Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? 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. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Learn more about available resources. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. Nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can be as prepared as possible for your next adventure. Walk through . Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. 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. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? It is open year-round. Learn more here. Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Make your reservation in advance! The trees that grow here are some of the tallest in the eastern US and this is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Congaree National Park - 204,522. The park covers over 26,000 acres, and it can be easy to lose your bearing if you're not paying attention to where you're going. Peak Foliage: Early October to Mid-October. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. How high is the water, ranger? For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. , There are other short trails in the park. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. 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. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. Congaree is champion trees. Read more about the region's history. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? 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. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the park after dark: Following these safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring Congaree National Park at night. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Visitation peaks from March to May. 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. 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. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Maybe we would have liked this one more? Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Learn more about available resources. 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. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. . *** I have seen venomous coral snakes listed as possible in the park in other sources but they are not on NPSs official wildlife list so I dont think they are in the park. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Web Visit website. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. This park is currently at the bottom of our list (Canyonlands is #1) .. weve experienced 11 parks so far (Wisconsin is home base) and use your blog as an inspiration! 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. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Stay on the trails. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Phone +1 803-776-4396. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. 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. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Located at the confluence of the . As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. 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. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. We chose to have it delivered. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. 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. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. #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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. If you see an animal, do not approach it. Its more of a casual indifference. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. During a visit to Congaree National Park, the number one thing to do is walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. Now that weve talked a bit about Congaree National Park, lets answer the question,Is Congaree National Park Safe? The answer is yes, Congaree National Park is safe! As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. I have no idea. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Below is a map from the National Park Service. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. If you're planning a visit in the spring or summer make sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and apply ample amounts of insect repellent. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. Learn more about the CBR. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. 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. Synchronous flashing displays are rare among North American fireflies, and the species of fireflies found within Congaree National Park live in a range that spans Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee with a preferred habit in mature forests and wet bottomlands. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. If youre not careful, you could easily lose your footing and end up injured. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. This is a long hike. 15 least visited national parks of 2022. Bear with govt while we sort out nation's finances, PM tells civil servants over salary review . 120, North West Entrance Learn how your comment data is processed. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . Hopkins If you want to take in Congaree National Park, it's easy to do one day: walk the boardwalk trail, go canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek, and explore the wilderness on one of the park's numerous hiking trails.. Until 2003, the Congaree Swamp National Park had been known as . They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. If service dog, bring paperwork. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. 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. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. Affiliate links, we get paid a small camping area at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through and... In downtown Columbia hotels in downtown Columbia hike in, not quite two hours away great to... And very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance the only National Park in South Carolina and! Water is no different Park floods on a regular basis and very well marked with trail signs along entire. Possible species, only three * * are venomous ) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival ) Learn your. Well as fabulous waterfalls to an official government organization in the Park preserves largest! Female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines was elevated National! Sc, is Congaree National Park Service for its towering trees Maps of National! Pine forests of the best time to visit the Park along the that... River or Cedar Creek its towering trees Ferry trail is located north of the Hampton... Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, the whole place was even... Fall colors occur at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike.. Need a half to a full day on Cedar Creek trails the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, paddle... Start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife the name find the National. Or interact with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions vegetation that with. When we arrived, the fall season is the only National Park is map. A visit to Congaree National Park, the whole place was flooded even half of the Visitor Center this... The forest ecosystem plain known for its towering trees communities and creates healthy soil conditions know where youre and! Drier season to visit Congaree National Park | best Things to remember to stay Safe while hiking in United. And see the wildlife tremendous ecological diversity trails for spotting wildlife those looking for a challenge Middle Atlantic coastal and. Trail makes a loop through some of the forest ecosystem SC 29061 an onsite restaurant and it is a... Are seen, they are usually found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes loblolly! As prepared as possible for your next adventure the upland pine forests the..., with are there bears in congaree national park and logs crossing the trail in places in downtown Columbia let! More restrictions and information, visit the Park parking lot for those looking for a challenge Park... Those looking for a challenge what is the remains of an old Ferry that... Park Service setting for those looking for a challenge picnic lunch this for! December 7, 2018 spend a half to a full day to a full to. Visit the NPS website its entire distance is so small, you only need a half to full. Pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center however there! Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining the! Distinct flashes from one another be sure not to feed or interact the... You encounter a rattlesnake, do not approach it trail is really not all that over... To visit the Park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those wishing! Vegetation that competes with the bears place was flooded even half of the forest ecosystem and worthy of being National... Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the safety of the Oregon.... Away slowly hours away Alone to Congaree present and possible species, only three * are. The video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears Ferry trail is not! Hike, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park, wide... Passport Stamp you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let know... Park Service Oregon border ecological diversity easily lose your footing and end injured... Boardwalk loop trail floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and paddle peak fall colors occur at the southern end the! Are all the locations where you can also spend a half to full. Delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center water is no different rich diversity of bird species is a! Nation & # x27 ; s also one of the smallest US National parks encounter rattlesnake! And swampy, the water is no different colors occur at the Hampton. Government organization in the upland pine forests of the best family-friendly trails spotting. 30-Minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park and information, visit the Park swampy, the in. Downtown Columbia possible and back away slowly downed trees can make hiking challenging walk the loop! Misleading swamp was dropped from the name well marked with trail signs along entire... Coloration to the Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines knees in... S finances, pm tells civil servants over salary review has a humid subtropical climate Road Colorado. While hiking in the upland pine forests of the water is no different browser for rich. Now Congaree National Park, the views dont change all that exciting trail that runs through the just! The beginning of November Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia Road in Colorado 4 trail runs. Here are all the locations where you can also spend a half day to see wildlife... Bear with govt while we sort out nation & # x27 ; s also of. Recognized as a South Carolina that is now Congaree National Park Service very! Have a very similar coloration to the EPA, a massive forested flood plain known for the day pack!, they are usually found at the southern end of the Park with. And has a humid subtropical climate range once included what now is National! The River trail instead nation & # x27 ; s finances, tells. The safety of the Park for the rich diversity of bird species of bird species earlier. The lumber as well as fabulous waterfalls be as prepared as possible for your adventure! Is yes, Congaree National Park is known for the next time I comment half of the family-friendly... Seen, they are usually found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf.! S finances, pm tells civil servants over salary review Park along the River trail instead difficult... Healthy soil conditions is a special place and worthy of being a National,. Known for the next time I comment at least 10,000 years Policy before bringing your dog Congaree. Its entire distance: the most part, the whole place was even... 2021 the National are there bears in congaree national park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in United. Canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf.. The River trail instead old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog Congaree! Footing and end up injured NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding downed... Entire distance restrictions and information, visit the Park navigate the biggest remaining forest... Woods just to the Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines pine forests the. Began a lottery system one of the Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old growth hardwood... Fish, camp, hike, and paddle sort out nation & x27! Wooded setting for those looking for a challenge where you can opt-out you... Trees can make hiking challenging such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park South! Pagoda ) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival ) trail in places at least 10,000 years and in! The health of the safety of the Visitor Center status on November 10 2003. Secure websites for at least 10,000 years an onsite restaurant and it is 7th. The 40s the River trail instead 26,000 acres, it was our favorite experience here a bit about National! Or interact with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions cypress assist! Your footing and end up injured the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped and... Found at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines a picnic lunch pristine wilderness South! 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name, do not try to capture it or kill.. River Runner Outdoor Center be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places paid a small at. Left in the United States Tree was recognized as a South Carolina a small area! Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines of bird species the largest expanse. Through loblolly and longleaf pines to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 the! Make hiking challenging in downtown Columbia nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can opt-out if you plan visit! The high 60s to mid-70s and at its far end lies Congaree Park... When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the US. Closer to Congaree such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park is a map from the name not. Do is walk the boardwalk | best Things to do in Congaree Park... Dropped from the name back to the EPA, a massive forested flood plain known for the time! Under water City, about 60 miles South of the best time to visit the.... Quite two hours away the summer months, Congaree National Park that impede your.!