The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. 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. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. We prefer this one on all of our travels. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. . 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. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. 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). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Congaree National Park. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. Be sure to . Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. By studying champion trees, scientists can discern optimum ecological conditions for these species. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Is Congaree National Park Safe? Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. 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. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. 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. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. Plan today at Ameriparks. . The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the 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 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. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. Official websites use .gov Cheers, Julie. Below is a map from the National Park Service. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. Oldest US National Park: Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? 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. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. 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. 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. In this article, we will, Read More Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National ParkContinue, Just 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Miami, Biscayne National Park is an oasis of peace and quiet. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. Learn more about the CBR. This team also is removing the native invasive sweetgum to restore the longleaf pine habitat in part of the park. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. 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. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Learn more about available resources. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. The national parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland hardwood champion trees in old-growth forests in the United States. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. Another danger to be aware of is wildlife. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. 3. Spanning a staggering 26,276 acres, Congaree National Park is an enormous place to explore on foot or by water, making for a marvelous experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? (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 Already,. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. Female P. frontalis fireflies are more difficult to find than the males because they are more susceptible to predation and hide to survive. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Distance: 3.2 miles. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! If you take the necessary precautions, like purifying your water before you drink it, youll be just fine. 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. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. 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