Okefenokee Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest and best-preserved freshwater wetland ecosystems in North America, covering approximately 438,000 acres of southeastern Georgia and extending into northern Florida. The swamp occupies a shallow geological basin, with the water tinted black from tannins leached from decaying vegetation. This dark water reflects the surrounding cypress forests and open prairies in mirror-like surfaces that define the swamp's otherworldly character. The name Okefenokee derives from the Hitchiti language, meaning land of the trembling earth — a reference to the floating peat islands that form the characteristic terrain and vibrate underfoot.

The primary visitor access point is the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area at 2700 Suwannee Canal Rd in Folkston, approximately 45 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida. A canal dug in the 1890s in an abortive effort to drain the swamp for timber now forms the main paddling corridor, flanked by open prairie marshes inhabited by American alligators, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and egrets. Spring brings flowering aquatic plants including yellow bladderwort and white water lilies across the prairie surface. The refuge is also one of the most reliable locations in North America to observe black bears.

Visitors can explore by self-guided canoe or kayak — rentals available at the Suwannee Canal area concession — by a 0.7-mile boardwalk extending from the entrance over open water prairie, or by guided motorized boat tours of 90 minutes to two hours departing the main dock on a regular schedule. Wilderness canoe trail camping within the refuge requires advance permits through recreation.gov, with designated elevated platforms above the water surface. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.