A Swampy Good Time

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

01 Oct 2007 06:42 PM

It's not everyday that you hear a neighbor say they are headed to a swamp for a vacation. But, that's exactly where the couple that lives across from us is headed for the next 10 days--the Okefenokee Swamp. Sounds romantic, right?

Truth be told, the swamp, located in Southeast Georgia, is a popular tourist destination. It is technically a scenic wetland and at 403,000 acres, the swamp is one of the largest wildernesses in the eastern United States. Some guidebooks say there are places in the swamp that have yet to be explored. (With that much space I'm not surprised.) But that doesn't stop visitors from trying to cover the entire swamp from end to end. (Now you know why my neighbors are spending 10 days there.)

Let's face it; for most travelers, the word "swamp" doesn't exactly conjure up images of a relaxing vacation oasis. But, you'd be surprised how many visitors make an annual pilgrimage there each year and use words such as "beautiful," "spectacular," and "gorgeous" to describe it.

The Okefenokee Swamp serves as a backdrop to a number of recreational activities. For example, you can bike the 9-mile trail around the swamp, fish or take your motorboat out, so long as it has a motor under 10 horsepower. That rule is in place to maintain the serenity that surrounds Okefenokee. Also, it helps to keep the alligators at bay.

The tea-colored waters of Okefenokee may add to its beauty and mystique, but underneath the often-photographed waters live those ferocious swamp loving creatures. Okefenokee Refuge employees estimate the swamp is home to nearly 15,000 alligators. The sharp-toothed monsters are considered the king of the swamp and there are a number of safeguards in place to protect visitors from crossing one of them, including signs that warn guests not to be mislead by the alligators' slow pace. According to guidebooks, the creatures can "move like greased lightning when they're properly motivated."

But, don't let the alligators keep you from enjoying your stay. Most visitors say the serenity that the swamp provides outweighs any dangers that may be lurking in its waters.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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