#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. 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. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are among the species that are in American Forests National Register of Big Trees. 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). First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. Congaree National Park, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a beautifully preserved old growth bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the Congaree River. 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. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. 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. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. 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. How high is the water, ranger? Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. But I will admit that Congaree isnt my favorite but I did have fun exploring the park and I do make a point to stop and visit it when Im in the area. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. Walk through . What is the max size you can keep striped bass in Congaree River? The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! 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. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. This picturesque park in Hopkins, South Carolina allows pets to wander all trails, including the boardwalk. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. 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). While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. SC We chose to have it delivered. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. When will congaree national park open? The General Greene tree is located here. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. One of Acadia's main attractions is its historic carriage roads on Mount Desert Island, which now serve as hiking and cycling trails. . 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. (5.40 km) Cottage Tree House B&B (5.59 km) Gypsy camper (10.03 km) A Charming Country Cottage Nestled in the Woods (14.31 km) B & B Kampground; View all hotels near Congaree National Park on Tripadvisor Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. 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. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Your email address will not be published. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. It turns out they don't just go to pools to drink, splash and frolic they also slip into the water to scrub their faces and ears and rinse themselves clean. Learn more about the CBR. Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. . It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Congaree National Park - 204,522. 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. 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 National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. 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. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. 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. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes . 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). The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. Congaree National Park is characterized by its many unique ecological features. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins Congaree National Park . Wildfires caused by lightning resulted in habitats and vegetation that needed fire to be healthy, but fire suppression techniques have caused a change in the ecosystem. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Congaree National Park. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. What Are The Biggest Dangers At 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. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. We thought that this hike is easy. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. I have no idea. Bears like baths. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. For two weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National Park. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. 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. Or Greenville or along the River bald cypress trees standing in water on... 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