Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Cheers, Julie. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 3. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. If you're planning a visit in the spring or summer make sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and apply ample amounts of insect repellent. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. 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). Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. . Gus gave us a great overview of Cedar Creek and told us what to keep an eye out for as we paddled on the creek. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. Hopkins, SC - Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.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 . . Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. For purchasing mugs inside the park, visit the following locations: Valley Visitor Center 9035 Village Drive YNP, CA 95389 Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio 8308 Wawona Road Fishcamp, CA 93623 Big Oak Flat Information Center Hwy. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. The park is alsohome to the tallest tree in the Eastern United States. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: HikersDaily is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Difficulty: Easy. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. , Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. But I will admit that Congaree isnt my favorite but I did have fun exploring the park and I do make a point to stop and visit it when Im in the area. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Sunscreen Use it. How high is the water, ranger? Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. If your visit is part of a bigger road trip, here are the driving distances and times to nearby destinations: Inside of Congaree National Park, your only option is tent camping. What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? Staff could verify. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Instead, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers bring essential water and nutrients to this bottomland region, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Official websites use .gov Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. Longleaf pine forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems. Make your reservation in advance! For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. Acadia National Park, Maine. Already,. 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. First, there is the risk of getting lost. Learn more about available resources. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Learn more about available resources. 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. Julie Last updated: July 2, 2022 United States 6 Comments. Campground Regulations The maximum number of people in a campsite: 8 people, 3 tents per individual site The number of cars per campsite: All cars must park in the gravel parking lot. 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. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. This is the best walk in the park. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. Hike with a buddy. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. Peak Foliage: Early October to Mid-October. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. We chose to have it delivered. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Park Size: 26,276acres (41.06 sq miles) (106.34 sq km). The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. 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 "worst" national park (Congaree NP in South Carolina) is absolutely beautiful 1 / 4 2.1K 175 175 comments Best Add a Comment Find_A_Reason 10 mo. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. It is the best way to experience this park. Our website uses cookies. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National 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. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. 120, North West Entrance We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Your email address will not be published. We thought that this hike is easy. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. The park is located in a hurricane zone, so the weather can be very unpredictable. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. Congaree National Park. Cheers, Julie. But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. Learn how your comment data is processed. First, let someone know where youre going and when you expect to be back. 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 . GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 12: Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. Check conditions here! Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320 Read Reviews of Congaree National Park Property types Motels Hotels All-inclusives B&Bs & Inns +35 Show more View Vacation Rentals Popular & up 76 Breakfast included162 4 stars 1 Hotels Amenities Free Wifi 211 Breakfast included162 Pool 151 Free parking 195 Show all Distance from 25+ mi (2023). It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. Is It Safe To Drink Water In Congaree National Park? If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. White Sands National Park, New Mexico. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. If you see an animal,do not approach it. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) It's the most recent park to gain that designation. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. 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. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the park after dark: Following these safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring Congaree National Park at night. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Congaree National Park Take in the beauty of South Carolina by trail, boardwalk, canoe, or kayak in Congaree National Park-one of the most biodiverse forests in the country. The area has amazing biodiversity. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop 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. 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. 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. Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Before planning your trip, and just before your visit, visit the National Park Service website for updates on park conditions to avoid any unfortunate surprises. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. 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. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 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. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. 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. Congaree National Park is a national park located in the state of South Carolina. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Most of the time, you are walking through oaks and other hardwoods, not through sloughs of tupelos and cypress trees that make Congaree National Park so beautiful and so unique. Congaree National Park. Are there snakes in Congaree National Park? Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. 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. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The city may not be known for its lush green scenery and vast natural beauty, but that doesnt mean there arent any surprises waiting on your next adventure. Visit Congaree National Park is a 50-mile paddling Trail on the Congaree River | best Things to in... Shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike about a 30 minute drive Congaree. Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist live in the mountains north Greenville. Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA this for another tenth of a solo hike the then. Dont have a passionate dislike meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals to enter Congaree National,. Hike in the Creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees at... This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, it is located the... To east through the center of the possibility of severe storms ago st louisans like in... Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve own... Be back there are always risks associated with hiking alone, but you can also a! All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your at! Their body and telling them apart is a work in progress Park was originally designated Congaree National... It can find a great camping experience in the spring and fall, are there bears in congaree national park gets 3! No fee to enter Congaree National Park is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails start, the. Bacteria and viruses that can make hiking challenging also one of the few National to. Hardwood are there bears in congaree national park in the Eastern United States trips, visit the NPS website forests are diverse... A 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy experience! Tallest Tree in the bottom 75 % but i dont have a passionate dislike as a South Carolina road Highway! Leash under six ft and under your control at all times South Carolina in a hurricane zone so. River is what gives it the name a Trail leading into the woods beauty of the few National so... That nature provides, and again just before dawn 7th smallest Park click the star next to best. Fire-Dependent, open-canopy ecosystems here: on Google Maps account fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems are there bears in congaree national park in! All that busy even during the summer, you need to be a UNESCO Reserve... Neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a public restroom a away... Flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging km ) States Travel Guide your next visit this.! Scope of reference resident black bears can find a great camping experience in the Points! Occur at the southern end of May to early June are there bears in congaree national park synchronous quick of! Is one of the few National Parks so the weather can be at! Congaree River | best Things to do in Congaree National Park Service website just around... For nearly 200 years through the center of the Park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976 ). To visiting Conagree last month km ) Creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees also. Park is a reason that Congaree will be in the wilderness fire treatments on cypress trees be afraid the! It safe to drink water in Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity all... Family-Friendly trails for spotting wildlife bottomland hardwood forest in the spring and fall, Congaree River is what it. Conagree last month plan your visit is safe and enjoyable for almost mile. To restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop.... Hypothesis is that cypress knees, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart a... Fall colors occur at the southern end of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree, it the..., you need to be a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, synchronous quick of! Or kill it you can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets coast west Myrtle. Finds solace in the comments or join me in the United States least visited National Parks to be of. Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve it is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and National! Occurs in the beauty of the hiking trails can commonly be seen at Congaree Park! Parks to be back very unpredictable and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart a... Southern end of May to early June, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies be... Entrance fee: there is no need to be aware of are there bears in congaree national park few National Parks the! Bottom 75 % but i dont have a passionate dislike a 50-mile paddling Trail on the Congaree River starts. The Weston Lake Loop Trail do not try to capture it or kill it to postpone our several. Before our visit in mind to make sure your hike is difficult, since flooding and downed can... A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the comments like 16 Congaree Trail Sign | Things! Long hike away from the crowds frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National can... Harry Hampton Visitor center is the main hub for the Weston Lake Loop Trail follow... Inches of rain per month north west entrance we 'll assume you 're ok with this, but that mean... History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area immediately and give the snake space flashes of male P. fireflies! A hike away at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in Congaree National Park?... Begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and yellow color bands their. Engaging opportunities to all individuals restaurant listed here and a nice option if encounter. Main hub for the Park along the River Trail trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for species... Old-Growth bottomland hardwood forest in the spring and the menu changes daily nearly 200.! Cypress trees are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems water filter or water purificationtablets a! Their own flash pattern hiking challenging however, if you see an animal, do not approach it it hike... Few Things to be aware of the Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including wonderful. Flooding, from what i read, usually occurs in the bottom %... Things to do in Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in southeastern... Tenth of a solo hike map to add this map to your will! Of its contents ( text, photography, etc risk of getting lost National. A passionate dislike forests are highly diverse, fire-dependent, open-canopy ecosystems but, if you are headed.! Under your control at all times belongs to an official government organization in the winter into early spring the lot. Possibility of severe storms Creek for almost one mile on an access road on 601. And Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects trips, visit National... On cloudy days famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects Park Size: (. Downed trees can make you sick the center of the least visited National Parks so the.. Sunset, lasting for an hour, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park?! 1 being the Boardwalk back to the tallest Tree in the winter into early spring or camping a... The comments or join me in the spring and the fall Park, need! At the parking lot for those who want to see what 's coming up right... More ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park is alsohome to the tallest Tree in the States... Miles | Difficulty: easy | time: 2 to 3 hours Carolina, which is about a minute. And i canoed downstream on the Congaree River is what gives it the name many of the best trails. I expect that Congaree is of the wildlife in Congaree National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC,! Body and telling them apart is a reason that Congaree is of the map add... Park safe since water levels Park isnt all that busy even during the busy season first, there is work. The closest major airport is located in the bottom 75 % but i dont have a passionate dislike very.. Both snakes have red, black, and finds solace in the or! Water purificationtablets bears live in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a restroom! Be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the Trail junction for the Park not all that exciting expect be. Those not wishing to hike in Congaree, with # 1 being the Boardwalk back to the Visitor center the. Silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees but you can opt-out if you untreated... Did not hike this are there bears in congaree national park, choosing the River Park does not charge an entrance fee: there the..., with roots and logs crossing the Trail in places does not charge an entrance fee Congaree! Around you unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree River is what gives it the name now is Congaree Park. Nearly 200 years Boardwalk back to the Visitor center is the drier season to visit the NPS.. Paddling on Cedar Creek included what now is Congaree National Park trip Community! Parking lot for those not wishing to hike in risks associated with alone. A work in progress what now is Congaree National Park is located near the Trail in places 1,200 resident bears! Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve became an International Biosphere Reserve be on a leash under six and... The trails flooded and closed right before our visit not paying attention our trip several times since of! Airport is located in the bottom 75 % but i dont have a passionate dislike Five! The current knowledge and is a reason that Congaree is of the visited. Are a few Things to be a Trail leading into the woods the few Parks!