20 Attractions to Explore Near Okefenokee Wilderness

Stephen C Foster State Park is a beautiful outdoor spot that offers a range of recreational activities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and canoeing. Visitors can see some amazing native wildlife as they explore the Okefenokee Swamp, which is made up of amazing blackwater lake basins and cypress swamps. Campers can take advantage of shops, services and amenities such as picnic shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, restroom facilities, game courts and much more.

Floyds Island, is an undisturbed, secluded barrier island that has remained unchanged for decades. The island is home to a variety of wildlife including raccoons, sea turtles, and egrets. There are also various species of birds such as pelicans, ibises, and herons. Floyds Island offers several activities for visitors; fishing in the marshland or off the beach is popular, while nature enthusiasts can explore the rich marshlands or take a leisurely hike along its sandy shoreline.

Okefenokee Swamp is something to behold. Encompassing over 400,000 acres of land, the swamp has earned a reputation as one of the most pristine and remarkable ecosystems in the United States. Featuring cypress trees, native wildlife and a wide variety of plants, it has been designated by Congress as a National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing and boating are popular activities that many visitors partake in. It is also home to an array of migrating birds each year.

Okefenokee Adventures is the perfect way to explore this stunning region of the United States. Nestled between swamps, rivers and forests, it provides visitors with a diverse range of activities to enjoy. From canoeing on its serene waterways, getting close up views of wildlife in the surrounding wetlands or learning about local history at the ‘Swamp Park’, this destination offers something for all tastes.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a magical paradise where nature thrives and visitors can spot wild animals ranging from alligators to turtles to 218 species of birds. Here, visitors can explore the swamp on canoes, kayaks and boats as they take in the breathtaking views offered. The refuge offers six maintained trails for biking or hiking that allow guests to get up close and personal with nature's wonders.

Chesser Island, is an untouched paradise in the heart of southeastern coastal life. Boasting crystal-clear waters and sugar-white beaches brimming with wildlife, it's become one of the state's most sought-after vacation destinations. After arriving in Chesser Island visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, boating and kayaking or simply relax on its exquisite beaches. The island also offers nature trails for keen hikers and bird watchers to explore.

Okefenokee Swamp Park provides visitors with a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Located near the southeastern corner of the state, the park offers over 400,000 acres of pristine boardwalk trails and water tours that take visitors deep into the soft marshlands and forests of Okefenokee. The park features diverse wildlife including alligators, turtles, black bears, bobcats and several varieties of birds. The park is also home to many cultural events such as re-enactments and festivals.

Obediah's Okefenok is a unique and interesting location filled with stories of the Civil War. It is home to the Obediah’s Okefenok Confederate Cemetery, where many Georgia soldiers are buried, as well as the James H. Shuman House, which was built around 1900. Visitors can take walking tours of the area and stop by the few buildings still standing, including an old commissary from the pre-Civil War era.

Okefenokee Swamp Park is a natural and cultural treasure worth discovering. Popular activities include bird watching, camping, boating, hiking, and guided tours of the swamp on electric pontoon boats. Uninhabited islands dot the area and are home to a great variety of animal life such as alligators and leatherback turtles. The park also offers an amazing array of boat rentals such as canoes, kayaks, jon boats and hydrobikes for those wanting to explore both land and water.

Folkston, is a charming hilltop city, which is home to nearly 3,200 people and affords them the perfect balance between rural and suburban life. Downtown Folkston offers its citizens traditional small-town amenities like old-fashioned mom-and-pop stores and cozy eateries along with all the necessary services of a larger town. Neighboring areas provide many outdoor recreation options like biking and hiking through the nearby state park or beach activities at Kingsland on the St. Mary's River.

Laura S. Walker State Park, is a nature lover’s paradise. From fishing and kayaking to hiking, biking, and camping – you can find plenty of activities to recreate. For birdwatchers, the park hosts nearly 350 different species that stop to play on their way between nesting seasons. There's also an impressive water playground for children featuring slides and a large stone fountain! Beautiful trails make for perfect forest walks, with the abundant wildlife.

This park features nearly 1,000 acres of natural beauty with many activities to take part in. There are miles of hiking trails which lead to wonderful overlooks, and kayaking opportunities on 28 miles of scenic waterways. The Lake Laura facility offers swimming opportunities for guests with docks for small boats and a fishing pier where visitors can fish for bass and other types of fish native to the area. Additionally, there are picnic shelters, playgrounds and even a pet beach.

Big Gum Swamp Wilderness is a protected natural wonder situated in Baker County, Florida. Spanning over 20,000 acres of lush and breathtaking scenery, visitors are offered an adventurous outdoor experience. The area is home to an abundance of native wildlife including alligators, turtles, bald eagles and other birds-of-prey. As part of the Osceola National Forest, Big Gum Swamp Wilderness offers a wide variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing and camping.

Satilla River Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views with over 730 acres of land surrounded by the Satilla River. It is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and relax; visitors can soak up the sun at one of the many picnic spots, take a leisurely stroll along the trails, or reach out to the wildlife. With 13 boat ramps located throughout, anglers or boaters can navigate through the river or creek for their desired catch. For those who love camping and hiking, there are 2 campgrounds.

St. Marys Railroad Express, is an incredible organization that has been around for over 165 years. It began as a school-sponsored program in 1854 and has since lent itself to be a key feature of the local economy in the town of St. Marys. Initially, the express ran along 19 miles of rail lines to supply goods such as lumber and naval stores between St. Marys and Darien, Georgia as well as hauling passengers until 1959 when passenger service was discontinued.

Herbert Hoover created the Osceola National Forest on July 10, 1931. It was named after the Seminole warrior, Osceola.

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is owned by the State of Florida, but the United States Forest Service maintains another 688 acres (2.78 km2) as part of a Special Use Permit.

Ocean Pond is a small yet stunning destination in Baker County. Located in the western reaches of the county, this picturesque body of water is an oasis of tranquility and wildlife surrounded by pines and palmettos. Activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding can be enjoyed here in the warm clear waters or around the lush vegetation at its edges. If you're looking for the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic or swim then Ocean Pond is your go-to destination.

McIntosh Sugarmill Park, is a beautiful outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by lush foliage, the park offers peaceful nature trails weaving through the surrounding maritime forest and freshwater streams connected to the nearby Satilla River. As one of Georgia's 3-Star Parks, McIntosh Sugarmill Park’s amenities include picnicking facilities, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, sporting fields and courts, a dog park, playgrounds, an amphitheater and more.

John Houstoun McIntosh Sugarhouse was built in 1855 by General John Houstoun MacIntosh and his family, a successful family of planters. The two-story building is substantial in size and has a beautiful white portico that welcomes visitors as they arrive. Inside the main house is filled with authentic furnishings that give it that old plantation feel and it houses artifacts from the era. Outback lies acres of cotton fields, where the genus grew one of the most profitable crops of its day.