Paya Okefenokee in Georgia is probably the next UNESCO World Heritage Site

Located on the Headwaters of the Suwannee River and St. Marys southeast of Georgia, Okefenokee swamps are not just one of the most important American ecosystems, but it’s also the largest blackwater swamp in North America. It is home to some endangered species such as indigo snakes and boils.

The name comes from the word Creek for “the soil of the earth,” which comes from the peat movement underwater. It was the first indigenous people to live in Rawa before European settlements. The logging industry came next, such as an unintentional attempt to drain Okefenokee. However, it created some infrastructure for pioneers to live in remote areas until the 1950s.

In 1937, the Okefenokee Paya was first named Wildlife Protection by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent a wide range of time in Georgia. The Public Conservation Corps are responsible for many of the things you see in today’s protection, including the company 1433, a black unit from the Kor.

The swamp itself includes both Georgia State parkStephen C. Foster, and federal national wildlife protection, covering more than 350,000 acres. The entry for each side is $ 5 per vehicle and both receive a national pass.

In 2023, the site started Nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage Status. It will join 26 other heritage sites in the United States, including Everglades and A great Smoky mountain National Park, and will bring both tourism upgrades to the region and further protection. And to protect the swamp from an invading mining effort, the border has expanded by 22,000 acres.

Plan your visit

There are several access points to enter the Okefenokee swamp, but most tourists will use one in three. To the west is Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, which has a route and set Dark sky garden.

The folkston side is the most popular, to the east, with boat tours and many landmark travelers. Waycross is another, in the north, and most developed with several restaurants and shops. The entrance is managed by a local swamp travel company.

How to get there

Because of the isolated location, transportation is quite limited. Jacksonville, Florida, has the nearest airport, under two hours by car. For more options, Atlanta Airport is a five -hour trip. A car is important to get to the Okefenokee swamp and to surround the border. But once there, you can navigate many garden roads by bike. You can also carry or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the water channel freely.

The best time to visit

Months -summer months can be very hot and humid for strangers, but autumn and spring are ideal for visiting Okefenokee. Maintenance also has a few days of no fee throughout the year.

In the spring, Stephen C. Foster State Park hosts “Swamper’s guide to Galaxy,” a dark sky discussion where visitors can learn about the stars. The October Okefenoke Festival in Folkston includes talks on history and the environment in the region and the “Swamp Hollerin ‘annual competition.” In November, travel back in time with pioneer day. The event was held at Chesser Island Homestead, featuring demonstrations, games, live music, and sugar cane.

The best thing to do

Go to a boat visit to a gator -filled waters.

The best way to explore the swamp is on a one to two -hour boat visit, where you can see the crocodile spy on the underwater and water above the head. Visits are offered at Stephen C. Foster State Park, Okefenokee Adventures, and Okefenokee Swamp Park for a fee. This boat is not accessible by a wheelchair. Water levels can affect boat tourism operations, so check before you go and book in high season.

Navigation Swamp Island Drive.

If you are not timely, the Swamp Island Drive offers the best of the swamp in a short period of time. The seven -stone loop can be explored by car or bicycle, as many locals begin their day. Get a map from the visitor center before you go, which will show different plant species and views along the way.

Discover the Homestead of Chesser Island.

One of the most exciting landmarks in Rawa, located outside the Swamp Island Drive, is a home preserved from the Chesser family, who lived from the 1850s to 1971. The home included farms where they harvested sugarcane and trails with a platform on the swamp.

Must see wildlife and natural features

The biggest reason to come to the Okefenokee is a lot of wildlife. You are almost guaranteed to see a crocodile or two as a swamp is home to about 15,000. Birders should watch over Heron and Ibis. Further in the swamp, you can find deer and even black bears.

The best place to stay

Most accommodation near Paya Okefenokee is a rural, either a basic accommodation or a campsite. Stephen C. Foster State Park has a camping, including accessible sites, as well as cottages with up to eight, but as publications, camping is still in renovation. The Suwannee River Eco-Lodge Also on the Fargo side and great for the group. Laura S. Walker State Park is in the northeast and has a camping site and cottage.

On the side of the wildlife preserves, Wilderness camps are there If you book in advance, including on the raised platform is only accessible by boat. This camp is offered seasonally. Okfenokee Right outside the Folkston entrance, with dark sky viewing fields and shops as well as camping sites and cottages. Folkston and Waycross also have basic hotels and rental homes.

The best dining place

There aren’t many eateries in the state, so your best bet is to bring groceries and ways to prepare food. Some visitor centers sell snacks or operate seasonal cafes, but are not recommended to rely on them.

If you want to eat hot after a few nights of camping, you need to plan to drive to one of the nearest cities. Folkston has a handful of restaurants including Thai smile and 3 mariachis. Waycross offers a little more like Sheffield Coffee Co.. and the Plant cafeLocal staple since 1921.