Chesser Island Boardwalk

Chesser Island Boardwalk is one of the most popular walking routes at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Folkston entrance. The boardwalk leads visitors into the swamp environment and ends at an observation tower with views over wetland, cypress, and open Okefenokee scenery.

The route is easy to follow and relatively short, but it offers a powerful sense of place. Visitors may see alligators, wading birds, turtles, wetland plants, and evidence of changing swamp conditions. It pairs naturally with the Chesser Homestead area, Swamp Island Drive, and other short refuge trails for a fuller Okefenokee day.

Before visiting, check U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service hours, boardwalk status, weather, and wildlife safety information. Stay on the boardwalk, keep children close, do not feed wildlife, and bring water, sun protection, and insect protection.

Chesser Island Boardwalk is an Okefenokee swamp boardwalk where visitors should stay on the route and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and do not rely only on a mobile phone to find your way. Practice good trail etiquette, yield appropriately on shared-use trails, and check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, park office, refuge office, visitor center, city/county website, or land manager for notices about changed routes, closures, safety information, fees, wildlife activity, and restrictions before you go.