The Okefenokee Trail

Imagine a place where unusual creatures swim through mirror-top waters and exotic plants sprout from floating islands. A place where the trees seem to wave in the early morning breeze and thousands of animals serenade the setting of the sun each day. Picture waters so dark and still that the surface seems to reflect images from another world, another time. It is a world more peaceful and more beautiful than any other place in the world. Almost a half a million acres of wetland, uninhabited by mankind, and still as it was thousands of years ago. Now imagine that this place, this natural wonderland is just a road trip away, a place just off the main road, but light years away from this time. It is a place where you can be guided back a thousand years on a boat, and see the miracle of nature at its best. It is the "Land of the Trembling Earth!"

Along the Okefenokee Trail, visitors will have the opportunity to explore three separate entrances of the great Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge consists of over 430,000 acres of natural wetlands, which has abundant wildlife and plant life. From any one of the entrances, visitors can get an in-depth look at a one-of-a-kind ecosystem. There is no other place like it on earth. Guided boat tours are offered throughout the refuge, as well as canoe rentals for the adventurous type. Nature trails, wildlife observation, and camping are also available at most entry points. Kingsland Georgia is the Trailhead for the Okefenokee Trail. Stop into the NEW Kingsland Depot for information on the Okefenokee Swamp.

At the North entrance in Waycross, is the Okefenokee Swamp Park, a privately owned and operated park. From here, visitors can climb aboard a train for a tour around the park, take a guided boat tour into the black-waters of the swamp, and enjoy a fun and exciting nature show that will get them up-close and personal with the local wildlife.

On the East is Folkston, home of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge headquarters and Suwanee Canal Entrance. Walking, biking, driving, and canoe trails are available, and a new visitor center offers interactive exhibits, an orientation film, and fun for the whole family. Visitors may also enjoy the boardwalk and observation tower.

The West entrance to the Okefenokee is Stephen C. Foster State Park located 17 miles northeast of Fargo on Highway 177. This entrance is managed by the State Parks and Historic sites. There are 25 miles waterways, which can be explored by renting a motorboat or canoe for the day, or by putting in your own boat at the ramp. Visitors can also enjoy one-mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail, picnic shelters, cabin rental, and more.