The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Just be sure to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Its always best to hike with at least one other person. 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. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Tim and I were not fans of this hike, but Im listing it as a thing to do in Congaree National Park in order to provide some information about it. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. The area has amazing biodiversity. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! The Congaree is a wetland forest, and indeed it seems like water is everywhere. Some sites are . We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. Second, be aware of your surroundings. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. Expert Answers: Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. 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. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. 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. 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. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Spread over approximately 34 square miles of forest and wetlands, the park is home to several beneficial resources including forests, freshwater bodies, and various native species of plants and animals. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. From the Boardwalk Loop Trail, walk 0.6 miles on the Weston Lake Loop Trail until you get to the trail junction with the River Trail. Your email address will not be published. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. The small park with a short list of things to do, a short day trip, and a small size can be completed in one visit. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in a pristine nature preserve or an epic multi-day adventure, we rounded up the 24 most beautiful gems of the U.S. National Park system. This 2.4-mile boardwalk takes you through surprisingly different landscapes and gives you an excellent overview of the forest and what one might find in various parts of this environment. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Congaree National Park is open year-round. 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. Learn more about available resources. 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. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . 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. Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. 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 area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. Some of these are connector trails. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 120, North West Entrance The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. Already,. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. 15 least visited national parks of 2022. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. 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. Those in search of solitude will find it while wandering deep into the glaciated peaks and jungles of Olympic National Park, while rock climbers from around the world will challenge themselves. Learn more here. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. When we did this, the trail was dry. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. The General Greene tree is located here. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Is Congaree National Park Safe? Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. . Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Park, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous South Carolina affiliate links, we get a... Your hike is as safe as possible a # 7 on it you to. 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