Hiking
At Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offers several walking trails that provide opportunities for visitors to experience the refuge's unique habitats and wildlife. Trail lengths range from approximately 0.25 miles (0.5 km) to 1.5 miles (2 km). Most trails have little elevation change. Some trail surfaces have uneven terrain, exposed tree roots, or changes in trail surface. Restroom facilities, seating areas, and trash receptacles are available at select trailheads. There is no drinking water available at the trailheads; visitors should bring sufficient water for their hike.
Whether you're looking for a short nature walk, a glimpse of the swamp's wildlife, or a longer walk through different habitats, there's a trail to explore at Okefenokee!
Chesser Island Boardwalk
- Trail Length: 0.66 miles one way (1.32 miles total)
- Trailhead: Chesser Island Boardwalk Parking Lot (can accommodate larger and longer vehicles with trailers)
- Trail Surface: Wooden plank boardwalk
- Description: Stroll along the boardwalk to the 40-foot Owls Roost Observation Tower for a vast view of Seagrove Lake, wet prairies, and the Okefenokee Wilderness. Three covered resting areas are located along the boardwalk: the first two have benches with backrests and the third covered area features two viewing scopes at different heights, including a lower scope that can be used by shorter visitors and individuals using wheelchairs. At the end of the boardwalk, visitors will find a 40-foot observation tower offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding swamp. Access to the top of the tower is by staircase only, seating is available around the shaded base of the tower. A restroom is available near the parking lot. Bicycles and pets are not permitted on the boardwalk.
Chesser Island Homestead Trail
- Trail Length: 0.79-mile Loop
- Trailhead: Chesser Homestead Parking Lot
- Trail Surface: Packed natural ground and sand. Exposed tree roots.
- Description: This trail includes the short hiking trail out to the Chesser Island Homestead and the loop trail that goes through the woods to the north of the homestead yard. The homestead loop meanders through a forest of pine, oak, palmetto, and Spanish moss and is a great place for birding and wildlife watching. A restroom is available near the parking lot.
Cane Pole Trail
- Trail Length: 0.24 miles one way (0.48 miles total)
- Trailhead: Suwannee Canal Recreation Area Parking Lot
- Trail Surface: Concrete pavement transitioning to wooden-plank boardwalk. Some uneven surfaces.
- Description: Beginning just west of the boat ramp, this trail parallels the Suwannee Canal into Okefenokee's wetland prairie, offering fishing platforms and benches on this trail. This trail offers great birdwatching opportunities during spring and fall migration. Restrooms are available at the nearby Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center and at Okefenokee Adventures.
Canal Diggers Trail
- Trail Length: 0.63 miles, Loop
- Trailhead: Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center or Swamp Island Drive
- Trail Surface: Packed natural ground, exposed tree roots.
- Description: This trail begins from the parking area at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center or from a parking area on the Swamp Island Drive. Follow the remnants of the Suwannee Canal built in 1891 through pine uplands and cypress wetlands to look for signs of gopher tortoises and woodpeckers.
Deerstand Trail
- Trail Length: 0.47 miles, One Way
- Trailhead: Chesser Island Boardwalk or Chesser Island Homestead
- Trail Surface: Packed natural ground, some uneven surfaces.
- Description: For visitors wanting to get some extra hiking in, you can park at either the boardwalk or the homestead and walk from one to the other on this short trail that parallels the Swamp Island Drive. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, and red-shouldered hawks.
Billys Island Trail
- Trail Length: 0.59 miles, Loop
- Trailhead: Billys Island (Park at Okefenokee State Park, accessible only by boat)
- Trail Surface: Packed natural ground, some uneven surfaces.
- Description: Billys Island and this short loop hiking trail is accessible from Okefenokee State Park. A short paddle or boat ride will bring you to the dock on Billys Island where you can see what remains of the Hebard logging village as well as the Lee family cemetery. Billys Island is accessible by boat for day-use only.
