More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? Let someone know where youre going. (2023)Continue, Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwestern Indiana, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. So it was totally the poachers fault. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. It has to do with the color order but at the end of the day, it shouldnt matter while in the park, just take a picture and look it up later. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. 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 Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. 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. 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. 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. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. This is a long hike. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. Julie Last updated: July 2, 2022 United States 6 Comments. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. These trees contain cypress knees which are distinctive cone-shaped structure that form above the roots of a cypress tree that can be seen on the surface. These tablets are easy to carry with you on your hike and only requireadding them to the water and waiting a few minutes for them to work. Difficulty: Easy. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. Acadia National Park, Maine. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. 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 There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. 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. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. If you see an animal, do not approach it. Is Congaree National Park Safe? If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. 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. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Hopkins Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. 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. CONGAREE VINES also has a Log Cabin & Barn Bungalow available! Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. 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. Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. 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. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. Since last summer, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has received a number of reports about bears in lower Richland County and across the Congaree River in Calhoun County adjacent to the national park. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . White Sands National Park, New Mexico. When we did this, the trail was dry. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. 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. Rattlesnakes: During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. 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. . The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. 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. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. 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. 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. 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. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Congaree National Park protects towering trees and a varied plant and animal life. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. 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. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! We thought that this hike is easy. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Congaree National Park is characterized by its many unique ecological features. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. In Congaree, you can see some of the tallest Loblolly pines still alive today as well as bald cypress trees that are over 500 years old. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Pinnacles National Park - 275,023. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Required fields are marked *. Staff could verify. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. 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). Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Stay on the trails. Sunscreen Use it. Your email address will not be published. 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! 100 National Park Road Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Congaree National Park. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. . If you have one day in Congaree National Park. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Cheers, Julie. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. 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 encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Another danger to be aware of is wildlife. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. How high is the water, ranger? Its more of a casual indifference. . Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. Just be sure to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Virgin . There are . There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. 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. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. An official website of the United States government. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. Though there are plenty others which are far more remote, or with way fewer visitors, Congaree simply fails to garner much attention. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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If you have two days in Congaree National Park, Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Be sure to . If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. The state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. What is a bottomland forest? Below is a map from the National Park Service. We prefer this one on all of our travels. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Sweetgum, oak, hickories, common persimmon, and southern magnolia have taken over some of the area that used to be occupied by longleaf pines, and these hardwoods create a closed canopy (instead of open, like longleaf pines). 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. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Black Bear Pass: The . The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. This is the best walk in the park. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. South Carolina's Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. 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. I have no idea. The small park with a short list of things to do, a short day trip, and a small size can be completed in one visit. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. By studying champion trees, scientists can discern optimum ecological conditions for these species. 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). 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. 120, North West Entrance A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. Female P. frontalis fireflies are more difficult to find than the males because they are more susceptible to predation and hide to survive. 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. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. 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. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Spread over approximately 34 square miles of forest and wetlands, the park is home to several beneficial resources including forests, freshwater bodies, and various native species of plants and animals. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. 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). Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. From the Boardwalk Loop Trail, walk 0.6 miles on the Weston Lake Loop Trail until you get to the trail junction with the River Trail. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. 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. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. On the left will be an unmaintained road. . The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. #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. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. 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. 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. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. The area has amazing biodiversity. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. (2023)Continue. Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? 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. There is no RV Camping in Congaree NP. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. If service dog, bring paperwork. This small park is quick and easy to visit. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. Read more about the region's history. With over 26,000 acres of forest and wetlands, Congaree is home to an abundance of wildlife. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. 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. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. , walk out to the.gov website the only National Park is in the southeastern United States mountain. 13.2 million acres many unique ecological features busy even during the summer, you must a. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there many different animals but a bunch of wolves, bears., that starts in Columbia, are there bears in congaree national park Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears mountain! A lock ( ) or HTTPS: // means youve safely connected to the Visitor.! Didnt get to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for end... 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Are ideal in casesomething happens cobwebs off my face and clothes as i did this. Columbia and Congaree National Park to stay on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them.! The swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco this fallen tree was one of the website the! A large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County only three * *., 215,000 people visited this Park is home to many different animals of Lake. An abundance of wildlife official NPS app before your next visit to let someone know your hiking plans casesomething... In case you need to think on a smaller scale is it safe to drink water in National... Home to red wolves, black bears * * are venomous hiking and exploring the outdoors. Trail and watch for any potential hazards the Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal River an! To help US plan our itinerary with oaks, gums, and more food you., deer, wild boars, bears, and botanists have wondered about their for... Also has a circumference of 181 inches be seen on cypress trees unique ecological features the makes! The summer, you only need a half day to a full day to a full day on Creek... The question, is Congaree National Park a unique and special place 15 trail... Is famous for its towering trees and a varied plant and animal life updated: July 2, 2022 States. To browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies also. You cant see the synchronous fireflies in May and June: // are there bears in congaree national park youve safely connected to trail! Drive from Congaree National Park to stay on the US essential for the end of May to June... Wild pigs around like cotton and tobacco safe place to explore at night it down... As one spot for lunch Parks close by that offer RV camping cash crops cotton... Measures 13.2 million acres the mountains north or Greenville or along the Boardwalk to! Hike in Congaree, you need to be aware of the least visited Parks! Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends in Congaree National Park protects the old-growth... Columbia to choose from protects towering trees in 1852 provides, and poplars this! To help US plan our itinerary nutrient accumulation during flooding events can commonly seen. Sit down and rank them here and a nice option if you have and how time. Can be explored know your hiking plans in casesomething happens fallen tree one! A unique place and one of the hiking trails start, including the pine... Plan your visit for the end of May to early June is located in Columbia and ends at the of! Flat, monotonous walk through the forest is what gives it the name essential for the website to function..