Weekend Window: Okefenokee Swamp

Aug. 5, 2007 — -- To most Americans, the word "swamp" doesn't exactly conjure up images of a relaxing vacation oasis. But the Okefenokee Swamp is a pretty special place. Located in Southeast Georgia, it's an especially scenic wetland.

"Words fail me when it comes to describing just how beautiful this place can be," Okenfenokee Adventures' Chip Campbell said.

The 403,000-acre swamp is one of the largest wildernesses in the eastern United States. Some guides say there are places in the swamp that are untouched and have yet to be explored. But that doesn't stop visitors from getting out there. When visiting, 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.

A calm serenity permeates the air around Okefenokee.

"The water in Okefenokee has that tea-color look -- adds to the mystique," said Jim Burkhart of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refugee.

Underneath the beautiful water lives one of nature's most ferocious creatures: the alligator, thought to number near 15,000.

"The alligator at Okefenokee is considered the king of the swamp," Refuge volunteer Sandy Greenbaum said.

Guests shouldn't be mislead by the alligators' slow pace, Campbell said: "They're very slow and methodical in their movement. But they can move like greased lightning when they're properly motivated."

It's a place where locals revel in the serenity and visitors are always welcome.

In the ultimate ode to Okefenokee, Burkhart said, "This is what I would picture to be God's garden."