Kayaking is a soothing experience in itself, but paddling through the Okefenokee Swamp will bring you a certain peace and serenity that you can't find just anywhere. Journey down to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, GA, to begin your adventure through 402,000 acres of wetland paradise. Since 1937, preservation has been the number one goal of the refuge, which means you'll get the chance to experience undisturbed wildlife. There's a reason the Okefenokee has been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. You'll see plants and animals you've only read about in books throughout the largest blackwater swamp in the United States. View this post on Instagram đ¶ #okefenokee #exploregeorgia đ #gopro A post shared by tiffbeczkalo (@tiffbeczkalo) on Dec 28, 2016 at 7:28pm PST The swamp's most popular resident is the American Alligator, which you'll inevitably spot during your ride. Whether you see them right on the bank or entering the water, they're abundantly present so you can't avoid them. As clichĂ© as it sounds, alligators are more scared of you than you are of them. "My advice to kayakers, especially first times ones, is to keep your distance from the alligators. You're in their home, so let them swim by you as they please, but don't go out of your way to approach them," said tour guide Gordon Willey to Narcity. "It's tempting to pull your kayak onto the bank to get a closer look at them, but you don't want to block their escape route, which is into the water." Outside of worrying about gators, Willey advises visitors to bring a life vest, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and plenty of water. Georgia humidity in the swamp is no joke. View this post on Instagram đ A post shared by αâΔx (@blisterfeld) on Aug 9, 2016 at 3:38am PDT You may also spot black bears roaming the forest, herons flying overhead, and otters gracefully swimming by your miniature boat. You'll definitely want to bring a camera or even binoculars so you don't miss the world of wildlife surrounding you. View this post on Instagram Kicking back & letting @mcree32 tow me to shore! Life's rough! âąâąâąâą Sometimes, when you find yourself many miles deep into a swamp, with absolutely no current and paddle blisters all over your hands... you have to accept defeat. There is over 120 miles of boat trail throughout the Okefenokee. During normal water levels, 12 different combinations of trips ranging from two to five days are possible. Seven overnight campsites are widely scattered along the boat trails. If you're up for the challenge, make sure to contact the office to get your camping permit/reservation. #suwanneeriver #okefenokeeswamp #swampthing #floridageorgialine #creekindians #seminoleindians #moundbuilders #coastalsouth A post shared by Coastal South (@thecoastalsouth) on Nov 20, 2016 at 6:53am PST Certain trails are only available to overnight campers, so if you want to upgrade your experience, you can reserve a camping permit. You can find more information on reservations, here. If you already have your own kayak, you're good to go and only have to pay for parking. You can also rent a kayak through Okefenokee Adventures. For you and your most adventurous friend, it'll be $37 for a two-person kayak rented before 1 p.m. and $32 for rentals after 1 p.m. Come on down to the swamp to connect with a side of nature you might not have ever seen. We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
