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. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. This picturesque park in Hopkins, South Carolina allows pets to wander all trails, including the boardwalk. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. Learn more about available resources. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. NATIONAL PARKS: The Complete Guide to the US National Parks LIST OF PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist) GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park SHENANDOAH: 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park EVERGLADES: One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park BISCAYNE: Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park NEW RIVER GORGE: 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ROCKY MOUNTAIN: How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary BRYCE CANYON:One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park BIG BEND: The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park DENALI: The Complete Guide to Denali Park Road OLYMPIC: 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. 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. Black Bear Pass: The . We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. 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 Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. An official website of the United States government. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. . Here are a few of the common animals that you may encounter while exploring the park: That said, while most of the wildlife in Congaree National Park is harmless, there are a few animals that you should be aware of. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. How high is the water, ranger? It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. Congaree is champion trees. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Distance: 3.2 miles. 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. There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here. Web Visit website. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. If you see an animal, do not approach it. Its more of a casual indifference. Though there are plenty others which are far more remote, or with way fewer visitors, Congaree simply fails to garner much attention. Instead, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers bring essential water and nutrients to this bottomland region, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. 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. Both towns are just a short drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which serves as the northern entrance to the national park. If you take the necessary precautions, like purifying your water before you drink it, youll be just fine. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. 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. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. Hike with a buddy. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. 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. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. 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. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? For purchasing mugs inside the park, visit the following locations: Valley Visitor Center 9035 Village Drive YNP, CA 95389 Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio 8308 Wawona Road Fishcamp, CA 93623 Big Oak Flat Information Center Hwy. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 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. We were following the Congaree River Blue Trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007 by . In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. 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. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. Congaree National Park, Hopkins . These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Congaree National Park, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a beautifully preserved old growth bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the Congaree River. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. One of the country's smallest and newest national parks, the 26,276-acre Congaree National Park in central South Carolina is a hidden gem. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Most of the time, you are walking through oaks and other hardwoods, not through sloughs of tupelos and cypress trees that make Congaree National Park so beautiful and so unique. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. One of Acadia's main attractions is its historic carriage roads on Mount Desert Island, which now serve as hiking and cycling trails. It might an otter swimming in the river. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. 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. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park, Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park, 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park, The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park, 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park, One Perfect Day in Congaree National Park, 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). Within Congaree National Park there are 1,220 taxa, including 33 amphibians, 45 reptiles, 71 fish, 191 birds, 37 mammals, 328 terrestrial plants, 512 wetland plants, and three aquatic plants. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! This is the best walk in the park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Here is an introduction to the best hiking this national, Read More 12 Best Hikes in Big Bend National ParkContinue, Joshua Tree National Park is a U.S. National Park in southeastern California, east of Los Angeles. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Read more about the region's history. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. Required fields are marked *. Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Staff could verify. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. There are another 3 species that are likely present within the park as they are known to occur in the region but havent been confirmed within the park. 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). Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. These cookies do not store any personal information. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. Rattlesnakes: Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. 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. 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. (2023). It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Check . By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree National Park. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. This off-the-beaten-path hike is worth it if you want to hike a quieter trail, see the Congaree River, and search for one of the oldest, grandest trees in the park. 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 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. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. Anything is possible in the natural world, including a mountain lion showing up at Congaree, however briefly (where it should enjoy fine dining on the succulent swine herd). And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. Gus gave us a great overview of Cedar Creek and told us what to keep an eye out for as we paddled on the creek. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Stay on the trails. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. 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. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. Below is a map from the National Park Service. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. Nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can be as prepared as possible for your next adventure. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . #2 Go Kayaking or Canoeing on Cedar Creek, #7 Bates Ferry Trail and the General Greene Tree, #10 Hike the River Trail to the Congaree River. 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