Customer Reviews

Paddling Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The maps in the back of the book are from satellite images. I found the canoe trail information on these maps far superior to the information offered by the Fish and Wildlife "free" maps. The book is small enough to put in a plastic bag, and strap to your gear in the canoe so that you can know right where you are, even without a GPS.

The content is certainly worth studying before selecting the kind of trip you want to make to the swamp. The information about the creatures and the plants you are likely to encounter made the entire experience more enjoyable. I would have rated the book higher if it would have communicated more of the sheer beauty of the Okefenokee... but then a reader might consider the book a "puff" piece.

My tattered and stained copy has been an integral part in planning each of my six trips into the Okefenokee. I personally could do without all of the details on the various plant species but I love the in-depth descriptions on what is around virtually every turn. Traveling from Virginia, I could have also used more information on area camping and lodging. In addition, I love fishing on my trips into the Okefenokee but the book essentially ignores the topic. While the book could be improved upon, it is a fascinating and invaluable resource for anyone interested in experiencing the magic of an Okefenokee wilderness canoe trip.

I agree with a previous reviewer. This was the only book on the subject I could find, thankfully it is the only one you will ever need. I have done 3 day overnight trips twice in the Okefenokee Swamp. I am from Pennsylvania so I was going in blind on planning the first trip. I ordered this book from Amazon and was very happy to see so much info for planning a paddling trip to the swamp. Let me say that again, PLANNING A PADDLING TRIP IN THE SWAMP! This is not a "Fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp" book, it is not a "Plantlife of the Okefenokee Swamp" book. If the author went into great detail about fishing tips or vast detail about all the plant and animal life this book would be huge or they would have to leave out vital trail or trip planning info. This book tells you everything you will need to know to have a successful trip into the swamp. It covers every trail in very good detail as well as quick references on the difficulty of each trail. It covers every available overnight trip you can take in the swamp along with put-ins and descriptions of the camping sites. It tells you what to expect in the weather and temperature as well as what types of plant and animal life you will most likely see at any given time of the year. It tells you what to bring, both a required items list and a recommended items list. It gives you contact info for Okefenokee N.W.R. park service, the Stephen Foster S.P. service, and private outfitters outside the park that can provide you with boats and shuttles. It gives you maps. It gives you safety info. It even gives you a few nice pictures. This book cannot make arrangements for you or pack your car for the trip, but nothing is perfect. Make sure you get your permits in advance, you can't just show up. Also, make sure you don't schedule your vacation at work until after you have gotten your permits, certain times of the year are very busy and they only let 7 groups in the swamp for overnight trips at any given time so that there is no overlapping with campsites. They only take reservations 60 days in advance and this year i had to call every morning for almost 3 weeks before i hit an available day and was able to get a permit. This is one of my favorite camping destinations, the first time my brother and i did it we didn't see a single person for 3 days. See my pictures above and have a great trip. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about taking this trip.

When planning a paddling trip to the Okefenokee, this happens to be the only guide to the paddling trails. Fortunately, this is a high quality guide that gives sufficient details to plan a trip and to determine what type of trip is best suited for your paddling experience.

If you really want to learn about the plants and animals from an author who has been raised in Georgia, please take a look at the Highroad Guide to the Georgia Coast & Okefenokee by Richard J. Lenz.