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

Set at the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers in southeastern Georgia, the Okefenokee Swamp is not only one of America’s most important ecosystems, but it’s also the largest blackwater swamp in North America. It’s home to several endangered species like the indigo snake and wood stork.

The name comes from the Creek word for “land of the trembling earth,” which is derived from the movement of the peat beneath the water. It was these Indigenous people who first lived in the swamp before European settlement. The logging industry came next, as did an ill-fated attempt to drain the Okefenokee. However, it created some infrastructure for pioneers to live within the remote areas until the 1950s.

In 1937, the Okefenokee Swamp was first named a wildlife refuge by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent extensive time in Georgia. The Civilian Conservation Corps is responsible for much of what you see within the refuge today, including Company 1433, an all-Black unit of the corps.

The swamp itself includes both a Georgia state park, Stephen C. Foster, and the federally managed Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which covers more than 350,000 acres. Entry for each side is $5 per vehicle and both accept national park passes.

In 2023, the site started the nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status. It would join 26 other heritage sites in the United States, including the Everglades and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, and would bring both increased tourism to the region and further protection. And to protect the swamp from encroaching mining efforts, the boundaries have been expanded by 22,000 acres.

Planning Your Visit

There are several access points to enter the Okefenokee Swamp, but most travelers will use one of three. To the west is Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo, which has trails and a designated dark-sky park.

The Folkston side is the most popular, to the east, with boat tours and many of the landmarks travelers come for. Waycross is the other, to the north, and is the most developed with several restaurants and shops. This entrance is managed by a local swamp tour company.

How to Get There

Because of its remote location, transportation is fairly limited. Jacksonville, Florida, has the closest airport, under two hours by car. For more options, the Atlanta airport is a five-hour drive away. A car is essential to reach the Okefenokee Swamp and to get around inside its boundaries. But once there, you can navigate many of the park’s roads by bicycle. You can also bring or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways independently.

Best Time to Visit

The summer months can be very hot and humid for the uninitiated, but fall and spring are ideal for visiting the Okefenokee Swamp. The preserve also has several fee-free days throughout the year.

In the spring, Stephen C. Foster State Park hosts “Swamper’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a dark-sky discussion where visitors can learn about the stars. October’s Okefenokee Festival in Folkston includes talks on the region’s history and environment and the annual “Swamp Hollerin’ Contest.”  In November, travel back in time with Pioneer Days. The event, held at the Chesser Island Homestead, features demonstrations, games, live music, and a sugar cane boil.

Best Things to Do

Go on a boat tour of the gator-filled waters.

The best way to explore the swamp is on a one- to two-hour boat tour, where you can see the alligators peeking from beneath the water and waterfowl overhead. Tours are offered at Stephen C. Foster State Park, Okefenokee Adventures, and Okefenokee Swamp Park for a fee. These boats are not accessible to wheelchairs. Water levels can affect boat tour operations, so check before you go and book in advance during high season.

Navigate Swamp Island Drive.

If you’re short on time, Swamp Island Drive offers the best of the swamp in a short period. The seven-mile loop can be explored by car or on bicycle, as many locals start their days. Grab a map from the visitor center before you go, which will point out different plant species and viewpoints along the way.

Explore the Chesser Island Homestead.

One of the most interesting landmarks in the swamp, located off Swamp Island Drive, is the preserved home of the Chesser family, who lived self-sufficiently from the 1850s until moving out in 1971. The residence includes the farm where they harvested sugarcane and a trail with a viewing platform over the swamp.

Must-see Wildlife and Natural Features

The biggest reason to come to the Okefenokee Swamp is the abundant wildlife. You are almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two as the swamp is home to an estimated 15,000. Birders should keep an eye out for herons and ibis. Deeper in the swamp, you can find deer and even black bears.

Best Places to Stay

Most accommodations near the Okefenokee Swamp are rustic, either basic lodge rooms or campsites. Stephen C. Foster State Park has camping, including accessible sites, plus cottages with room for up to eight, but as of publication, the campground is still under renovation. The Suwannee River Eco-Lodge is also on the Fargo side and great for groups. Laura S. Walker State Park is to the northeast and has campsites and cottages.

On the wildlife preserve side, wilderness camping is available if you book in advance, including on raised platforms accessible only by boat. This camping is offered seasonally. Okefenokee Pastimes is right outside the Folkston side entrance, with a dark-sky viewing field and store plus campsites and cottages. Folkston and Waycross also have basic hotels and rental homes.

Best Places to Eat

There aren’t many places to eat in this part of the state, so your best bet is to bring groceries and a way to prepare meals. Some of the visitor centers sell snacks or operate seasonal cafes, but it’s not recommended to rely on them.

If you do want a hot meal after a few nights of camping, you should plan on driving to one of the nearby towns. Folkston has a handful of restaurants including Thai Smile and Los 3 Mariachis. Waycross offers slightly more like Sheffield Coffee Co. and the Plant Cafe, a local staple since 1921.