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A popular bird-watching and fishing destination, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects nearly 403,000 acres of freshwater swamp covering a 38- by 25-mile region.
This vast bog rests in a huge, saucer-shaped depression that was once part of the ocean floor. Peat deposits cover much of the swamp floor.
The refuge has been designated a Wetland of International Importance. Okefenokee's wetlands are a mosaic of vegetation representing different stages of succession, from open marsh to cypress or shrub swamp to climax broad-leaved evergreen or mixed hardwood swamp.
There are also 33,000 acres of upland containing longleaf pine communities and many threatened or endangered native plant and animal species.
The east entrance to the refuge has seven miles of hiking trails and a .75-mile boardwalk into the swamp. Motorists may watch for wildlife on a 4.5-mile drive.
Wilderness canoeing and camping trips ranging from two to five days are allowed with advance registration and permits. (Call 912-496-7836 for information packet.)
Fishing is allowed year-round, but the use of live minnows or trot lines is prohibited. Hunting is limited to a two-day deer hunt in November, with participants chosen by lottery. Portions of the north end of the refuge can be accessed through the state-sponsored hunts at Dixon Memorial Forest. Archery hunting is allowed at the West Entrance.
People who visit the east entrance to the refuge enjoy a visitor center, observation tower and a picnic area. Okefenokee Adventures offers guided boat tours; boat, motor, canoe and bicycle rentals; and camping and fishing supplies.
The swamp's most extensive open areas branch off the historic Suwannee Canal, located southwest of Folkston off State Hwy. 121/23.
Other entry points are via the private, nonprofit Okefenokee Swamp Park along spur Route 177 in Waycross, and the Stephen C. Foster State Park along spur Route 177.
Outdoor Activities |
The canebreak rattlesnake lives in the Okefenokee Swamp.
This young barred owl lives in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
The tree frog inhabits the swampy recesses of the Okefenokee.
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