Check . 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 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. Part of Sims Trail bisects the Boardwalk Loop Trail and this part of Sims trail is not worth it, since you miss seeing the bottomland forests. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. 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Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. The area has amazing biodiversity. This park is currently at the bottom of our list (Canyonlands is #1) .. weve experienced 11 parks so far (Wisconsin is home base) and use your blog as an inspiration! When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. There are other short trails in the park. Each trail has a different number. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park Best Things to Do Planning Your Time When to Go How to Get Here Where to Stay Where to Eat Plan Your Visit. 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). 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. If you have one day in Congaree National Park, spend half a day hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and Weston Lake Trail and spend half of a day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. 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. Web Visit website. Candid Cameras. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. On the left will be an unmaintained road. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? Its no secret that water is essential for survival. So it was totally the poachers fault. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. Nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can be as prepared as possible for your next adventure. An official website of the United States government. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. 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. Staff could verify. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. , Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). The park is home to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. SC Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. Spanning a staggering 26,276 acres, Congaree National Park is an enormous place to explore on foot or by water, making for a marvelous experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. 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. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. 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. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Virgin . There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. David Martirosian is an avid hiker and nature lover. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. ago I don't think anyone that has been to gateway arch thinks congaree is the worst national park. Be sure to . Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. 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. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. This large carnivore has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. When will congaree national park open? In Congaree, you can see some of the tallest Loblolly pines still alive today as well as bald cypress trees that are over 500 years old. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world. 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. Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but it's best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This 2.4-mile boardwalk takes you through surprisingly different landscapes and gives you an excellent overview of the forest and what one might find in various parts of this environment. We thought that this hike is easy. The national parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland hardwood champion trees in old-growth forests in the United States. For two hours, Tim and I paddled on Cedar Creek and once we were finished, Gus picked up the canoe and we were on our way. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. These trees contain cypress knees which are distinctive cone-shaped structure that form above the roots of a cypress tree that can be seen on the surface. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. The General Greene tree is located here. If your visit is part of a bigger road trip, here are the driving distances and times to nearby destinations: Inside of Congaree National Park, your only option is tent camping. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! 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