Location: Folkston
Top Things to do in Folkston
Top 8 Things to do in Folkston, United States
Folkston is a city in and the county seat of Charlton County, Georgia, United States. Folkston is in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. The population was 4,148 as of the 2010 census, up from 2,178 in 2000, largely due to the extension of the city boundary to include D. Ray James Prison.
Restaurants in Folkston
1. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 254 reviews
Visitors to this nature preserve can experience the diversity of local wildlife.
Reviewed By Paul S - Marion
Although it can be easily overlooked, don't just drive past here in a hurry to get to Waycross or J-ville. The Suwanee Canal Recreation Area (an area reclaimed from a misguided effort to drain the swamp) is worth a half day stop in its own right. That being said, make sure you have your GPS unit or app with you. Folkston is not a big place but it is easy to miss the turn to the park as there only two signs in town, and none at all iif you are coming from the north as we were. We drove on into Florida, turned around, came back, and found a sign directing us to turn left through the downtown. Drove past another very small sign at the intersection of hwy 121 which we saw too late to make the left turn. Drove several miles south out of town before coming to the park entrance road. A very inconsiderate tanker truck driver was parked blocking the road, so I went around it on the shoulder to the right to get in. Drove down the lane and past the refuge entrance until the road ended at a parking lot by the canal boat ramp and the Bolt visitor center. Used the flush restrooms and then went into the center to see the exhibits and get brochures. I was disoriented and woman in center was really patient with my TOURON (Tourist/moron) questions and made sure I knew exactly where I was and where to go. She also stressed that we had to be back from the Swamp Island Drive (one lane, paved) road before the gate closed at 5 pm. That was aslo printed on the brochure and posted on the gate, but I'm glad she made sure we had that helpful information. We had quite a nice conversation as she was actually originally from our neck of the woods. Anyway, we got on the narrow road and as soon as we were out of sight of the visitor center I lost all sense of direction as everything looked the same. I couldn't imagine trying to find my way though the swamp or actually living there like the people did at the Chesser Island homestead. Eventually even they gave up and left. The historical buildings were closed for the season but we could walk around the yard and look in the windows and hike the short Ridleys Island spur trail. We then hiked the Chesser Homestead trail to the beginning of the Chesser Island boardwalk and took that to the Owls Roost Observation Tower at the end. We only encountered two other people the entire afternoon, a solo walker on the boardwalk and then a park employee when we were leaving who was making sure the area was clear before closing time. We didn't see the bobcat the visitor center lady said had been hanging out there but we saw plenty of proof that he had been there. My wife was also happy we didn't see an eight foot eastern indigo snake. The species may not be endangered , but the individual one she ran into would be! Had great views of Chesser Prairie and Seagrove Lake. The boardwalk and trails are fine for strollers and wheelchairs but the 40 foot tower is climbed by several flights of stairs. I think this was my favorite of all the areas we visited in the Okefenokee.
2. White Oak Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
White Oak Conservation Center is one of the world's premiere wildlife breeding, research, and training facilities. The Center, located along the St. Mary's River in northeast Florida, spans 600 acres and is surrounded by 6,800 acres of pine and hardwood forest and wetlands.
Reviewed By Susan M - Fernandina Beach, Florida
Received this gift from dear friends when I retired last year and finally took the tour. What a great experience. I have lived in Nassau County for 24 years and always wanted to visit this place. It was everything I had hoped for and more. Very bumpy ride to the plantation as well as to the start of the tour. This aggravated my disabled husband's back issues and Troy from the staff drive him in a van to/from the tour to reduce his discomfort. Liz and her trainee Lynn were personable as well as extremely knowledgeable about the animals and birds and answered everyone's questions thoroughly. Boxed Lunch in Gilman Hall was delicious and more than filling. Reservations are a must! This facility is doing fantastic work with 33 different species of birds and animals. Got to see cheetah cubs, feed the giraffes and pet a white rhino plus do much more!
3. Okefenokee Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 174 reviews
Okefenokee Adventures is the Visitor Services Contractor located at the primary entrance to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - also known as the East entrance, Folkston entrance or Suwannee Canal Recreation Area. We offer guided, interpretive tours, canoe & kayak tours & rentals, walking & driving trails, full service cafe & gift shop. We cater to individuals & groups. Refuge Visitor Center has a film, exhibits & displays.
Reviewed By anthonytP3213PA - Savannah, Georgia
Ran a Swamp tour last Tuesday (10/17/17) and we were very pleased. Tour guide Mark's detailed and informative narration was spot-on: no sense of being" canned" = conversational. Learned a lot about things that I didn't know that I didn't know. Highly recommended. Would easily bring friends for a tour. Or come again in July (more gators .. ) Equipment in good condition and the "outboard" was quiet. Cool. +11.
Used NPS Geezer pass for no fee.
4. Stateline Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By JackDiamond - Jacksonville, Florida
Friend and I pulled into the State Line Bar looking for a cool respite after a day of kayaking in Okefenokee Park. The "old" Florida roadhouse beckoned us in and we bravely fell under its allure. We stepped into a cool, dark, comfortable bar tended over by Jackie. Jackie is a southern charmer, a welcoming warm personality that certainly fulfilled the adage that every bar is a reflection of its bartender. We enjoyed our PBRs, played a few games of pool, relaxed under the deer hunting posters and soaked in the coolness of the vibe. Definitely heading back.
5. Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Selkie9 - Florida
If you've ever seen the Twilight Zone and you know the episode entitled 'Kick The Can", you'll know what I mean. All of the seniors turn into happy, giggling children playing together. If you haven't seen it, do so. That's what happens here in this magical place. Everyone is young again and happy.
One person in our party said, "he didn't get it". Now he's sending me videos of trains.
This platform is a wonderful idea brought to life. Sit under the open shelter and listen to the scanner. Sit and picnic on many of the tables out front. There's a grill. So you can picnic and enjoy the day at zero cost. Restroom is handy. There are ceiling fans and lights. Flood lights at night.
It is busy!! All CXST trains headed to Fl have to pass through the Funnel. Coal trains from KY, WV must take this route. Molten sulfur trains and auto trains headed for the Bone Valley in FL. 8 Amtrak trains daily. The Tropicana Juice train leaves FL to NJ 5 nights of the week.
Even if you're not the train buff; go along with one who is and you'll enjoy. This is a place for all ages.
Stayed in Folkston for a week and made 3 trips to the platform. Each at different times of day. All enjoyable. Will return.
**There is a wheelchair access to the platform
6. Suwanee Canal Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By mix579 - Sudbury, MA
After taking the boat tour with Okefenokee Adventures (which I highly recommend), we first stopped at the visitors center. Definitely one of the better ones I have seen in national parks and recreation areas. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. We then drove along the short loop that takes you to the Chesser property. Here you can walk through building typical for swamp dwellers in the last century. What was great was that unlike most similar places here you can actually touch everything. We also saw a mother gator with a bunch of babies in one of the ponds along the road. I am sure this is a great place to hike but we didn't took advantage of that opportunity
7. Chesser Island Boardwalk & Owls Roost Tower
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Ruth B
Before Gregory Peck was Atticus Finch in the film TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, he was the father in another film, THE YEARLING.
It seems to me that sometimes so much is written and said about the racial inequality that certainly did exist in the South;the racial wars that were fought and are fought bitterly in Georgia ---and other States in the Union. With all the stories of so much meanness,we can easily forget the innate sweetness of the land and its people, both Black and White, and their struggle to ward off poverty that led to near famine and, like the fictional Atticus, to promote justice.slow that it is to come.
Sitting on the porch of the Chesser Island Homestead on a warm Georgia Sunday afternoon is a very good place to be. The homestead is isolated, so its possible the Chesser family wasn't able to attend church services often, but I was reminded of the classic gospel song, MAY THERE BE PEACE IN THE VALLEY. May we all find that:, no one above or beneath the Law.
Now under the care of the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service, this is a beautiful place. A refuge indeed.
As for the Boardwalk and 40 foot tall Owl's Nest, the Nest may not be handicap accessible, but the Boardwalk certainly is. Seeing other tourists and local residents there, it seems like a popular place to let the young 'uns run off a little steam.
I hope you have time to give this part of Georgia a long afternoon of your time.
8. Okefenokee Pastimes Private Guided Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Okefenokee Pastimes Private Guided Tours is located at the headquarters Entrance of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a one hour drive north of Jacksonville FL near Folkston GA.Offering daily, except Mondays, by reservation, half-day Private Guided Excursions into Okefenokee Swamp and the St Marys River. Featuring privately guided eco-tours, tailored around themes; Birding, Wildlife Viewing & Sightseeing, Photography or a Nightime Experience. Private tours are by comfortable silent Electric Motorboat or by Kayak & Canoe. Please phone us or visit the website for details and price.
Reviewed By Kevin F - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Get there early (I keep saying this in reviews). We were a bit extreme - we'd booked whilst over there via the internet and arranged for a 7.30am start (sunup in October) which meant a 90 min drive from our accommodation. We were met and made very welcome by Steve and Jo (apologies if I've got names wrong) who drove us straight down into the park as they're lodgings are immediately opposite the gates. So were on the water as the sun came up and you are transported round this amazing place in a boat with an electric motor so it's quiet. Steve is also a very knowledgeable and friendly guide so he'll go out of his way to get you sightings of the animals and birds in the swamp. Some of it is waterway and other parts, the prairies are more open with trees and flowers. The water is quite dark stained so reflects like a mirror.
Tips? Early start recommended - we had the waterways to ourselves for nearly three hours and the early light is lovely. I understand it gets busy later in the day and in summer. It can get chilly at the start and end of the season so take a warm top and jacket.
This trip was so enjoyable and having a knowledgable guide invaluable so I will definitely recommend Okefenokee Pastimes.
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