Table of Contents
- 1 What is so unusual about the Okefenokee Swamp?
- 2 Why is Okefenokee Swamp important?
- 3 Can you visit the Okefenokee Swamp?
- 4 Who owns the Okefenokee Swamp?
- 5 How many bears live in the Okefenokee Swamp?
- 6 Are there bears in the Okefenokee?
- 7 How much does it cost to go to Okefenokee Swamp?
- 8 Where is the fall line in Georgia?
What is so unusual about the Okefenokee Swamp?
The Okefenokee Swamp is a shallow, 438,000-acre (177,000 ha), peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida line in the United States. A majority of the swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. The swamp was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.
Why is Okefenokee Swamp important?
The swamp is considered the headwaters of the Suwannee and St Marys Rivers. Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpecker, wood storks, indigo snakes, and a wide variety of other wildlife species. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands.
Are there alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp?
The majority of Georgia’s alligators are found in the largest freshwater refuge east of the Mississippi River, the Okefenokee Swamp. In fact, an estimated 10,000-13,000 gators are thought to be living in the 396,000 acres of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Can you visit the Okefenokee Swamp?
Okefenokee Swamp Park (North) – A private non-profit facility, this entrance is located eight miles south of Waycross. Interpretive displays, a boardwalk, boat and train tours, and live animals shows. Call 912-283-0583 for information about programs and entrance fees.
Who owns the Okefenokee Swamp?
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the eastern United States. It is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which is under the Department of the Interior. The Okefenokee Swamp is approximately 7000 years old.
How many people visit the Okefenokee Swamp?
The Okefenokee Swamp Park has between 50-55000 visitors each year.
How many bears live in the Okefenokee Swamp?
Fara Aicher, a wildlife biologist at the refuge, said that between Okefenokee and the Osceola National Forest in Florida, there are approximately 800 bears in the area.
Are there bears in the Okefenokee?
Black bears are just one of the many different species of wildlife that call Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge “home”.
What do you wear to the Okefenokee Swamp?
6 Dos and Don’ts of Hiking in the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife…
- Do wear a broad spectrum sunscreen, DEET bug spray, a Pugs bandana and a straw hat to the refuge.
- Don’t forget to bring a water hydration system or copious bottles of water with you on the hiking trip.
How much does it cost to go to Okefenokee Swamp?
General Admission (train, nature show & exhibits)
| $20 | Adults (ages 12 & up) |
|---|---|
| $19 | Children (ages 4-11) Senior Citizens (ages 62 & up) Active Military (I.D. required) AAA Discount (bring active card) |
| $15 | Local Okefenokee RESA County Residents (must have current license showing residency) |
| FREE | Infants (ages 3 & under) |
Where is the fall line in Georgia?
One of Georgia’s most remarkable geologic features — the Fall Line — runs in a jagged line across Middle Georgia from Columbus through Macon to Augusta. It marks the dividing line between the rolling Piedmont to the north and the flat Coastal Plain to the south.