More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Distance: 12 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. The Weston Lake trail is a good place to see wading birds. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Remember: A little planning goes a long way towards making sure your hiking trip is a safe and pleasant one. This green frog was hanging out on a plant above the flood waters when we spotted it from the boardwalk. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. 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). 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. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. Cypresses only grow in the southeastern corner of the United States, with the exception of a few pockets of trees in places like Louisiana and Mississippi, and many of the nations forests were heavily logged in the early 1900s to aid in railroad construction, Congarees cypresses, including the threatened bald cypress, are the largest remaining old growth stand in the nation. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. Travel with a friend! Carry plenty of water. These feral hogs are a highly destructive, invasive mammal found in the park. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. SC The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. In other parts of the floodplain, slight changes in elevation have helped to create a variety of different ecosystems that support a diverse array of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, as well as trees such as giant old-growth oaks and massive loblolly pines. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of survival in an emergency situation. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. My herpetologist boyfriend had guided us through dozens of swamps in wet conditions before, explaining that pit vipers are more likely to be active in the rain because it allows them to more effectively sense heat variations in their environment, and non-venomous snakes tend to join them because prey is more active in the rain. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . Below is a map from the National Park Service. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. The Ten Essentials are only the basic items you should have with you. 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. We were visiting Congaree National Park, confident that a magnificent snake was waiting to be spotted nearby. 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. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. View all alerts 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. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Nature & Parks, National Parks. Congaree National Park is part of the UNESCO Congaree Biosphere Reserve. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. This park is currently at the bottom of our list (Canyonlands is #1) .. weve experienced 11 parks so far (Wisconsin is home base) and use your blog as an inspiration! The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. 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 Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. Hiking trails are marked with small white signs like the one on this tree. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. It is the best way to experience this park. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Afternoon at Valley Forge National Historical Park in December 2017, We Bought Camping Air Pads to Review Next Year, Columbus Day Weekend in Acadia National Park, Two Days at Mammoth Cave National Park in September 2017, Our Day at Dry Tortugas NP via the Yankee Freedom III, Our June 2017 Stop in Everglades National Park, Visiting Colonial National Historical Park and Jamestown in June 2017, President Obama Designates Three National Monuments and Expands Two, President Obama Designates Two National Monuments, Our Christmas Eve Stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2 Day November Fall Foliage Trip to Shenandoah National Park, 3 Days in Yellowstone National Park in May 2016. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Cedar Creek to Route 601 Landing. This short film includes messaging to educate visitors about Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR). Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. Visitors can expect to spend about 3 hours on the water, paddling through about 4 miles of the river, and potentially encountering alligators along the way. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Permits for these activities are currently free, but backcountry camping requires at least a 72 hour notice to the park. Congaree National Park lies within the floodplain of the Congaree River. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Many believe that it still lives deep within the old-growth forest popular with other woodpeckers. 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. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, spend one day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek and one day hiking the trails (we recommend the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Trail, and the Bates Ferry/General Greene Tree hike). We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Were a globally important bird area, says Ranger Jon Manchester. The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. 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 Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are. SC There is a . It is open year-round. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. 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. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Congaree: Chasing Pure Solitude in One of the East's Least-Visited National Parks Marvel at tall trees, flooded forest, and rare birds at one of the nation's lesser-known destinations. 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. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Each trail has a different number. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. Not In Park: Species is not known to occur in park. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. 100 National Park Road Our website uses cookies. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! This trail can be linked with the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a longer journey. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. Cook, Little Brown Skink from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 05, 2021 at 03:36 PM by Richard Joyce, Common Five-lined Skink from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 12:12 PM by In the Blink of a Shutter, Broad-headed Skink from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on April 25, 2023 at 03:37 PM by Karli Sinclair, Common Garter Snake from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on April 02, 2023 at 02:25 PM by Maggie Martin, Red-bellied Snake from Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US on August 11, 2021 at 01:57 PM by Richard Joyce, Dekay's Brownsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:05 PM by Ian Gourdin, Brown Watersnake from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on April 21, 2023 at 02:06 PM by logankparr, Common Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on May 20, 2022 at 11:52 AM by Will Kostick, Banded Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on April 15, 2023 at 07:57 AM by johngrego, Plain-bellied Watersnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 23, 2023 at 11:28 AM by Hannah, ring-necked snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 02, 2022 at 04:09 PM by dbryant21, Eastern Worm Snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on February 26, 2022 at 04:49 PM by Richard Joyce, Eastern Hognose Snake from Richland County, SC, USA on September 24, 2021 at 02:35 PM by johngrego, North American Racer from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:08 PM by Nicole Lowder, Scarletsnake from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 27, 2022 at 10:11 PM by Richard Joyce, Rough Greensnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 03:39 PM by Juliana Smith, Eastern Kingsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on May 01, 2021 at 05:09 PM by nathanc553, Eastern Ratsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:15 AM by infinitesupernova, Northern Cottonmouth from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 05:26 PM by lcarnley, Other Check Lists for Congaree National Park, Bird Check List for Congaree National Park, Create a new check list for Congaree National Park . 100 National Park Road There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. . You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. 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. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. We were on the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk. Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. Below is a pileated woodpecker that we saw while on the low boardwalk (west side). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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 were visiting, Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. Always let somebody know your planned route and schedule before heading out on the trail. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. 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. Always carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them! The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. If you just hike the Bates Ferry Trail, it is a 2.2 mile out-and-back hike that is completely flat and takes about an hour. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Congaree National Park appears in our Best US National Parks in March, Best US National Parks in May, and Best National Parks in November articles.
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