On the way back towards Atlanta after attending the "biggest cocktail party in the world" on Saturday Nov 1, I've decided to detour and visit, for the first time, the Okefenokee Swamp. Checking out websites, there appears to be three main entrances to the swamp: East - near Folkston, GA. North - near Waycross, Ga. And West - near Fargo, GA. Unlike other parks, these entrances do not connect up with each other elsewhere in the park. So my question to you who have been there is this: Which area/entrance will give me the best Okefenokee experience? I'd like to take a short canoe or boat ride. See some alligators (other than the ones I just saw in Alltel Stadium ). The East and North entrances are off US1, but the West entrance would require leaving Jacksonville by a different route. Thanks. Keith

Okefenokee Swamp is definitely a cool place to visit!

We went there about 10 years ago via the West Entrance. This is/was the least developed entrance, which is why we picked it - it's like 20 miles down a dead-end road, and there were hardly any tourists on this side. Not much in the way of services or tours/guides, just a small store/boat rental area & camping - but, if you don't mind being self-sufficient, you can rent a little motorboat (which we did) and explore the swamp. You will see TONS of alligators - it's downright scary. There is also a historical island in the west area that you can boat to and hike around, which is fun.

If you need more support/less remote, you'll probably want a different entrance, however.

As a huge UGA fan without tickets to the UGA-Florida game, I have to tell you how jealous I am. Have fun for my husband and I.

We're planning a trip to Savannah in October with a possible side trip to the Okefenokee Swamp. (This was not my idea.) The "boys" can't wait to see alligators and snakes, while I prefer to only "see" them on TV. What's a mother to do??? Will I be totally freaked out?

It has been years ago since my visit there. I remember going in at the Waycross entrance, I believe. We took a conducted boat tour, which we enjoyed. We also attended a very interesting lecture on the wildlife of the area. I am not a big fan of snakes or gators either, but it was an interesting trip.

I live in Southeast Georgia near the Waycross entrance to the park, and this is the only one I've ever used. There is plenty to do if you go in this entrance. You can take a guided boat tour, rent a canoe, see a few shows and exhibits, walk along trails, and take a train ride. I have never been into the entrances in Folkston or Fargo- but have driven past them both many times on the way to Florida. The Fargo entrance is in the middle of nowhere- REALLY. If you wanted a more rustic experience, I'm sure this would be the one to do. Have fun with whatever you decide to do. (Go Dawgs!)

For my brief stop on the way home, it does look like the Waycross entrance is the best bet. If I had more time, I'd experience all the entrances, but I'm planning on only spending two or three hours here. Thanks to all for your input. Keith