There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. It proceeded to spread its wings to dry them and we got a couple great photos of it while it did. Whether youre herping, birding, or simply hiking, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. 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. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . It is the best way to experience this park. 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! The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Hiking trails are marked with small white signs like the one on this tree. Watch your step! We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. 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. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. 100 National Park Road I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. 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. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. 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. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Pass it through a filter that can remove particles as small as one micron. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. By Ashlen Renner. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Check conditions here! 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. 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. Also be wary of poison ivy, spiders, wasps and snakes, which like to hang out near downed trees. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. It depends. 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 area has amazing biodiversity. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. 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. Hopkins, Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together. Congaree: Chasing Pure Solitude in One of the East's Least-Visited National Parks Marvel at tall trees, flooded forest, and rare birds at one of the nation's lesser-known destinations. 100 National Park Road Is Congaree National Park Pet-Friendly? - PatchPets Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Spiders, Snakes and Mosquitos - Review of Congaree National Park Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 592 Reviews. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). Its more typical in Florida, and its expanding its range.. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. This is a long hike. Travel with a friend! I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. February 18, 2022 Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis Heading out the door? The Ten Essentials are only the basic items you should have with you. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Allowed establish means values: native, endemic, introduced, Southern Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 10:53 PM by Ian Gourdin, Fowler's Toad from Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA on August 05, 2010 by sea-kangaroo, Spring Peeper from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on March 17, 2022 at 07:33 PM by kfleenor, Pine Woods Tree Frog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 08:47 PM by Ian Gourdin, Squirrel Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on July 01, 2022 at 08:18 AM by charlotteandgranthaveseenit, Barking Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 22, 2021 at 09:25 PM by ac-soilgirl, Green Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:51 PM by Ian Gourdin, Cope's Gray Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:42 PM by Nicole Lowder, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 16, 2023 at 09:37 AM by jennalollis, Southern Leopard Frog from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on February 20, 2023 at 03:10 PM by Maura, American Bullfrog from Richland County, SC, USA on August 14, 2022 at 02:30 PM by johngrego, Green Frog from Congaree National Park on April 22, 2023 at 11:01 AM by Valerie Hoyt-Parrish, Eastern Spadefoot from Richland County, SC, USA on June 16, 2018 at 11:21 PM by Kyle Finn, Marbled Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 07:05 PM by imlichenlucas, Atlantic Coast Slimy Salamander from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on March 12, 2022 at 03:24 PM by pniebanck, Carolina Swamp Dusky Salamander from Congaree National Park, Richland, South Carolina, United States on May 15, 2022 at 10:52 AM by Brian White, Southern Two-lined Salamander from Richland County, SC, USA on December 07, 2019 at 03:35 PM by Ston Coles, Three-lined Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 11:38 PM by imlichenlucas, coastal plain dwarf salamander from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on March 27, 2018 at 03:24 PM by Raina Eddy, Eastern Mud Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 17, 2021 at 02:19 PM by nathanc553, Greater Siren from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on February 15, 2020 at 02:20 PM by johngrego, American Alligator from Weston Lake, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 06:43 PM by lcarnley, Green Anole from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:15 PM by imlichenlucas, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard from 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on October 24, 2015 at 12:44 PM by Jos Garrido, Eastern Fence Lizard from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on May 05, 2018 at 03:00 PM by E.D. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. The park is home to 21 different species, including venomous snakes like copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlers. The checklist will almost always contain fewer species than the full list. Congaree National Park Visitor Information | HowStuffWorks 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. Park Size: 26,276acres (41.06 sq miles) (106.34 sq km). 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. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Learn more about the CBR. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. Required fields are marked *. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. The trail offers excellent birdwatching, and hikers may spot deer, raccoons, opossums, and even bobcat tracks. The wet environment makes planning difficult, but its also what makes the park such an ecological wonder. Inspired by campy B-horror films, The Unprepared was created to educate folks on how to come prepared to the wilderness while also being entertaining. Read more about the region's history. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. 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. Is this your business? Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Congaree National Park | AllTrails Distance: 12 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. 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. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. So it was totally the poachers fault. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. 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. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Visitation peaks from March to May. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. Below is a pileated woodpecker that we saw while on the low boardwalk (west side). But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Were a globally important bird area, says Ranger Jon Manchester. This small park is quick and easy to visit. Each person should carry should carry a minimum of 1 liter of water, though 2 liters is recommended. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. 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Trails NOT affected include Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly, & Longleaf Trails. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. I have no idea. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. For two hours, Tim and I paddled on Cedar Creek and once we were finished, Gus picked up the canoe and we were on our way. Although the park is still relatively unfamiliar to many hikers, it is still growing. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. 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 humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320. 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. 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. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in 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. Learn more about available resources. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. There is a . Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Poisonous cottonmouth snake spotted on the boardwalk at Congaree This short film includes messaging to educate visitors about Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR). As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Things to Do at Congaree National Park - More Than Just Parks Adequate preparation, constant attention, and good judgement will help make your hike a safe and enjoyable experience. At a time when most National Parks are overflowing with activity, Congaree National Parks biggest selling point might be its solitude: In 2019, just under 160,000 people visited the park over the course of the year. 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. Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. What is a bottomland forest? GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. Visit in the fall for optimal leaf-peeping opportunities. The 2.4 mile boardwalk loop originating from the visitor center is a popular place to start. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. 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. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. 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 100 feet, the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. Search our species database below. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. Download the app. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Congaree National Park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance . Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Congaree National Park Length: 7.6 mi Est. Plain-bellied Water Snake swimming in small pool in Congaree, South Carolina, United States, One of Congarees arboreal snakes sunning itself on a tree branch, The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Our website uses cookies. Congaree National Park Photos (1,487) Directions Print/PDF map Length 9.9 miElevation gain 45 ftRoute type Loop Discover this 9.9-mile loop trail near St. Matthews, South Carolina. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. Cheers, Julie. 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The main way to prevent a negative snake encounter is to keep an eye on where you are walking and take care in tall grass and around downed logs. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. How Many Days Do You Need in Congaree National Park? 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 health and survival. These fire-resistant trees depend on wildfires to regularly burn across the landscape, clearing out competitors such as sweetgum, turkey oak, shrubs and vines, while also helping to create and maintain open, grassy pine savannahs that are home to wildlife such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and southern fox squirrel, all of which are today threatened or endangered due to habitat loss.
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