Okefenokee Wilderness, National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area in southern Georgia, United States.
The Okefenokee is a vast wetland in southern Georgia with interlocking waterways, cypress forests, and distinct ecological zones. The landscape shifts between open water, dense trees, and boggy islands that together form a connected habitat for thousands of plant and animal species.
The area received federal protection in the 1970s to preserve one of the largest wetlands east of the Mississippi River. This designation followed growing awareness of conservation and the desire to protect such valuable ecosystems from human interference.
The name comes from a Seminole word meaning 'water that never stands still', reflecting how local communities understood and described this place for generations. Visitors walking through the waterways can sense this deep relationship between people and the swamp's constant movement.
Visit during cooler months when insect activity is lower and water levels make navigation easier. Bring plenty of water and proper gear, as the terrain is remote and services are limited along the trails.
The wetland serves as the source of two major rivers that flow in different directions, draining separate regions. This unusual geography makes it a critical water source for a large southern ecosystem.
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