Suwannee River Sill Drive Through

Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Tagged American Alligator lays along the banks of the Suwannee River Sill; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia.

So, you want to see some Okefenokee alligators and wading birds but don’t have the time for a paddle, the Suwannee River Sill Recreation area is a great place to stop for a few hours. The Sill is a long, manmade channel on the western side of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It was made as an attempt to control the water levels within the swamp, but now primarily serves as a boat launch for day-trip fishing.

When approaching the Okefenokee Swamp on Georgia-177 from Fargo, The Sill is on the left just as you pass through the gates to enter the National Wildlife Refuge. A long driveway parallels the canal as you enter and there are several pull offs to stop and gawk at the monsters that are typically laying out in the sun. The driveway terminates in a parking lot at the dam (where a port-o-potty is conveniently located!).

From the main parking lot, you can look down the Suwannee River as it exits the Okefenokee and heads westward and eventually pours into to the Gulf of Mexico. You can also walk another mile or so northward along the canal and see some of the wildlife that are a bit more wary of the vehicles along the front half.
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I always make a drive-through of The Sill when arriving and leaving the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. I have seen some of my biggest Okefenokee alligators along The Sill. So if for whatever reason you happen to be passing through Fargo, or you are staying the night at the Stephen C Foster State Park, make at least one trip to The Sill.