to the Galaxy,” a dark-sky dialogue the place guests can be taught concerning the stars. October’s Okefenokee Pageant in Folkston contains talks on the area’s historical past and surroundings and the annual “Swamp Hollerin’ Contest.”  In November, journey again in time with Pioneer Days. The occasion, held on the Chesser Island Homestead, options demonstrations, video games, dwell music, and a sugar cane boil.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go on a ship tour of the gator-filled waters.

One of the simplest ways to discover the swamp is on a one- to two-hour boat tour, the place you possibly can see the alligators peeking from beneath the water and waterfowl overhead. Excursions are supplied at Stephen C. Foster State Park, Okefenokee Adventures, and Okefenokee Swamp Park for a charge. These boats usually are not accessible to wheelchairs. Water ranges can have an effect on boat tour operations, so test earlier than you go and guide upfront throughout excessive season.

Navigate Swamp Island Drive.

If you happen to’re quick on time, Swamp Island Drive presents one of the best of the swamp in a brief interval. The seven-mile loop might be explored by automobile or on bicycle, as many locals begin their days. Seize a map from the customer middle earlier than you go, which can level out completely different plant species and viewpoints alongside the way in which.

Discover the Chesser Island Homestead.

One of the vital attention-grabbing landmarks within the swamp, situated off Swamp Island Drive, is the preserved dwelling of the Chesser household, who lived self-sufficiently from the 1850s till transferring out in 1971. The residence contains the farm the place they harvested sugarcane and a path with a viewing platform over the swamp.

Should-see Wildlife and Pure Options

The most important cause to return to the Okefenokee Swamp is the considerable wildlife. You might be virtually assured to see an alligator or two because the swamp is dwelling to an estimated 15,000. Birders ought to hold a watch out for herons and ibis. Deeper within the swamp, you could find deer and even black bears.

Greatest Locations to Keep

Most lodging close to the Okefenokee Swamp are rustic, both fundamental lodge rooms or campsites. Stephen C. Foster State Park has tenting, together with accessible websites, plus cottages with room for as much as eight, however as of publication, the campground remains to be below renovation. The Suwannee River Eco-Lodge can also be on the Fargo aspect and nice for teams. Laura S. Walker State Park is to the northeast and has campsites and cottages.

On the wildlife protect aspect, wilderness tenting is offered when you guide upfront, together with on raised platforms accessible solely by boat. This tenting is obtainable seasonally. Okefenokee Pastimes is correct exterior the Folkston aspect entrance, with a dark-sky viewing discipline and retailer plus campsites and cottages. Folkston and Waycross even have fundamental accommodations and rental properties.

Greatest Locations to Eat

There aren’t many locations to eat on this a part of the state, so your greatest wager is to carry groceries and a approach to put together meals. Among the customer facilities promote snacks or function seasonal cafes, but it surely’s not really helpful to depend on them.

If you happen to do desire a scorching meal after a couple of nights of tenting, you must plan on driving to one of many close by cities. Folkston has a handful of eating places together with Thai Smile and Los 3 Mariachis. Waycross presents barely extra like Sheffield Espresso Co. and the Plant Cafe, an area staple since 1921.