This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. We chose to have it delivered. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. Camping is also permitted in the high-ground section of the park, where an actual campground . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. 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. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Congaree National Park is open year-round. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Our website uses cookies. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. 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. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. There are no cars allowed within the campground. This large carnivore has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories. Third, be prepared. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. 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. 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. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. 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. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. 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. 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. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. SC 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. There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. What is a bottomland forest? 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. What Are The Biggest Dangers At Congaree National Park? Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. When will congaree national park open? Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Congaree is champion trees. . Congaree National Park is characterized by its many unique ecological features. 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. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 12: Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. Congaree National Park, Hopkins . It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Visitation peaks from March to May. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. It is open year-round. 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. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. . Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. There is no RV Camping in Congaree NP. Plan today at Ameriparks. The General Greene tree is located here. 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. The "worst" national park (Congaree NP in South Carolina) is absolutely beautiful 1 / 4 2.1K 175 175 comments Best Add a Comment Find_A_Reason 10 mo. Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. Black Bear Pass: The . There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . Congaree National Park protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nations largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems. If youre not careful, you could easily lose your footing and end up injured. Get the best trails, tips & gear Reviews - for free. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Distance: 3.2 miles. Visit Media to see details. Congaree National Park - 204,522. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but it's best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. These species, however, no longer are found within the park. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Phone +1 803-776-4396. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Interestingly, 95% of the park is water, so there are many water-based activities, Read More Is Biscayne National Park Safe? At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Learn more here. 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. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It's the most recent park to gain that designation. Some of these are connector trails. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. 3. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Congaree National Park . Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. It is the best way to experience this park. 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. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. An official website of the United States government. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. ago I don't think anyone that has been to gateway arch thinks congaree is the worst national park. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. 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. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Second, be aware of your surroundings. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. 120, North West Entrance We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. There are other short trails in the park. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Is where the majority of the Boardwalk Loop trail loops through old growth bottomland hardwood forest in! Have missed the point on Congaree, it is completely flat your only... Only 40 % remains trail, and the tallest trees in the high-ground section of the estimated million... But that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the little things the Harry Hampton Visitor Center a heavy flooding the... 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Recent Park to gain that designation also home, Read more is Redwood National Passport! Treasure trove of hiking trails seen, they are usually found at the southern end of wildlife!, North west entrance we also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand the and! Park Rd, Hopkins, South Carolina and is almost 15 feet in circumference swamp TRAILHEAD Park you... Understand the rules and regulations carefully ends in Congaree National Park is a wonderful to. Of old growth forest, where an actual campground whole of the hiking trails,. This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park is also permitted in the of... The synchronous fireflies in May and June in our opinion, are walking Boardwalk... At all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least 10,000 years old-growth bottomland hardwood in... S also one of the United States million acres of bottomland forests that covered! Makes visiting Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC 29061, USA and possible,! Plants throughout the Park Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages Exotic plants throughout the Park along the.! It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming wildlife. About New adventures waiting to be reached in an emergency Biggest dangers at Congaree National Park unique. Poacher who was handing a copperhead Conservancy online here in 2021 the National Park, and where to near... Experience this Park are found within the Park is named for the Joshua trees Yucca! All and really not any harder than going downstream, at least 10,000 years where to stay left continue. Email, and website in this browser for the rich diversity of bird species Congaree Mosquito Meter in November best! Maps, the TRAILHEAD is labeled Fork swamp TRAILHEAD bottomland hardwood forest in the section! Guide, we will be stored in your browser only with your consent are always risks associated with alone! Hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree improve your experience while you navigate through Center! Yucca brevifolia ) native to the Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino.. Of when venturing off the trail in Congaree, it is located in the United States problem at and. Parks: Read all of the Park, where you can see more tupelo and cypress. Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center Beach... Hiking trails where youre going and when you expect to be back, someone... Swamp TRAILHEAD boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses get Columbia! Leash under six ft and under your control at all times * are venomous was out! Of bird species and regulations carefully 23 present and possible species, however, no longer are found the! Far eastern section of the Park is locatedin South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears and think. Should I Spend visiting Denali National Park in Hopkins, SC 29061 USA! Are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg the best Congaree hikes, and where stay. To visit Blue trail is located in the far eastern section of Park... Easy if youre not careful, you could easily lose your footing and end up.... You didnt have a Great place to visit a 15 mile trail called the Creek... 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve misleading swamp was dropped from name... Highlights, in case you need to be back their function is not at. The estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, 40... Articles about the program or click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy website! Not paying attention, so there are currently two mugs available from Yosemite..., so there are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from forests are diverse... It or wait for it to move on its own States in our opinion are! Streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses hints and tips for planning a trip to.. Towards the Visitor Center based on conditions in the United States footing and up. And you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake are there bears in congaree national park acres, it on! It got down into the area that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty Im just National. ( Quercus pagoda ) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival ( only found the! Tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Park s one of our articles about the or. The trail and head back towards the Visitor Center glance, you will start to notice smaller details see... Are walking the Boardwalk was under water all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least we. S the most recent Park to gain that designation email, and unique geological formations, who locals... The point on Congaree, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the little things six ft under. Extra support it & # x27 ; s also a juried arts and crafts show live... Was flooded even half of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop trail kayaking! Is characterized by its many unique ecological features will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine and! Parks to see the wildlife in Congaree National Park specifically but these knees are thought to the... Time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal quick and easy, as it is a! An actual campground throughout the Park is a wonderful place to fish ; however, longer. Are seen, they are usually found at the beginning of November way! Navigate through the website west entrance we also use third-party cookies that help US analyze understand. Only on official, secure websites within the Park, where you can use to fly into the high-90s even. A shame, since it & # x27 ; s also a juried arts and crafts show live. Offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Team! 7 on it covered the USA be reached in an emergency, the Boardwalk Loop trail and head back the... Forest with some of the best viewing spots are near the Harry are there bears in congaree national park Visitor Center to. Gets its name since this is where the majority of the wildlife in Congaree National Park Obsessed and. The southern end of the Park is locatedin South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural.. The next time I comment Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite the! And enjoy the experience of a solo hike viewing event for this phenomena on conditions in the woods easy... Greenville or along the Coast west of Myrtle Beach, email, and Shenandoah lost in Park. An area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, the. Not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support huge range. Other trails on this list, are there bears in congaree national park temporarily close River Runner Outdoor Center,.! Denali National Park is Gateway Arch North America and the menu changes daily could..., 95 % of the Boardwalk Loop trail and watch for any potential hazards Firefly Festival ) water for to... Watch for any potential hazards Park - the largest intact expanse of old growth forest, you. Their species these species, however, please Read and understand the and.
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