The parks are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are over 350 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old. 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. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. Let someone know where youre going. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Though there are plenty others which are far more remote, or with way fewer visitors, Congaree simply fails to garner much attention. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Distance: 3.2 miles. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. 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. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are among the species that are in American Forests National Register of Big Trees. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. This is a long hike. Congaree National Park is a national park located in the state of South Carolina. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. It might an otter swimming in the river. With over 26,000 acres of forest and wetlands, Congaree is home to an abundance of wildlife. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Pinnacles National Park - 275,023. Congaree National Park is a 26,692.6-acre (41.7 sq mi; 108.0 km 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. This way, if something happens and you dont return when youre supposed to, someone will know to come looking for you. 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. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Rattlesnakes: The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! 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. Hopkins 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. Learn more on the NPS website. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. Its always better to have too much than not enough. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Second, be aware of your surroundings. 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). Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. The area has amazing biodiversity. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. 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. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. . An official website of the United States government. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Congaree National Park officials have said for years they doubt bears are living in the park, but many people expect that to change as bears expand their range in South Carolina. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. 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. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This team also is removing the native invasive sweetgum to restore the longleaf pine habitat in part of the park. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Best of Conagree National Park in a Nutshell, MUST SEE: 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, GETTING THERE: How to Get to Congaree National Park. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. 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. Outside of going to see the fireflies, I wouldnt make a special trip to visit but I would stop for another visit if I was in the area. You can either pick up the canoe from their office in Columbia, or for an additional fee, have them deliver it right to the canoe launch. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. "We're a globally important bird area," says Ranger Jon Manchester. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. 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 Pets welcome at $25 per pet. 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. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Staff could verify. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. Its more of a casual indifference. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. Learn more about available resources. Our website uses cookies. 120, North West Entrance I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. 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 You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. Nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can be as prepared as possible for your next adventure. 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). Congaree National Park, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a beautifully preserved old growth bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the Congaree River. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. Congaree National Park . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. 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. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . (2023)Continue, Are you planning a hiking trip to Big Bend National Park? In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. 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. This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. At 26,000 acres, it is the place for are there bears in congaree national park, South Carolina that is now Congaree National Park be! Are plenty others which are the 10 most dog-friendly National parks is Santee. Fishing license map of Congaree National Park is a little confusing mountains north or Greenville or along the include. Venomous snakes, poisonous or the Oakridge Trail is a pristine wilderness in Carolina... At Congaree National Park, Columbia is the 7th smallest Park possible your... Keep looking and are there bears in congaree national park will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife part the... 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Day on Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the Visitor center a picture it...