Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia May Be the Next UNESCO World Heritage Site

Set on the headwatters of Suvani and St. Mary rivers in South East Georgia, OKFenoki is not only one of America’s most important ecosystems, but it is also the largest Blackwatter swamp in North America. It is home to many endangered species like Indigo Snake and Wood Stork.

The name comes from the word Creek for the “Sanking Earth’s land”, which is taken from the movement of underwater peat. These were these indigenous people who lived in the swamp before European settlement for the first time. The logging industry came forward, as a sick attempt was made to evacuate OKFenoki. However, it created some infrastructure for the forearm to live in remote areas until the 1950s.

In 1937, the first President Franklin D. Wildlife Sharan was named by Roosevelt, who spent widespread time in Georgia. The Civil Protection Core is responsible for what you see today, including the company 1433, an all-black unit of the core.

Georgia State Park, Stephen C. Foster and Federly managed OKFenoki National Wildlife Refugees include more than 350,000 acres. Entry for each side is $ 5 per vehicle and both national parks accept passes.

In 2023, the site started the nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage Status. This will include 26 other heritage sites in the United States, including Everglades and Great Smokee Mountains National Parks, and will bring both increased tourism and further security in the region. And to protect the swamp from encroachment of mining efforts, the boundaries have been expanded in 22,000 acres.

Planning your journey

There are several access points to enter the OKFENOKI marshes, but most passengers will use one in three. Stephen c in Fargo in the west. Foster is the State Park, which has trails and a nominated dark-Skai Park.

Folkstone side is the most popular, in the east, boats come with tourism and for travelers of several sites. The vekrross is the other in the north, and the most developed with many restaurants and shops. This entry is managed by a local marsh tour company.

how to get there

Due to its remote location, transport is quite limited. Jacksonville, Florida, is the nearest airport under two hours by a car. For more options, the Atlanta Airport is a five -hour drive away. A car is required to reach the OKFENOKI marshes and go inside its boundaries. But once, you can navigate many roads of the park by bicycle. You can also bring or rent a kayak or canoe to detect waterways independently.

The best time to travel

The summer months can be very hot and humid for uninterrupted, but the fall and spring are ideal to go into the oxyoki swamp. Protected are also many fees-free days throughout the year.

In spring, Stephen c. The Foster State Park hosters “Swapper Guide to the Galaxy”, a dark-Skai discussion where visitor can learn about stars. The October OKFENCH Festival in Folkstone includes the history of the region and interaction on the environment and annual “Swamp Hollerin Competition”. In November, travel back on time with pioneer days. The event held at Chess Island Homestad includes performance, sports, live music and a sugarcane boil.

The best things to do

Go on a boat tour of water filled with goal.

The best way to detect marshes is on one to two -hour boat tour, where you can see the crocodiles peeping under the water and the waterfall overhead. Stephen c for a fee. Tour is offered at Foster State Park, OKFENOKI Adventures and OKFENCH Swamp Park. These boats are not accessible to wheelchairs. The water level can affect the boat tour operations, so check before going in advance and booking in advance during high season.

Navigate the marshes island island.

If you are less on time, the Swamp Island Drive provides the best of the swamp in a short period. Seven-meal loops can be discovered on a car or bicycle, as many locals start their days. Catch a map from the visitor center before leaving, which will indicate different plant species and approaches along the way.

Explore the chess island homestand.

One of the most interesting sites in the marsh located away from the marsh island drive is a protected house of the chess family, which lived self -sufficiency until exiting in 1971 to 1971. The residence includes the farm where they are cut off a scar with a watching platform over sugarcane and marsh.

Wildlife and natural features should be seen

The biggest reason for coming into OKFenoki swamp is abundant wildlife. You are guaranteed to see approximately one crocodile or two as the swamp is an estimated 15,000 home. Birds should be monitored for heron and ibis. In the swamp, you can find deer and even black bears.

The best places to live

Most of the houses near the OKFenoki marsh are rustic, either basic lodge room or campsite. Stephen c. There is a camp at Foster State Park, including accessible sites, plus cottages, which are with rooms for up to eight, but as publishing, the campground is still subject to renewal. The Suvani River Eco-Laz is also towards Fargo and is great for groups. Laura S. The Walker State Park is in the northeast and the camp and cottage.

On the wildlife protected side, if you book in advance, wilderness camping is available to include only the platforms booked by the forest. This camp is introduced seasonally. Okefenokee pastimes Foceston is just outside the side entrance, with a dark-looking area and store plus campsite and cottages. Folkstone and Vacross also have basic hotels and rented houses.

The best places to eat

There are many places to eat in this part of the state, so your best bet is a way to prepare grocery accessories and food. Some visitor centers sell snacks or operate seasonal cafes, but it is not recommended to rely on them.

If you want a hot food after a few nights of the camp, you should plan to drive in a nearby city. Folkstone has a handful of restaurants including Thai Smile and Los 3 Mariachis. Vacross provides a slightly more like Sheffield Coffee Company and Plant Cafe, a local staple since 1921.