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. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. 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. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. Unknown: Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous. 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. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? Congaree National Park South Carolina Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Boardwalk Loop Ranger-led program on boardwalk NPS Photo/jt-fineart.com The 2.4 mile boardwalk is an excellent introduction to the park.The flat surface is accessible and provides a leisurely way to experience the Congaree wilderness. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. The park has about 16 full-time permanent staff, and a number of seasonal staff members that come and go. 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. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. 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. 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. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. 100 National Park Road Visitation peaks from March to May. Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and, Congarees trees support its vast array of wildlife and wetlands, Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. How high is the water, ranger? In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, its important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! #2 Go Kayaking or Canoeing on Cedar Creek, #7 Bates Ferry Trail and the General Greene Tree, #10 Hike the River Trail to the Congaree River. The bottomland region that makes up much of Congaree National Park is regularly covered by floodwaters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. We saw a Snowy Owl outside Sault Ste. and all of Eastern Europe. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Distance: 11.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 4 to 6 hours. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. We didnt see much in the way of wildlife, but Cedar Creek is beautiful, and to drift along the water, listening to the birds and the crickets, and to see these majestic old trees, was a very memorable experience. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Cheers, Julie. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). 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Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. In 2003, Congress officially designated the monument a National Park, and today, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. 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. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. How Many Days Do You Need in Congaree National Park? It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. 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. This park is currently at the bottom of our list (Canyonlands is #1) .. weve experienced 11 parks so far (Wisconsin is home base) and use your blog as an inspiration! 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. Carry plenty of water. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. 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. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. 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. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. 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. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. It is open year-round. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. Check conditions here! When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. 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. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. (Seniors and those with America the Beautiful passes can participate for $35.). Paddlers can travel as far as 15 miles along this route for a single or multi-day adventure. Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. We saw the one pictured below making its way across Weston Lake from East to West. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. people visited the park over the course of the year. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing Cedar Creek NPS Photo Planning Your Congaree Canoe Adventure! Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. Congaree National Park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance . In 2019, about 12,000 people came to catch Photuris frontalis, a local species of firefly that flashes in unison. 100 National Park Road Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. 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. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. Don't be left out in the dark. In the spring, the park expects to resume ranger-led canoe tours. Travel with a friend! We were on the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Marie in Michigan! The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Here visitors can experience both a unique old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, home to numerous national and state champion trees and one of the most biodiverse forests in the nation, as well as an upland pine forest where fire plays a key role in its . Learn more about available resources. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. Hopkins, It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. And those who are particularly adventurous can also take advantage of the parks dispersed camping, or kayak and canoe off of the creek. 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. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. Photo: scgerding/iStock via Getty Images, It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins Nature & Parks, National Parks 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320 Save 42kRun Houston 158 61 Spiders, Snakes and Mosquitos Review of Congaree National Park Reviewed August 1, 2017 A nice visitor center with friendly Rangers and a film on the park. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. When we did this, the trail was dry. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. Hiking trails are marked with small white signs like the one on this tree. As for the dogs and I, we preferred looking into the swamp from above, where we were more likely to be able to see snakes from a safe distance. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Your email address will not be published. Always carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them! Those who are interested in participating in the event can enter into the lottery system for $1. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The wet environment makes planning difficult, but its also what makes the park such an ecological wonder. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320. and is subject to periodic flooding which occurs approximately ten times each year. It proceeded to spread its wings to dry them and we got a couple great photos of it while it did. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Best of Conagree National Park in a Nutshell, MUST SEE: 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, GETTING THERE: How to Get to Congaree National Park. It depends. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. It is the best way to experience this park. 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. 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. Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but its best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. . Congaree National Park is bordered to the south by the Congaree River, which creates slow-moving creeks, oxbow lakes, and swampy areas throughout the park. Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! The 2.4 mile boardwalk loop originating from the visitor center is a popular place to start. 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. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. Cheers, Julie. Proper clothing is essential. Adequate preparation, constant attention, and good judgement will help make your hike a safe and enjoyable experience. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. Local. Congaree is champion trees. Nature & Parks, National Parks. Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Last seen on August 11, 2021 in Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US | 0 comments. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. This past year we broke a record for our visitation. According to the Congaree National Park, "Eastern Rat Snakes are common in Congaree National Park and along much of the East Coast.
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