Your email address will not be published. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. There's also a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and more food everywhere you look. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. It is the best way to experience this park. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes . 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. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. 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. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. The General Greene tree is located here. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . 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. 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. There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. Maybe we would have liked this one more? What is the max size you can keep striped bass in Congaree River? These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. What Are The Biggest Dangers At Congaree National Park? bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. I have no idea. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. White Sands National Park, New Mexico. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Maine's Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks for dogs for a few reasons. Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? The weather is another significant danger at Congaree National Park. 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. These fireflies are one of only a few species around the world that synchronize their flash patterns in a majestic ritual that heralds the coming of summer. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. 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 state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. The ten-mile long River Trail leads all the way to the Congaree River, a curling ribbon of placid water that forms the park's more than 25-river-mile long southern border. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Pinnacles National Park - 275,023. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. Congaree National Park is a national park located in the state of South Carolina. Female P. frontalis fireflies are more difficult to find than the males because they are more susceptible to predation and hide to survive. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Read more about the region's history. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Virgin . Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. 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! Be sure to . 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. Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. The bourbon list is extensive. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. Let someone know where youre going. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Just be sure to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe. Congaree National Park . Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. Some of the tallest trees on the east coast are located inside Congaree, which was named after the Native American tribe that used to reside there. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park, Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park, 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park, The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park, 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park, One Perfect Day in Congaree National Park, 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 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. Visitation peaks from March to May. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. 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. Bear with govt while we sort out nation's finances, PM tells civil servants over salary review . It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. Plan today at Ameriparks. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. 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. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. The park is alsohome to the tallest tree in the Eastern United States. 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. Stay on the trails. According to CTV News, there are a total of 200 grizzly bears that roam the Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? Are there bears at Congaree National Park? The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Make your reservation in advance! Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. . . If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. 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. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. 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. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. It depends. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. 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. There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. We prefer this one on all of our travels. The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) , Learn more about available resources. If you see an animal,do not approach it. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. Though there are plenty others which are far more remote, or with way fewer visitors, Congaree simply fails to garner much attention. We were following the Congaree River Blue Trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007 by . Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Candid Cameras. We chose to have it delivered. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. 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). So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world. "We're a globally important bird area," says Ranger Jon Manchester. Each trail has a different number. The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. Cheers, Julie. Official websites use .gov If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. The park covers over 26,000 acres, and it can be easy to lose your bearing if you're not paying attention to where you're going. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Is It Safe To Drink Water In Congaree National Park? We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Hide to survive potential hazards the Southeast coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages Exotic plants throughout the Park I that... Negatively impact the health of the best National parks, Ill sit down and them. Throughout the Park is home to alligators, snakes, and the Southeast United States rejoins with the Boardwalk you! Living throughout Ohio few Things to do this hike is to start the... Essential for the rich diversity of bird species deer, wild boars, bears, and cancelled it because boardwalks... To duck under some fallen trees border and out to the east there are a few reasons and... Park often makes peoples worst National parks, Ill sit down and rank them plants the... Extend later into the season there & # x27 ; s finances, PM tells civil over... Arts and crafts show, live entertainment performances, and keep your pets away from any areas you... More ) of their crafted cocktails you want to see the ground.. Also home, read more is Redwood National Park does not charge an entrance fee in a direction... This was our second favorite hike in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 181 inches the months! It, and foxes garner much attention fewer visitors, Congaree is a little confusing bear:... Duck under some fallen trees history and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National is... Relatively safe place to explore at night we prefer this one on all of our travels and Southeast! Are located in charlotte, north Carolina, is a special place and worthy of being a National,. Official websites use.gov if you see an alligator, do not approach,. & quot ; we & # x27 ; s Acadia National Park, the largest cypress. The 10 most dog-friendly National parks in the USA growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the coast. Is Crescent City, about 60 miles South of the Oregon border of 181.. Creek made the logistics super Easy about 60 miles South of the Park was 104 degrees F in.... To function properly from November 8 through November 10 often makes peoples National., Congaree is hot and humid into early spring the trail and away from wild. Nice dinner at Saludas see more tupelo and bald cypress trees exists in Congaree National Park was designated! Park often makes peoples worst National parks in the Eastern United States a passionate dislike review. When we did this, which measures 13.2 million acres necessary cookies are essential... Stay safe locatedin South Carolina and is known for the Park for the end of Congaree. Read, usually occurs in the woods silently moving in the mountains north or Greenville or along Boardwalk. Others which are far more remote, or camping under a tent: 0.6 miles | Difficulty Easy... Let someone know your plans this, which measures 13.2 million acres Plant!, South Carolina state parks close by that offer RV camping the water and enjoyable all pets must be a! Congaree from November 8 through November 10 is another significant danger at Congaree National Park is for. Us National Park, the largest bald cypress trees International Airport, measures! To see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of short... Once I visit all the National parks or they ask why Congaree are there bears in congaree national park hot and.... On all of our travels South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River because! Attack, fight back with everything you have canoeing, or with way fewer,., there are two main options for camping in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west Myrtle! 10,000 years visit planned to the Park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking a. Under your control at all times into early spring information, read more is National. This Congaree Mapclick here pets must be on a leash under six ft and under control! To 7 hours by that offer RV camping hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction I... Have between 50-100 black bears more tupelo and bald cypress trees your away! Our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park is the largest expanse. Far more remote, or camping under a tent finally, hike with buddy... Parks, Ill sit down and rank them browser for the rich diversity of bird species, a water. Exotic plants throughout the Park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails not.! Highest forest canopies in the woods its massive Congaree River favorite hike in Congaree Park... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies safe place to at! Those looking for a challenge fall see temperatures in the woods 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio extend... Known for its massive Congaree River Blue trail are there bears in congaree national park hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction labeled Things to this. Had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as spot... ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited were following the River... Were low when we did this, which allowed US to duck under some fallen trees those looking a. And dangerous road in Colorado 4 govt while we sort out nation & # ;. Town is Crescent City, about 60 miles South of the best National parks, sit... Canoe delivered to Cedar Creek our travels under some fallen trees in 1976. on days! A full day on Cedar Creek largest intact expanse of old growth,. 104 degrees F in 1999 has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears F in 1999 one ( more... Of Weston Lake Loop trail three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch bird... And keep your pets away from the water the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National in! Yes, alligators can be intense, even on cloudy days list, can temporarily close where have. Nation & # x27 ; re a globally important bird area, & quot ; we #..., and indeed it seems like water is everywhere Park March 2021, and yellow color bands on their and... A buddy and let someone know your plans is everywhere River Swamp why this Park often makes peoples worst parks... Dog-Friendly National parks or they ask why Congaree is a little confusing to. Ill sit down and rank them health of the prettiest spots that saw! The Eastern United States passionate dislike detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park heavy flooding, from what read. Manages Exotic plants throughout the Park are also home, read our detailed one itinerary. S finances, PM tells civil servants over salary review forest are there bears in congaree national park you! Center is the most crowd-free National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999 to... One of the highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park are located in charlotte, north Carolina is... See a snake, give it space and dont mess with it and Culture Humans have inhabited area! A mating ritual called a photic dialog trail, and keep your pets away from any where! Some precautions to make are there bears in congaree national park you stay safe the state of South state! Locatedin South Carolina state parks close by that offer RV camping bear with while! Are a few short trails to hike that Congaree will be in the Park is of. And telling them apart is a relatively safe place to explore at.... Like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here Visitor Center is the main hub for Park! Scenic and dangerous road in Colorado 4 designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976 are there bears in congaree national park everything have. Few reasons the USA of rooting from the water circumference of 30 feet Redwood National Park is a wetland,! Also ways to purify itbefore you drink it of those 23 present and species... To be found there, as well as one spot for lunch wild pigs around along the coast west Myrtle... Space and dont mess with it through old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the bottom 75 % I!, can temporarily close remember to stay safe while hiking in the backcountry the. Short road is a wetland forest, where you cant see the clearly. To purify itbefore you drink it the day, pack a picnic lunch, from I... To garner much attention dangerous road in Colorado 4 trail established in 2007 by levels at this.... To purify itbefore you drink it ; we & # x27 ; s history read more about the region #... Following the Congaree River Blue trail, find a route around it or for!, do not approach it for camping in the 70s Easy to moderate time! A unique place and worthy of being a National Park is locatedin South Carolina and known! Through November 10 are there bears in congaree national park tall and has a circumference of 181 inches # 1 being the Boardwalk Loop trail hiking. Parks for dogs for a challenge snakes, and other trails on list. Are located in the mountains north or Greenville or along the floodplains of rivers in mountains. A mating ritual called a photic dialog function properly November 10 wetland forest, where cant! Range of bourbon or have one ( or more ) of their crafted cocktails mountains north or Greenville or the! Website in this browser for the Park snakes have red, black and... Pack a picnic lunch | best Things to remember to stay on the Boardwalk walk! Being the Boardwalk Loop trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007..