By definition, a swamp doesn’t have much high ground not inundated with water. Therefore, there aren’t too many dry hiking trails in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary means of enjoying this wonderful habitat. There are a couple of islands – Floyds, Billy’s and a few others – where you can stretch your legs. But be prepared for a full day within your boat.
The Stephen C Foster State Park does have a couple of trails. Though not extensive, they are nice for enjoying morning or evening birding and botany walks. On my last visit, I concentrated my morning walks along the Upland Pine Trail which skirts the edge of the pine flatwoods. I had a few surprises jump out at me (a bobcat) and listened to the morning chorus of songbirds.
But bring some waterproof boots and lots of mosquito spray!
A Bobcat bounded out of the scrub and down the Upland Pine trail on my morning hike. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. May 3, 2020. iNaturalist observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/44735039
Hi, I’m conservation photographer and nature writer William Wise. Nature journaling and wildlife photography has been a favorite pastime since the ‘90s. I graduated from University of Georgia Warnell Forestry School's wildlife program in 1996. I'm currently an animal shelter manager/photographer and reside in Athens, Georgia, USA with my wife and two teenage daughters. My website www.williamwisephoto.com is a wildlife and birding photo website documenting the beauty, design and wonder of creation. I have a deep love of the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia. I became a devoted Christian in 1993 under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation. I am also a guest author at Lee's Birdwatching Adventures and The Creation Club. The theme of my blogging comes from The Message version of Psalms 104 -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, You made earth overflow with your wonderful creations."
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3 thoughts on “Okefenokee Upland Pine Trail”
I love seeing bobcats, William! Thanks for the post. ❤ All the best!
Hi William.
The state park and Wildlife Refuge sound like a great place to see natural variety.
Also, nice to see your picture of the bobcat. In all of my hiking, I’ve not seen nor heard one.
Another example of how you offer a unique look into the beauty and variety of the Lord’s Creation.
Look forward to more posts.
God Bless…
I love seeing bobcats, William! Thanks for the post. ❤ All the best!
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Nice William! Fun to see a Bobcat!
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Hi William.
The state park and Wildlife Refuge sound like a great place to see natural variety.
Also, nice to see your picture of the bobcat. In all of my hiking, I’ve not seen nor heard one.
Another example of how you offer a unique look into the beauty and variety of the Lord’s Creation.
Look forward to more posts.
God Bless…
LikeLiked by 2 people