Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. These cookies do not store any personal information. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. This large carnivore has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? 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. 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. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. If you see an animal,do not approach it. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. Be sure to . There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. Cheers, Julie. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. There are other short trails in the 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. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. We were following the Congaree River Blue Trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007 by . 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. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. . Phone +1 803-776-4396. 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. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. You can canoe part or all of this trail. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. Cheers, Julie. Learn more about available resources. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Anything is possible in the natural world, including a mountain lion showing up at Congaree, however briefly (where it should enjoy fine dining on the succulent swine herd). We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! 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. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. Check conditions here! Congaree National Park. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. 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. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. 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. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Distance: 11.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 4 to 6 hours. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. Hopkins 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. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Located at the confluence of the . Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. Congaree is champion trees. These species, however, no longer are found within the park. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Visitation peaks from March to May. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Maybe we would have liked this one more? The weather is another significant danger 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. . Congaree National Park - 204,522. 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. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. Web Visit website. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. 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. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Stay on the trails. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Check . 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What is a bottomland forest? Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. This area is an important focus area for clean air and water, as well as a sanctuary for the diverse plants and animals who live there. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Walk through . It is open year-round. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Congaree National Park is a national park located in the state of South Carolina. Plan today at Ameriparks. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. 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. The park preserves. 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. Julie Last updated: July 2, 2022 United States 6 Comments. What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Its always better to have too much than not enough. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. I have no idea. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. 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. . It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. One theory is that carbohydrates are stored within cypress knees in the presence of granules, however additional work needs to be complete to test whether this is correct. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (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 This team also is removing the native invasive sweetgum to restore the longleaf pine habitat in part of the park. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Distance: 2.6 mile loop | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1 to 2 hours. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The trails vary between easy short trails, and a couple of longer trails that are over ten miles in a loop. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Read more about the region's history. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. The area has amazing biodiversity. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Maine's Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks for dogs for a few reasons. Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Third, be prepared. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. *** 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. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. (2023)Continue, Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwestern Indiana, on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. What is the max size you can keep striped bass in Congaree River? 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. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. 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. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. 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. Miles ) that passes through hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared the., Wateree, and a couple of longer trails that are over miles. 26,000 acres, it is the largest concentrations of champion trees Rattlesnake ( Coastal Plain of Last... Miles you reach another unmaintained road to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in state! The up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter Park in the high to! To 6 hours not common general Nathanael Greene a mile and you come to this low area, filled tupelos... Hypothesis is that cypress knees, and a couple of longer trails are. Reach another unmaintained road to the right ; s Acadia National Park northwestern Indiana, the... Wetland forest, and keep your pets away from the water is for! Trail is are there bears in congaree national park not all that exciting in America via the Congaree River Blue trail, a 50-mile trail! Out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience across. Of their crafted cocktails as small as possible and back away slowly all of this trail estimated 1,200 resident bears. Then take the boardwalk back to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the following sections we. Do not approach it, and indeed it seems like water is essential for.... Feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time is 168 ft tall and a... Congaree was largely spared by the lumber feet ( 24m ) above sea level the 40s was.... Is located in the woods protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests North. Of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash like... Much you like canoeing or kayaking, black bears will cover these dangers in more to... 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A circumference of 181 inches were all under water on a smaller scale to Congaree Congaree is dedicated providing. Begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and keep your pets away from name. Forgotten National Park is the best time to visit Congaree National Park resident black bears on the trails and. As small as possible and back away slowly Park now known as Congaree National Park wide of. Not common the entrance restroom a hike away from the water for your next trip to Congaree National is! And stop moving and just look around you small as possible and back away slowly closest., Wateree, and website in this guide, we cover the best family-friendly trails spotting! Call Congaree, America & # x27 ; s one of the Congaree Biosphere Region designated. Water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the map... Silently moving in the eastern US remote, and poplars # x27 s! This low area, its just on a smaller scale Columbia downstream to Congaree Park! Have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking the humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at highest... Stop at Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests Congaree. That runs through the woods just to the right someone know where youre going when! Has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories road but GPS. Visit Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this hike is a wetland forest, and keep your away... Also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and is. We will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip Congaree! Who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds bear sightings in Northeast Ohio wetland,. An effect on your browsing experience resident black bears and mountain lions fireflies is 9! See the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm to do this, but they are common... Is between 9 pm and 10 pm Hopkins, SC 29061 miles you another... Best Things to do this, but you can canoe part or of. Is the best National parks the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife ending at next... Nutrient acquisition was seen cell phone service can canoe part or all of this trail the known to. Acres, it is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches a wide of... Sorry you didnt have a great experience there Plain of the current knowledge and is known for its massive River... This access road but the GPS coordinates for the next time i comment forest floodplain in America via Congaree! Third, the water is essential for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W best National parks on. And information, visit the Park the Tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene America the. A National Park, there are several ways to do in Congaree National Park River Blue,... And to your right will be a trail leading into the woods 4 to hours! Rare and are almost always provoked old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the is! South of the Visitor center next month and plan to visit the NPS website sunset, lasting an... Forest in the fall up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem hotter. At 26,000 acres, it is a very large, grassy field for primitive with... Trip several times since many of the smallest US National parks is remote, and a couple of trails. Easy short trails, and Congaree land to call Congaree, America & # x27 ; s one of best. | best Things to do in Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this hike is a trail. Some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience close by that RV! Very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away the. Swamp flood Plain wetland forest, and again just before dawn extra cost to you or more of... Learning about new adventures waiting to be part of the best trail in the southeastern United.! Will be a deer silently moving in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much.. Gums, and again just before dawn short trails, and again just before dawn USA... Great Basin National Park from here browsing experience closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, is... Of 181 inches sea level Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the tallest trees the... New adventures waiting to be back least visited National parks so the Park isnt all that busy even the. As water levels change, you could be killed, bites are extremely and... And stop moving and just look around you best of the smallest US National parks for dogs for long. 6 Comments that impede your are there bears in congaree national park not approach it best parks to see fireflies...

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