Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. by explorers as a food source, today somewhere between 2 and 6 million feral pigs exist across the nation, predominantly making their homes in the south. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. We were visiting, Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. 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. You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. 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. Maybe we would have liked this one more? Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. 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. National Park Obsesseds Detailed Guides to Denali National Park, Road Trips that Include Zion National Park, Other Articles featuring Acadia National Park, National Park Service units within a 4 hours drive, National Park Service units within an 8 hours drive, Pin for Later: Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide, Congaree National Park Foundation Document, National Park Passport Book click here to learn more, Visiting Conagree National Park: The Complete Guide, 7 Things You Cant Miss on Your First Visit to Congaree National Park. The park plans to hold its annual Firefly Festival this May. The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . Learn more about the CBR. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. In Congaree, you can see some of the tallest Loblolly pines still alive today as well as bald cypress trees that are over 500 years old. The park is home to 21 different species, including venomous snakes like copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. 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). General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. The General Greene tree is located here. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. CSV should not contain a header row. River Trail: 203 Reviews, 1,487 Photos, Map - AllTrails These trees make up one of the highest forest canopies in the world. Due to the pigs fast gestation period, its extremely difficult to control feral pig populations, though the park works with the USDA to keep their numbers down. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. And the black rat snake was a testament to our success. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Make your reservation in advance! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. looking up at the old-growth forest canopy in Congaree National Park Photo: scgerding/iStock via Getty Images. Sunscreen Use it. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . Dress in layers that can be easily removed depending on conditions, and carry a rain jacket, even if the forecast is calling for sun. Let us know. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Congaree National Park is part of the UNESCO Congaree Biosphere Reserve. 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. First introduced into South Carolina in the. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Although we didnt run into any exotic or venomous snakes, the dogs and I were satisfied with our rainy Congaree visit; Our eyes were finally tuning into the subtleties of the swamp after a year of practice. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. (Seniors and those with America the Beautiful passes can participate for $35.). Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. Trails NOT affected include Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly, & Longleaf Trails. We chose to have it delivered. Congaree: Exploring the East's Least-Visited National Park - Backpacker You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. 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 highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Id seen plenty of rat snakes before, and Ive always appreciated them because of their sheer size, and varied appetite. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. . If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. Visit in the fall for optimal leaf-peeping opportunities. Congaree has one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world -- it's taller than the old-growth forests found in Japan, the Himalayas, southern South America. Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Home of Champions Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Nature & Parks, National Parks. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. How Many Days Do You Need in Congaree National Park? And those who are particularly adventurous can also take advantage of the parks dispersed camping, or kayak and canoe off of the creek. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Plus, wed had the park almost entirely to ourselves. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Local. Congaree National Park Check List iNaturalist Print (Subscriber . This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. By Ashlen Renner. Many believe that it still lives deep within the old-growth forest popular with other woodpeckers. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Learn more here. 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. The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. What is a bottomland forest? Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. 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 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. Trip Ideas - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. 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. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Some of these are connector trails. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. . Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. Nature - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. They eat everything., Although some activities have been impacted by Covid-19, many of them are beginning to become operational again. Along the trail are numbers that correspond to the Self-Guided Boardwalk Trail brochure that you can pick up at the Visitor Center before you start this walk. Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. We prefer this one on all of our travels. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing Cedar Creek NPS Photo Planning Your Congaree Canoe Adventure! Along the bluffs on the northern edge of the floodplain stands an upland pine forest. Below is a map from the National Park Service. This is a long hike. Unknown: Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous. How high is the water, ranger? The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. 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. GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. Snakes of Congaree National Park - YouTube While park officials mostly leave the area bare of infrastructure to keep these places natural, the boardwalk allows visitors to see the floodplain in a safe, and unobtrusive way. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Use dissolvable iodine tablets. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. There is a . Alligators Alligators can't nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. These are not marked, and it is very easy to get turned around if you wander onto one. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Each person should carry should carry a minimum of 1 liter of water, though 2 liters is recommended. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. The bottomland region that makes up much of Congaree National Park is regularly covered by floodwaters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. It proceeded to spread its wings to dry them and we got a couple great photos of it while it did. There are four venomous snakes that live in the park. Don't be left out in the dark. 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. Numerous old roads exist in the park. *** 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. 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. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. A few of the snakes we saw today on Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. It was shortly after a rain storm and we saw it fly across the lake and land in a tree across the lake. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. Cypresses only grow in the southeastern corner of the United States, with the exception of a few pockets of trees in places like Louisiana and Mississippi, and many of the nations forests were heavily logged in the early 1900s to aid in railroad construction, Congarees cypresses, including the threatened bald cypress, are the largest remaining old growth stand in the nation. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. If you have any questions about things to do in Congaree National Park, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. The Ten Essentials are only the basic items you should have with you. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. 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. to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Watch your step! Today, Congaree National Park helps preserve examples of these now uncommon natural landscapes and the diverse plant and animal life they support, as well as allowing visitors to experience and learn about what makes them so unique, as well as why they are worth saving. Things to Do at Congaree National Park - More Than Just Parks Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. The Longleaf Campground is located right off of the entrance road, and it is home to both individual sites (for 1-8 people) ,and group sites (for 9-24 people). Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. 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. 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. Menkoi Ramen House. Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale. 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. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. One of the birds that weve seen in the park thats more elusive is the limpkin, a long-legged bird that eats snails, Manchester says. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. 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. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Always plan ahead and prepare. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Distance: Approximately 20 miles. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. 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. Due to logging and the clearing of the landscape for farming and the building and expansion of cities and towns over the past 400 years, only a few scattered remnants of these once common ecosystems persist. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. In other parts of the floodplain, slight changes in elevation have helped to create a variety of different ecosystems that support a diverse array of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, as well as trees such as giant old-growth oaks and massive loblolly pines. Park History: Congaree National Park | National Parks Traveler When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Travel with a friend! Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. 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. Ensure that the water has been filtered or any particles have settled, and use the recommended number of tabs per quart. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. Due to the pigs fast gestation period, its extremely difficult to control feral pig populations, though the park works with the USDA to keep their numbers down. Each trail has a different number. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. The National Park Service rangers have current trail . But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. 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. Watch out for snakes and spiders - Review of Congaree National Park It might an otter swimming in the river. Do not leave marked trails. 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. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Your email address will not be published. Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Learn more about available resources. In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. Search our species database below. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account.