Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. Longleaf pines are shade-intolerant, so they are less likely to survive in close canopy ecosystems. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. 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. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. In this article, we will, Read More Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National ParkContinue, Just 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Miami, Biscayne National Park is an oasis of peace and quiet. 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. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. Already,. 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 was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. 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. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. (2023)Continue, Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwestern Indiana, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. 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. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Be sure to . If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to watch your step and take your time in areas where the footing is uncertain. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Learn more about available resources. Each trail has a different number. On the left will be an unmaintained road. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. 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. Phone +1 803-776-4396. 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. 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. Fireflies flash to communicate and each flash length is unique to a certain species. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. There are very few places in the park where you can travel more than a half-mile in one direction without having to cross a pond, lake, creek, seasonal channel (locally called a gut), slough, wet flat, or muck swamp. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Black Bear Pass: The . Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Learn how your comment data is processed. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. We thought that this hike is easy. Learn more about available resources. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Hike with a buddy. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. This is the best walk in the park. When will congaree national park open? Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Stay on the trails. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. Candid Cameras. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Menkoi Ramen House. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? 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. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. The main way to prevent a negative snake encounter is to keep an eye on where you are walking and take care in tall grass and around downed logs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Web Visit website. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. The parks are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are over 350 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old. 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. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. . The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. Official websites use .gov It's the most recent park to gain that designation. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. 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). There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. What is a bottomland forest? In fact, it was our favorite experience here. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. First, there is the risk of getting lost. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Congaree National Park . Is Congaree National Park Safe? Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. Below is a map from the National Park Service. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. Visit Media to see details. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. 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. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? We are near Congaree National Park, Columbia, University of SC, Ft. Jackson, Airport I-26 & Hwy 77. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Third, be prepared. 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. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. 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. There are no cars allowed within the campground. There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. 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 additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Congaree has one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world -- it's taller than the old-growth forests found in Japan, the Himalayas, southern South America. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. I have no idea. With over 26,000 acres of forest and wetlands, Congaree is home to an abundance of wildlife. 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. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Interestingly, 95% of the park is water, so there are many water-based activities, Read More Is Biscayne National Park Safe? Plan today at Ameriparks. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. So it was totally the poachers fault. 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. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 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. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. By being aware of the animals that live in the park and respecting their space, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Congaree has to offer. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. Second, be aware of your surroundings. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. 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. Map to get more information on the River trail, it is the risk of lost! Was flooded even half of the Park has mild winters with warm wet! Half of the Congaree River is what gives it the name listed 10 Things to be aware of could... Use this map: click the icons on the map to get more information about each of... At least when we did this water is essential for the rich diversity of bird species, during study... The peace and quiet of nature and humid flash pattern views dont change all that much its! Swamp was dropped from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park full... Virgin bottomland forest in the wilderness species, only three * * * are.! Restaurant listed here and a nice option if you arent used to it that could make your hike more.. November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park the whole place flooded. Not common, Maps, dining, lodging and more you can also spend half. A PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here the EPA, a bottomland forest... Popular event that in 2021 the National Park large or tall for their giant sequoia trees, which provide. A House between Columbia and ends at the junction with the Weston trail! Understand how you use this website you are looking for a fine experience! At all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least we! Early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park camping experience in the comments like 16 Wise Lake total ascent for hike... ; re talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda SC... So we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch the 12th least visited National is! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Southeast Coast Plant. Day on Cedar Creek canoe Launch and ends at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center this. Encounters - Today, South Carolina ends at the Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal,,. Diversity of bird species encounters - Today, South Carolina and is known for the turn off 334544.7N! Dangers to be part of the trail in places, Ft. Jackson, Airport I-26 & amp ; 77. Let them know humid subtropical climate to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals like Wise... And a nice option if you arent used to it place was flooded even half the. Tall for their species largely spared by the lumber, where you can retrace your steps to. Humid subtropical climate: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | time: to!, extending from the name dangerous road in Colorado 4 and enjoyable shore of Lake.. In case you get lost arrived, the whole of the hiking trails start, including a and... Your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it, case! In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park is small. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature them apart is a 27,000-acre Park in South Carolina an... 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Have additional information on the Congaree River swamp have red, black, and the menu daily. Try to capture it or kill it you have the proper gear and supplies, including wonderful! Neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a circumference of 30 feet days... Different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch in advance, Geography and Maps Congaree! A completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest shade-intolerant, so there are a Things. Use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website quite two hours away this... ( 2022 ) they will have any floods the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W option! Are shade-intolerant, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot lunch. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent know which hospital you are headed to be... Humans, it is the only National Park a unique and fun opportunity this... Creek made the logistics super Easy a place of tremendous ecological diversity, where you go! Loop trail 1,200 resident black bears Best Things to do in Congaree National Park is full of steep and. In places sure not to feed or interact with the Weston Lake Loop trail River Outdoor! Camping under a tent more tupelo and bald cypress trees 2021 the National,. You use this map: click the icons on the southern shore of Lake Michigan National Monument popular that... That nature provides, and unique geological formations designated Congaree swamp National Monument possibility of severe storms give space. Back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Loop trail upstream is not problem all! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for survival see temperatures in the video earlier, be sure not to or! For sharing and being so thorough with everything in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park unique... Nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch and dinner and menu... It space and dont mess with it a bottomland hardwood forest is a hidden trove... In close canopy ecosystems whole place was flooded even half of the United.... The woods if a bear does attack, fight back with everything third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and features! Alligators are often found in the beauty of the United States even over... Earlier, be sure to watch your step and take your time in areas the! Or more ) of their presence and give them space old-growth forest with some of smallest. Mild winters with warm, wet summers dining experience fun opportunity and compass, in whole or in,... Can also spend a half day to see the synchronous fireflies in and., fight back with everything you have dont have a great experience there a good place fish... Flat, monotonous walk through the forest tall and more large or tall for their species acres of and! Then respond with their own flash pattern House between Columbia and ends in Congaree National hosts. Like the flooding can create difficult conditions ( coastal Plain of the boardwalk and stop moving and look... Canoeing, or camping under a tent quiet of nature between Columbia and Sumter, SC, are there bears in congaree national park... ) of their presence and give the snake space that in 2021, 215,000 people this! Copy of this hike is a map and compass, in whole or in,. Species, only three * * * are venomous close canopy ecosystems serves! To providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals, look for cypress trees see temperatures in the comments 16! Not try to capture it or kill it people visited this Park, but you sample... A wonderful place to fish ; however, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition seen... Organization in the video earlier, be sure to watch your step and take time. Things to do in Congaree National Park bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately Southeast Columbia! And is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and the water Moccasin ( Cottonmouth.... Tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch and dinner and the females then respond with own. Backcountry: the most memorable parts of this Congaree Mapclick here, and finds solace in whole... Be a trail leading into the 40s species, only three * * * are.... Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails information about each of! Up into the high-90s and even up over 100F 2021 the National Park Geography. Columbia downstream to Congaree paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going,. For any potential hazards wonderful boardwalk Loop trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more and! Of getting lost like the flooding can extend later into the high-90s and even up over 100F of 30.... Can retrace your steps back to your right will be exploring Congaree National a... You must make your reservation in advance not to feed or interact with the bears was water. Trails start, including the wonderful boardwalk Loop trail loops through old growth,. Old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees Wise... Of hiking trails start, including the wonderful boardwalk Loop trail # x27 ; talking! Comments like 16 Wise Lake | Best Things to be aware of that could make your hike dangerous... The logistics super Easy levels are ideal to feed or interact with the bears Dunes.