It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Whether youre herping, birding, or simply hiking, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. 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. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. 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. 100 National Park Road This trail can be linked with the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a longer journey. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. View all alerts 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here visitors can experience both a unique old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, home to numerous national and state champion trees and one of the most biodiverse forests in the nation, as well as an upland pine forest where fire plays a key role in its health and survival. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. 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. 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. The checklist will almost always contain fewer species than the full list. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Although we didnt run into any exotic or venomous snakes, the dogs and I were satisfied with our rainy Congaree visit; Our eyes were finally tuning into the subtleties of the swamp after a year of practice. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. 4 more non-emergency alert notifications. We were on the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. Your email address will not be published. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Voice over for Audio Description by Amanda Hardin. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Dont be: Manchester notes that only two people have been bitten by snakes during his tenure in the park, and only three in total over the entire 46-year history of the park. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. Forested wetlands, oxbow lakes, sloughs, and slow-moving creeks cover and cover the landscape and provide essential habitat for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life, as well as bald cypress and tupelo trees. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. 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. Nature - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Home of Champions Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. Inspired by campy B-horror films, The Unprepared was created to educate folks on how to come prepared to the wilderness while also being entertaining. 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. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. At a time when most National Parks are overflowing with activity, Congaree National Parks biggest selling point might be its solitude: In 2019, just under 160,000 people visited the park over the course of the year. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. While its still not understood exactly what the purpose of the behavior is, many scientists believe that the male fireflies light up in unison to attract females. When we did this, the trail was dry. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. (Worried about being bitten? 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. Things to Do at Congaree National Park - More Than Just Parks Plain-bellied Water Snake swimming in small pool in Congaree, South Carolina, United States, One of Congarees arboreal snakes sunning itself on a tree branch, The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. 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. Now dominated by loblolly pines, remnants of the once abundant longleaf pines that covered this upland region have managed to hold on and can still be seen. 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. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. Congaree National Park Photos (1,487) Directions Print/PDF map Length 9.9 miElevation gain 45 ftRoute type Loop Discover this 9.9-mile loop trail near St. Matthews, South Carolina. We thought that this hike is easy. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Congaree National Park - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. The park plans to hold its annual Firefly Festival this May. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. 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. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. Visit in the fall for optimal leaf-peeping opportunities. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. buttressed cypresses in Congaree National Park, Isle Royale National Park: Hiking Lake Superiors Island Wilderness, The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouris Mountains, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How 7 Popular Trails Have Changed, How to Tell If a Bear is About to Charge You on the Trail, The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Is So Big, Even the Grizzlies Seem Small. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park, walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail and consider adding on the Weston Lake Trail with the detour to Wise Lake. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. Along the Boardwalk Loop Trail in Congaree National Park, At a time when most National Parks are overflowing with activity, Congaree National Parks biggest selling point might be its solitude: In 2019, just under. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Part of Sims Trail bisects the Boardwalk Loop Trail and this part of Sims trail is not worth it, since you miss seeing the bottomland forests. How Many Days Do You Need in Congaree National Park? The Longleaf Campground is located right off of the entrance road, and it is home to both individual sites (for 1-8 people) ,and group sites (for 9-24 people). Due to logging and the clearing of the landscape for farming and the building and expansion of cities and towns over the past 400 years, only a few scattered remnants of these once common ecosystems persist. 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. Its more typical in Florida, and its expanding its range.. February 18, 2022 Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis Heading out the door? These are not marked, and it is very easy to get turned around if you wander onto one. Watch your step! Cedar Creek to Route 601 Landing. 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. In the spring, the park expects to resume ranger-led canoe tours. Congaree National Park South Carolina Hiking Safety On This Page The Unprepared 0:00 / 9:24 Loaded Progress Duration: 9 minutes, 24 seconds "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. Marie in Michigan! The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The State If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. The park has about 16 full-time permanent staff, and a number of seasonal staff members that come and go. In 2003, Congress officially designated the monument a National Park, and today, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. The 2.4 mile boardwalk loop originating from the visitor center is a popular place to start. The bottomland region that makes up much of Congaree National Park is regularly covered by floodwaters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Travel with a friend! Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . Some of these are connector trails. Download the app. Below are a few things you should know before hiking at Congaree: The Ten Essentials are a collection of first aid and emergency items that can help you in the event of minor injuries, sudden weather changes, or unexpected delays. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around the park. Watch out for snakes and spiders - Review of Congaree National Park If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? Other common sightings include the white-tailed deer, skinks, and brown water snakes. 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. Unknown: Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous. One of the birds that weve seen in the park thats more elusive is the limpkin, a long-legged bird that eats snails, Manchester says. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. 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. The Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve is on the south side of the Congaree River and has a bluff that is a great place to see birds flying over the park. Our website uses cookies. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. I have no idea. Add an Observation. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. There is a . Use dissolvable iodine tablets. These feral hogs are a highly destructive, invasive mammal found in the park. But its going to be our highest visiting year ever, says Manchester. The area has amazing biodiversity. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. With almost 80% of the park lying within the floodplain, these floods make the backcountry trails and even parts of the boardwalk inaccessible to visitors. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. Check conditions here! Congaree: Exploring the East's Least-Visited National Park - Backpacker This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Gus gave us a great overview of Cedar Creek and told us what to keep an eye out for as we paddled on the creek. Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. Always carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them! In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. Not In Park: Species is not known to occur in park. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Before planning your trip, and just before your visit, visit the National Park Service website for updates on park conditions to avoid any unfortunate surprises. Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Hiking trails are marked with small white signs like the one on this tree. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . It depends. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. Learn how your comment data is processed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing Cedar Creek NPS Photo Planning Your Congaree Canoe Adventure! The vast majority of the park is lying within an area that, on an average year, will be underwater, explains Congaree National Park Ranger Jon Manchester, who has been with the park for 8 years. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. Alligators cant nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. Brown water snakes are especially likely to be seen on this portion of the trail, on overhanging branches or piles of woody debris. . Pass it through a filter that can remove particles as small as one micron. Congaree National Park - Wikipedia Select stock photography provided depositphotos. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. Print (Subscriber . Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. February 25, 2019, 6:38 AM. The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Paddlers can travel as far as 15 miles along this route for a single or multi-day adventure. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Trails NOT affected include Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly, & Longleaf Trails. 592 Reviews. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a roughly 15-mile paddle through the heart of Congaree National Park, beginning at Bannister Bridge and continuing all the way to the Congaree River. First introduced into South Carolina in the 1500s by explorers as a food source, today somewhere between 2 and 6 million feral pigs exist across the nation, predominantly making their homes in the south. Required fields are marked *. 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. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Congaree National Park | AllTrails On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. It is open year-round. Congaree National Park Check List iNaturalist Learn more about the CBR. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. Along the trail are numbers that correspond to the Self-Guided Boardwalk Trail brochure that you can pick up at the Visitor Center before you start this walk. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Also be wary of poison ivy, spiders, wasps and snakes, which like to hang out near downed trees. NATIONAL PARKS: The Complete Guide to the US National Parks LIST OF PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist) GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park SHENANDOAH: 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park EVERGLADES: One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park BISCAYNE: Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park NEW RIVER GORGE: 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ROCKY MOUNTAIN: How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary BRYCE CANYON:One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park BIG BEND: The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park DENALI: The Complete Guide to Denali Park Road OLYMPIC: 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park. Where most deciduous trees in the United States grow to be somewhere between 50-80 feet tall, Congarees tree canopy has an average height of. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. Proper clothing is essential. But snakes also play a key role in Congarees ecosystems, helping to control pests and to keep disease at a minimum. Historical: Species' historical occurrence in park is documented. 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. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. 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 is a wonderful place to visit. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. Ensure that the water has been filtered or any particles have settled, and use the recommended number of tabs per quart. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Snakes of Congaree National Park - YouTube The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Their work led to Congaree becoming a national monument in 1976. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The Kansas

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