Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The parks cypress trees are one of the areas most peculiar-looking features. (Worried about being bitten? Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. In the spring, the park expects to resume ranger-led canoe tours. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Heading out the door? The trees that grow here are some of the tallest in the eastern US and this is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world. This is the best walk in the park. Congaree National Park is open year-round. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Baldcypress knees. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. Congaree National Park Length: 7.6 mi Est. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Congaree has been the location of a search for the Ivory-billed woodpecker in the past, a bird once thought extinct until it was seen in Arkansas in 2004. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. "Birds of Congaree National Park". Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. Visitation peaks from March to May. As for the dogs and I, we preferred looking into the swamp from above, where we were more likely to be able to see snakes from a safe distance. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Congaree National Park | AllTrails If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. 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 saw a Snowy Owl outside Sault Ste. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. 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. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Fall colors peak here in late . 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. We saw the anhinga pictured below from the observation point over Weston Lake from the boardwalk. Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. Julie Last updated: March 19, 2023 United States 6 Comments. Congaree National Park - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. Always plan ahead and prepare. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing Cedar Creek NPS Photo Planning Your Congaree Canoe Adventure! Visiting Congaree National Park: The Complete Guide in 2022 We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. 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 is bordered to the south by the Congaree River, which creates slow-moving creeks, oxbow lakes, and swampy areas throughout the park. Those who are interested in participating in the event can enter into the lottery system for $1. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. 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! Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. 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). Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. It is the best way to experience this park. It proceeded to spread its wings to dry them and we got a couple great photos of it while it did. 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. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. May 1974: Congaree National Park 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, . It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The State It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Weston Lake Loop Trail (4.6 mi), Oakridge Trail (7.5 mi), and King Snake Trail (11.1 mi) where hikers may spot deer, raccoon, opossum, and even bobcat tracks. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. looking up at the old-growth forest canopy in Congaree National Park Photo: scgerding/iStock via Getty Images. 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. Check conditions here! The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. SC When theyre not underwater, Congaree has 25 miles of hiking trails, and the parks waterways also make for a great canoe or kayaking trip for truly adventurous souls. (Seniors and those with America the Beautiful passes can participate for $35.). The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. life jacket/PFD, bug spray, personal locator beacon). 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. 100 National Park Road Your email address will not be published. If theyre selected as a participant, the remaining fee is $19. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. Maybe we would have liked this one more? For the entire 1.1 mile walk (one-way), you are on a wide grassy trail that leads to a view of the Congaree River. Brown water snakes are especially likely to be seen on this portion of the trail, on overhanging branches or piles of woody debris. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. Read more about the region's history. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. 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. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. We prefer this one on all of our travels. 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. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. 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. It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! February 18, 2022 Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis Heading out the door? On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Cedar Creek to Route 601 Landing. Whether you are planning a short day trip or an overnight trip into the backcountry, travelling on Cedar Creek by canoe or kayak is a great way to experience Congaree National Park. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park. Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? Always let somebody know your planned route and schedule before heading out on the trail. 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. Hopkins, Were a globally important bird area, says Ranger Jon Manchester. The checklist will almost always contain fewer species than the full list. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. There is a . Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. Most hikers get into trouble on the trail because of improper preparation. Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Walk the boardwalk trail through the forest, go kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek, go birdwatching and fishing, and, if you like, venture farther into the park on a number of other woodland trails. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). What is a bottomland forest? Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. These floods deposit fresh, nutrient rich soil across the landscape that helps to maintain the health of this ecosystem. 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. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. 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. 100 National Park Road Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Distance: Approximately 20 miles. 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. Remember: A little planning goes a long way towards making sure your hiking trip is a safe and pleasant one. Cheers, Julie. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. 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 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. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. Poisonous cottonmouth snake spotted on the boardwalk at Congaree The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. Allowed establish means values: native, endemic, introduced, Southern Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 10:53 PM by Ian Gourdin, Fowler's Toad from Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA on August 05, 2010 by sea-kangaroo, Spring Peeper from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on March 17, 2022 at 07:33 PM by kfleenor, Pine Woods Tree Frog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 08:47 PM by Ian Gourdin, Squirrel Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on July 01, 2022 at 08:18 AM by charlotteandgranthaveseenit, Barking Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 22, 2021 at 09:25 PM by ac-soilgirl, Green Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:51 PM by Ian Gourdin, Cope's Gray Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:42 PM by Nicole Lowder, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 16, 2023 at 09:37 AM by jennalollis, Southern Leopard Frog from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on February 20, 2023 at 03:10 PM by Maura, American Bullfrog from Richland County, SC, USA on August 14, 2022 at 02:30 PM by johngrego, Green Frog from Congaree National Park on April 22, 2023 at 11:01 AM by Valerie Hoyt-Parrish, Eastern Spadefoot from Richland County, SC, USA on June 16, 2018 at 11:21 PM by Kyle Finn, Marbled Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 07:05 PM by imlichenlucas, Atlantic Coast Slimy Salamander from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on March 12, 2022 at 03:24 PM by pniebanck, Carolina Swamp Dusky Salamander from Congaree National Park, Richland, South Carolina, United States on May 15, 2022 at 10:52 AM by Brian White, Southern Two-lined Salamander from Richland County, SC, USA on December 07, 2019 at 03:35 PM by Ston Coles, Three-lined Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 11:38 PM by imlichenlucas, coastal plain dwarf salamander from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on March 27, 2018 at 03:24 PM by Raina Eddy, Eastern Mud Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 17, 2021 at 02:19 PM by nathanc553, Greater Siren from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on February 15, 2020 at 02:20 PM by johngrego, American Alligator from Weston Lake, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 06:43 PM by lcarnley, Green Anole from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:15 PM by imlichenlucas, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard from 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on October 24, 2015 at 12:44 PM by Jos Garrido, Eastern Fence Lizard from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on May 05, 2018 at 03:00 PM by E.D. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. Congaree National Park South Carolina Info Alerts 5 Maps Calendar Fees Alerts In Effect Park Closures Standing Water on Trails Due to recent high-water levels, many trails currently have areas of standing water. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. Learn more about prescribed burns, and how fire can be an essential tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive. Let us know. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. The full list also contains species that are "in review" because their status in the park hasn't been fully determined. View all alerts Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. The parks cypress trees are one of the areas most peculia, features. Watch your step! False Report: Species was reported to occur within the park, but current evidence indicates the report was based on misidentification, a taxonomic concept no longer accepted, or other similar problem of error or interpretation. Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and, Congarees trees support its vast array of wildlife and wetlands, Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. NPS Photo. This trail can be linked with the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a longer journey. Congaree National Park is part of the UNESCO Congaree Biosphere Reserve. Reptiles - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The trail offers excellent birdwatching, and hikers may spot deer, raccoons, opossums, and even bobcat tracks. 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. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. 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 100 feet, the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. 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 . 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. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. 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. 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. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. Best of Conagree National Park in a Nutshell, MUST SEE: 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, GETTING THERE: How to Get to Congaree National Park. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. 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. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. The General Greene tree is located here. Across the southeastern United States, old-growth bottomland forests like that found here at Congaree once covered approximately 30 million acres, while longleaf pine savannahs covered an estimated 90 million acres. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. 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. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. So it was totally the poachers fault. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. and is subject to periodic flooding which occurs approximately ten times each year. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. Marie in Michigan! But snakes also play a key role in Congarees ecosystems, helping to control pests and to keep disease at a minimum. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. Snakes like the black rat snake and the black racer are arboreal species, which means that they have the tendency to hang out in trees. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. A few of the snakes we saw today on Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. 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). 100 National Park Road Learn more about the CBR. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. 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. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. 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. Unknown: Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. I have no idea. It was named a national park in 2003. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Your email address will not be published. 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.