Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. If you see an animal, do not approach it. 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). If you have any questions about things to do in Congaree National Park, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. 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. 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. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. If youre not careful, you could easily lose your footing and end up injured. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. 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). Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. 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. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. There is a chance that downed trees can block the creek, forcing you to turn around or pull your kayak/canoe up onto land to carry it around the downed tree. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. We chose to have it delivered. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. It might an otter swimming in the river. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. 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. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. The weather is another significant danger at Congaree National Park. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Menkoi Ramen House. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. 120, North West Entrance Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. Congaree National Park, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a beautifully preserved old growth bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the Congaree River. Its always better to have too much than not enough. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. Already,. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. and all of Eastern Europe. The trails vary between easy short trails, and a couple of longer trails that are over ten miles in a loop. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. . Check . Our website uses cookies. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. South Carolina's Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. 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 . The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. 100 National Park Road It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. . Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Sweetgum, oak, hickories, common persimmon, and southern magnolia have taken over some of the area that used to be occupied by longleaf pines, and these hardwoods create a closed canopy (instead of open, like longleaf pines). There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. It is the best way to experience this park. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. 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. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. 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 working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. 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. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! Let someone know where youre going. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. But I will admit that Congaree isnt my favorite but I did have fun exploring the park and I do make a point to stop and visit it when Im in the area. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. 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