Paddling Through the Okefenokee Swamp
13 Mar
The New York Times doesn’t write about canoeing that often. When it does, however, the story is very well done.
Such is the case with C. J. Hughes’ piece, HERE, on paddling in the Okefenokee Swamp. The swamp — recently commemorated with a U.S. postage stamp — is a soaked 700-square-mile swath of southern Georgia and northern Florida. It’s unique environment is managed as a National Wildlife Refuge and contains a 350,000-acre wilderness area within.
Paddlers willing to share the territory with the alligators and snakes that patrol the Okefenokee — a native word meaning “trembling earth” — can canoe amidst towering cypress trees that loom over the swamp.
Spring is a good time to explore the Okefenokee — the days aren’t too hot; the nights aren’t too cold. Paddlers do need permits to paddle in the wilderness area and to camp at any of its seven wilderness camping platforms.
Find wilderness canoeing details HERE.
