FOLKSTON, Ga. – Decreased fire activity will allow officials to partially reopen the main entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on Friday.
The West Mims wildfire is still active, but fire officials and refuge staff are confident the public can access some of the visitor facilities. The fire is currently 65 percent contained.
The main entrance, or the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, will be open during normal hours of 30 minutes before sunrise to 7:30 p.m.
The National Wildlife Refuge says the Okefenokee Adventures Concession will be offering guided canoe, kayak, and boat tours, as well as food service and sales operations.
Personal boats or rental boats are not available due to low water levels.
The Longleaf Pine Trail/Phernetton Trail, Upland Discovery Trail, Canal Diggers Trail, and CanePole Trail are the only hiking trails open at this time.
The National Wildlife Refuge urges visitors to use caution in the park and be aware of closures for their safety and the safety of firefighters still working in the area.
The Chesser Island Homestead and Chesser Island Boardwalk will remain closed due to structure protection equipment still in place.
