The Okefenokee Swamp

At 700 square miles in area, this forested wetland in southeast Georgia is the largest swamp in North America. Less than 100 million years old, the Okefenokee Swamp is considered to be a relatively new ecosystem that subsequently lacks a high diversity of species. Common among the flora is the pond cypress tree, which gives much of the swamp its mysterious quality.

Georgia's Physical Features

As a national wildlife refuge, most of the Okefenokee Swamp is protected from human exploration and development. The swamp is home to more than 600 plant species, 233 bird species, 64 reptile species, and 49 animal species.​​

The name Okefenokee comes from the indigenous Creek word meaning "land of the trembling earth." Today, the Okefenokee Swamp is considered one of Georgia's seven natural wonders.

Sweet pepperbush that grows in the area is also referred to as “poor man’s soap” because its crushed, wet leaves create a lather when rubbed between the hands.​

After a period of near extinction in the 1960s, the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 helped American alligator populations throughout the southeast, including in the Okefenokee Swamp, to flourish once again.​​

Pond cypresses (Taxodium ascendens) are the dominant species of tree found throughout the 35,000 acres of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.