Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. 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. 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. It depends. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Stay on the trails. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Menkoi Ramen House. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . Read more about the region's history. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. 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. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. Staff could verify. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. 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. Spread over a whopping 26,000 acres of land on the low-lying floodplains of South Carolina, it's a strange and unique place. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Check . The ten-mile long River Trail leads all the way to the Congaree River, a curling ribbon of placid water that forms the park's more than 25-river-mile long southern border. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. David Martirosian is an avid hiker and nature lover. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. The park is home to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. 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 Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. 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. According to CTV News, there are a total of 200 grizzly bears that roam the Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. 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. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. This way, if something happens and you dont return when youre supposed to, someone will know to come looking for you. Winter in the southeast means no humidity and no bugs, making it an ideal season to paddle, hike, or fish at the park. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. Congaree National Park . The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. 15 least visited national parks of 2022. Are there bears in Congaree National 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. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. . You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. This 2.4-mile boardwalk takes you through surprisingly different landscapes and gives you an excellent overview of the forest and what one might find in various parts of this environment. 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. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. 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 total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. Hiking and being in parks at night can be dangerous because of the low visibility, more wildlife out at night, and other general safety concerns. 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. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Second, be aware of your surroundings. Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. If you use an outfitter like River Runner, they can drop your canoe or kayak at the starting point and pick you up at the endpoint. Fun Facts about Denali National Park and Preserve, When to Visit Denali National Park and Preserve, How to Get to Denali National Park and Preserve. Other parts of the US are dealing with floods so if this area also gets an increase in rainfall there could be some flooding in Congaree as well. Required fields are marked *. If I sound too enthusiastic, you'll have to bear with me: Spring in the South is one of the most glorious times of the year. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. 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. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Congaree National Park. Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. Rattlesnakes: The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. If your visit is part of a bigger road trip, here are the driving distances and times to nearby destinations: Inside of Congaree National Park, your only option is tent camping. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. 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. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. These species, however, no longer are found within the park. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. 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. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. . I have no idea. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Read more about the region's history. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. At the midpoint of the hike, you get a view of the Congaree River, but its not worth it, not for an 11 mile round trip hike (if you want a view of the Congaree River from a hiking trail, do the 2.2 mile Bates Ferry Trail instead). Camping is also permitted in the high-ground section of the park, where an actual campground . Pets welcome at $25 per pet. 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. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. Why You Should Go: Take a walk along the Windham Path, a 1.5-mile loop on mostly flat ground that sits just underneath Windham Mountain. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In conclusion, Congaree National Park is a safe place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. 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. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. 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! 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. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. 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. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! Congaree National Park is open year-round. 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. 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