There are other short trails in the park. We prefer this one on all of our travels. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. 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. CONGAREE VINES also has a Log Cabin & Barn Bungalow available! The trail narrows beyond this bridge. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. 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. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? Are there bears at Congaree National Park? Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. If you see an animal,do not approach it. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. It's the most recent park to gain that designation. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. 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. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is located in a hurricane zone, so the weather can be very unpredictable. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. So it was totally the poachers fault. It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. Congaree National Park is a 26,692.6-acre (41.7 sq mi; 108.0 km 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. The bourbon list is extensive. The park is alsohome to the tallest tree in the Eastern United States. , Located at the confluence of the . When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Another danger to be aware of is wildlife. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Difficulty: Easy. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. There are no cars allowed within the campground. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Spanning a staggering 26,276 acres, Congaree National Park is an enormous place to explore on foot or by water, making for a marvelous experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. 120, North West Entrance The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. boardwalk through the congaree national park, south carolina, usa - congaree national park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Horse Racing: Wood Memorial, Victor Espinoza in action aboard Congaree at Aqueduct Race Track, Jamaica, NY 4/14/2001 By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. Are there bears in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. What is the max size you can keep striped bass in Congaree River? 3. Just 18 miles southeast of the state's capital, Columbia, the park contains the country's largest tract of old-growth . It depends. Distance: 3.2 miles. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. 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. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park, Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park, 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park, The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park, 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park, One Perfect Day in Congaree National Park, 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. 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. Congaree is champion trees. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. It is the best way to experience this park. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. If you take the necessary precautions, like purifying your water before you drink it, youll be just fine. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. Hiking and being in parks at night can be dangerous because of the low visibility, more wildlife out at night, and other general safety concerns. 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