Obediah’s Okefenok

Learn about the life and ways of legendary Okefenokee Swamp resident Henry Obediah Barber at Obediah’s Okefenok. Pronounced “ok fi’ nok,” because swampers often left out extra syllables as they spoke colloquial slang, the park features Barber’s 127-year-old homestead, which includes his cabin, restored in 1989, and several other buildings he constructed.

Barber was a larger-than-life figure, standing at around six-and-a-half feet tall, renowned for his knowledge of farming, hunting, and exploring the swamp. Barber was well known as a guide for surveyors who explored and mapped the swamp in 1857, 1875 and 1890. By his last guide trip in 1890, Barber was already a living legend.

The property includes more than 20 buildings that show what life was like in the swamp in the mid and late 1800s. Popular attractions include the blacksmith shop, livestock barn, sugar cane mill, moonshine still and hog gallows. There is also a menagerie of live animals roaming the property.

Have an adventure with a walk on the 1-mile nature trail and see some wildlife, enjoy a picnic and learn about Waycross’ amazing local history, all in one place.

Obediah’s Okefenok is about 7 1/2 miles south of Waycross on Swamp Road.

Add to Trip