Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Let someone know where youre going. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. You can canoe part or all of this trail. 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 In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. Are there bears in Congaree? It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. These cookies do not store any personal information. We are near Congaree National Park, Columbia, University of SC, Ft. Jackson, Airport I-26 & Hwy 77. 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). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. This picturesque park in Hopkins, South Carolina allows pets to wander all trails, including the boardwalk. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. 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. 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. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the park after dark: Following these safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring Congaree National Park at night. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. 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. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. During a visit to Congaree National Park, the number one thing to do is walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. So it was totally the poachers fault. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. 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. Tim and I were not fans of this hike, but Im listing it as a thing to do in Congaree National Park in order to provide some information about it. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and stay on the trails. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree National Park. Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. . Congaree National Park . Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Hike with a buddy. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. Stay on the trails. 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. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. This is a long hike. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. 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 The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. We chose to have it delivered. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Already,. National Park Obsesseds Detailed Guides to Denali National Park, Road Trips that Include Zion National Park, Other Articles featuring Acadia National Park, National Park Service units within a 4 hours drive, National Park Service units within an 8 hours drive, Pin for Later: Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide, Congaree National Park Foundation Document, National Park Passport Book click here to learn more, Visiting Conagree National Park: The Complete Guide, 7 Things You Cant Miss on Your First Visit to Congaree National Park. This small park is quick and easy to visit. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! The park is also home to some dangers that hikers and outdoor lovers should be aware of before they venture out.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hikersdaily_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikersdaily_com-medrectangle-4-0'); One of the biggest dangers at Congaree National Park is the terrain. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Visitation peaks from March to May. The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. There are no cars allowed within the campground. Distance: 11.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 4 to 6 hours. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. . Below is a map from the National Park Service. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. Sunscreen Use it. Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. . This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. 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. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. 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). Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. 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. Congaree National Park, Hopkins . The parks are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are over 350 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. 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. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. It is open year-round. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Pinnacles National Park - 275,023. 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. The park is home to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. 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. Learn more here. Each trail has a different number. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. , Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. "We're a globally important bird area," says Ranger Jon Manchester. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. If so, you are going to have an amazing time. Growing up in New York City, he gained an appreciation for getting lost in the wilderness, where he was able to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. (2023). Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. First, there is the risk of getting lost. . Longleaf pines are shade-intolerant, so they are less likely to survive in close canopy ecosystems. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. If you just hike the Bates Ferry Trail, it is a 2.2 mile out-and-back hike that is completely flat and takes about an hour. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. Rattlesnakes: Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park, walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail and consider adding on the Weston Lake Trail with the detour to Wise Lake. In conclusion, Congaree National Park is a safe place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. This way, if something happens and you dont return when youre supposed to, someone will know to come looking for you. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. . The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. Read more about the region's history. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. Learn more about prescribed burns, and how fire can be an essential tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. What is a bottomland forest? Interestingly, 95% of the park is water, so there are many water-based activities, Read More Is Biscayne National Park Safe? There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. Candid Cameras. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. Check conditions here! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. 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. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. 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! The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Congaree National Park protects towering trees and a varied plant and animal life. 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