By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. It might an otter swimming in the river. The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 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. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. These cookies do not store any personal information. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read more about the region's history. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Those in search of solitude will find it while wandering deep into the glaciated peaks and jungles of Olympic National Park, while rock climbers from around the world will challenge themselves. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. 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. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. Congaree National Park is characterized by its many unique ecological features. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. . Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 15 least visited national parks of 2022. We prefer this one on all of our travels. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. Walk through . The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. This is the best walk in the park. The area has amazing biodiversity. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The park covers over 26,000 acres, and it can be easy to lose your bearing if you're not paying attention to where you're going. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Campground Regulations The maximum number of people in a campsite: 8 people, 3 tents per individual site The number of cars per campsite: All cars must park in the gravel parking lot. Hopkins . The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. . Are there bears in Congaree National Park? You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. If you see an animal,do not approach it. Some of these are connector trails. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. Required fields are marked *. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Are there bears in Congaree? There are around 75 types of trees, nearly 200 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles/amphibians, and more than 50 species of fish and butterflies. Congaree National Park - 204,522. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Spread over a whopping 26,000 acres of land on the low-lying floodplains of South Carolina, it's a strange and unique place. Congaree National Park Located less than 20 miles southeast of Columbia, encompass over 26,000 acres of woodland with 15,000 of those acres designated as wilderness area. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and stay on the trails. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. Learn more on the NPS website. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? Interestingly, 95% of the park is water, so there are many water-based activities, Read More Is Biscayne National Park Safe? Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. Hopkins, SC - Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of . I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. 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Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. At the trail junction, follow signs for Weston Lake and you will now be on trail #3 (there will be small, white signs on the trees with the number 3 on them). In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. These fireflies are one of only a few species around the world that synchronize their flash patterns in a majestic ritual that heralds the coming of summer. Female P. frontalis fireflies are more difficult to find than the males because they are more susceptible to predation and hide to survive. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. We didnt see much in the way of wildlife, but Cedar Creek is beautiful, and to drift along the water, listening to the birds and the crickets, and to see these majestic old trees, was a very memorable experience. The park preserves. 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. . Cheers, Julie. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. At the midpoint of the hike, you get a view of the Congaree River, but its not worth it, not for an 11 mile round trip hike (if you want a view of the Congaree River from a hiking trail, do the 2.2 mile Bates Ferry Trail instead). Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . For the entire 1.1 mile walk (one-way), you are on a wide grassy trail that leads to a view of the Congaree River. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Is Congaree National Park Safe? By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree National Park. Black Bear Pass: The . Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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). Stay on the trails. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. If you really want to experience Congaree National Park, stay in one of the park's primitive campgrounds or in the park's wild backcountry. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. If you're planning a visit in the spring or summer make sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and apply ample amounts of insect repellent. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. 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 frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in a pristine nature preserve or an epic multi-day adventure, we rounded up the 24 most beautiful gems of the U.S. National Park system. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. . From the Boardwalk Loop Trail, walk 0.6 miles on the Weston Lake Loop Trail until you get to the trail junction with the River Trail. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. David Martirosian is an avid hiker and nature lover. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. It has to do with the color order but at the end of the day, it shouldnt matter while in the park, just take a picture and look it up later. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Phone +1 803-776-4396. 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. It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Be sure to watch your step and take your time in areas where the footing is uncertain. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Just 18 miles southeast of the state's capital, Columbia, the park contains the country's largest tract of old-growth . Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? Winter in the southeast means no humidity and no bugs, making it an ideal season to paddle, hike, or fish at the park. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. Acadia National Park, Maine. Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. Congaree National Park . These tablets are easy to carry with you on your hike and only requireadding them to the water and waiting a few minutes for them to work. The city may not be known for its lush green scenery and vast natural beauty, but that doesnt mean there arent any surprises waiting on your next adventure. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. Cheers, Julie. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. The state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. Wildfires caused by lightning resulted in habitats and vegetation that needed fire to be healthy, but fire suppression techniques have caused a change in the ecosystem. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Peak Foliage: Early October to Mid-October. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. 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. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. 100 National Park Road More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. Walk the boardwalk trail through the forest, go kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek, go birdwatching and fishing, and, if you like, venture farther into the park on a number of other woodland trails. 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). This area is an important focus area for clean air and water, as well as a sanctuary for the diverse plants and animals who live there. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. The CBR Core Protected Area includes 15,269 acres of Congaree National Park, all of which are federally designated wilderness. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Congaree National Park Take in the beauty of South Carolina by trail, boardwalk, canoe, or kayak in Congaree National Park-one of the most biodiverse forests in the country. 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. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail.