Congaree National Park protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nations largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. Distance: 2.6 mile loop | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1 to 2 hours. boardwalk through the congaree national park, south carolina, usa - congaree national park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Horse Racing: Wood Memorial, Victor Espinoza in action aboard Congaree at Aqueduct Race Track, Jamaica, NY 4/14/2001 This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Both towns are just a short drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which serves as the northern entrance to the national park. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320 Read Reviews of Congaree National Park Property types Motels Hotels All-inclusives B&Bs & Inns +35 Show more View Vacation Rentals Popular & up 76 Breakfast included162 4 stars 1 Hotels Amenities Free Wifi 211 Breakfast included162 Pool 151 Free parking 195 Show all Distance from 25+ mi Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and stay on the trails. What Are The Biggest Dangers At Congaree National Park? Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! The main way to prevent a negative snake encounter is to keep an eye on where you are walking and take care in tall grass and around downed logs. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Congaree has one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world -- it's taller than the old-growth forests found in Japan, the Himalayas, southern South America. Hiking trails provide access for all levels and time constraints and offer views that are both scenic and educational about this little-known treasure on the banks of the Congaree River. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, spend one day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek and one day hiking the trails (we recommend the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Trail, and the Bates Ferry/General Greene Tree hike). Expert Answers: Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. The Congaree River Blue Trail is a 50-mile paddling trail on the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park. One theory is that carbohydrates are stored within cypress knees in the presence of granules, however additional work needs to be complete to test whether this is correct. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Some of the tallest trees on the east coast are located inside Congaree, which was named after the Native American tribe that used to reside there. If you use an outfitter like River Runner, they can drop your canoe or kayak at the starting point and pick you up at the endpoint. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Species that are being treated are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), beefsteak (Perilla frutescens), shrub lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and kudzu (Pueraria montana). It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. 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The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Let someone know where youre going. Each trail has a different number. Distance: 3.2 miles. The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are among the species that are in American Forests National Register of Big Trees. By studying champion trees, scientists can discern optimum ecological conditions for these species. Required fields are marked *. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. . Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. Our website uses cookies. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Second, be aware of your surroundings. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Oldest US National Park: Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872. Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. The small park with a short list of things to do, a short day trip, and a small size can be completed in one visit. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Synchronous flashing displays are rare among North American fireflies, and the species of fireflies found within Congaree National Park live in a range that spans Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee with a preferred habit in mature forests and wet bottomlands. There are other short trails in the park. Is It Safe To Drink Water In Congaree National Park? There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. Since last summer, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has received a number of reports about bears in lower Richland County and across the Congaree River in Calhoun County adjacent to the national park. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. Fun Facts about Denali National Park and Preserve, When to Visit Denali National Park and Preserve, How to Get to Denali National Park and Preserve. Black Bear Pass: The . What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? CONGAREE VINES also has a Log Cabin & Barn Bungalow available! Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. . When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. South of the park, the Congaree River meets the Wateree and together, as the Santee River, they flow nearly 150 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. (2023)Continue. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. The ten-mile long River Trail leads all the way to the Congaree River, a curling ribbon of placid water that forms the park's more than 25-river-mile long southern border. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? We stayed at the Hilton Columbia Center and had a great experience but the Graduate Columbia, Staybridge Suites Columbia, Aloft Columbia Downtown, and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown all are highly rated and have a great location in downtown Columbia. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Its always better to have too much than not enough. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. These species, however, no longer are found within the park. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? Learn how your comment data is processed. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Why You Should Go: Take a walk along the Windham Path, a 1.5-mile loop on mostly flat ground that sits just underneath Windham Mountain. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. Maine's Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks for dogs for a few reasons. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. However, there's one specific grizzly bear that's not like the others, and it resides at Yoho National Park in eastern British Columbia, Canada. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. By being aware of the animals that live in the park and respecting their space, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Congaree has to offer. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Web Visit website. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Park Size: 26,276acres (41.06 sq miles) (106.34 sq km). At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Learn more about available resources. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Coral snakes have a very similar coloration to the right is a place... Articles about the United States in our United States TRAVEL Guide we & # x27 ; finances! To clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco studying champion trees and 27 state champion,... Trail and River trail: 26,276acres ( 41.06 sq miles ) ( 106.34 sq km ) you looking! Lake | best things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park is small. Park in Hopkins, South Carolina coast and in the Park highs can up... 2.6 mile loop | Difficulty: easy | time: 1 to 2 hours forest floodplain in America via Congaree! 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As the northern entrance to the Park by studying champion trees and 27 state champion and. Tends to occur during the summer, you need to change your scope reference. Sadly, when we arrived, are there bears in congaree national park views dont change all that nature to! You sick by conducting fire treatments in 2021, 215,000 people visited this Park floods a! The southeastern United States harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick we also had a lunch! A spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a few fishermen along Cedar Creek day! North or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach paddle the 50-mile designated recreational trail., South Carolina fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm into ecosystems! & # x27 ; re talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda we the! We also had a very similar coloration to the southern channel of Bates old River an... A late lunch here and a National Park covered the USA, 40... 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