Sources/Usage: Public Domain. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. 100 National Park Road So it was totally the poachers fault. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. 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 General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. 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. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. Below is a map from the National Park Service. 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. (2023)Continue. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? 3. Visit Media to see details. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. If service dog, bring paperwork. Sunscreen Use it. Learn more here. . Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. The state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. It is open year-round. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. 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. This picturesque park in Hopkins, South Carolina allows pets to wander all trails, including the boardwalk. Web Visit website. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Make your reservation in advance! The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? . When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. , Some sites are . If you have one day in Congaree National Park, spend half a day hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and Weston Lake Trail and spend half of a day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. 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. Learn more about available resources. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. Learn more about the CBR. 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. Since last summer, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has received a number of reports about bears in lower Richland County and across the Congaree River in Calhoun County adjacent to the national park. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Its always best to hike with at least one other person. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. The park preserves. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. If youre hiking during the winter, you need to be aware of the possibility of ice and snow. This is a long hike. There are another 3 species that are likely present within the park as they are known to occur in the region but havent been confirmed within the park. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. 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. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. 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. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. Longleaf pines are shade-intolerant, so they are less likely to survive in close canopy ecosystems. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. An official website of the United States government. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Other parts of the US are dealing with floods so if this area also gets an increase in rainfall there could be some flooding in Congaree as well. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. You can either pick up the canoe from their office in Columbia, or for an additional fee, have them deliver it right to the canoe launch. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 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. Congaree National Park. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. 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. One of the country's smallest and newest national parks, the 26,276-acre Congaree National Park in central South Carolina is a hidden gem. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. The national parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland hardwood champion trees in old-growth forests in the United States. 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). IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. *** I have seen venomous coral snakes listed as possible in the park in other sources but they are not on NPSs official wildlife list so I dont think they are in the park. 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