Stephen C. Foster State Park

Stephen C. Foster State Park is a 120-acre (49 ha) state park in the Okefenokee Swamp in Charlton County, Georgia. The park offers visitors several ways to explore the swamp's unique ecosystem.

Park entrance

In November 2016, the park was recognized as a Dark Sky park by the International Dark Sky Association.[1]

The park was named after Stephen Foster (1826–1864), the American songwriter who immortalized Georgia's Suwannee River in song.[2]

Facilities

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Trembling Earth Nature Trail
 
One of nine cottages for rent

The state park includes 64 tents, a trailer, RV campsites, nine cottages, an interpretive center, the 1.5-mile (2.5 km) Trembling Earth Nature Trail, 25 miles of day-use waterways, three picnic shelters and a pioneer campground

Suwannee River Visitor Center

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Located 18 miles northeast of Fargo, the park's Suwannee River Visitor Center features exhibits about the animals, plants, and ecosystem of the Okefenokee Swamp and other environmental topics.

Activities

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Fishing boat rentals

Activities at the state park include canoeing, kayaking, fishing boat rentals, guided boat tours, boating (ramp, 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) limit), fishing, and birdwatching.

 
Baby gators sunning in duckweed after a cold December night in Stephen C. Foster State Park.
 
Cypresses on the water.

References

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  1. ^ Samuel, Molly (December 2, 2016). "South Georgia Park Celebrates 'Dark Sky' Stargazing Status". wabe.org. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  2. ^ Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 212. ISBN 0-915430-00-2.
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30°49′25″N 82°21′51″W / 30.82371°N 82.36419°W / 30.82371; -82.36419