Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Those who are eager to hit the water can head to the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, which is well-marked with navigational aids. Along the bluffs on the northern edge of the floodplain stands an upland pine forest. 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. Also a great option for canoeists with two vehicles, this trip allows paddlers to explore the wilder eastern section of the park and float down the Congaree . The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. SC Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. Carry plenty of water. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Make your reservation in advance! Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. It isnt uncommon for Congaree visitors to spot a few snakes hanging from trees as they canoe down the river. But snakes also play a key role in Congarees ecosystems, helping to control pests and to keep disease at a minimum. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. Baldcypress knees. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Nature & Parks, National Parks. Learn more about available resources. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. 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 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. And those who are particularly adventurous can also take advantage of the parks dispersed camping, or kayak and canoe off of the creek. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Historical: Species' historical occurrence in park is documented. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. 100 National Park Road Learn more about the CBR. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. 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. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Proper clothing is essential. 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. So it was totally the poachers fault. With almost 80% of the park lying within the floodplain, these floods make the backcountry trails and even parts of the boardwalk inaccessible to visitors. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. The full list also contains species that are "in review" because their status in the park hasn't been fully determined. Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. 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! We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Time required: 12-14 hours. 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. #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. The 2.4 mile boardwalk loop originating from the visitor center is a popular place to start. 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. 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. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. Required fields are marked *. Watch your step! The current total is somewhere around 206 species that have been seen at the park. By comparison, there are slightly more than 1,107 species of birds known to science across the U.S., meaning that nearly 20% of the countrys birds have been spotted in Congaree. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of 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. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. Download the app. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. While hiking in the backcountry of Congaree National Park, your safety is in your hands! Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. life jacket/PFD, bug spray, personal locator beacon). . Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. The alligator is the largest reptile in the park, and there are turtles and snakes as well. There are another 3 species that are likely present within the park as they are known to occur in the region but havent been confirmed within the park. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. 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). 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. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. The wet environment makes planning difficult, but its also what makes the park such an ecological wonder. 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. . 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. 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. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. Congaree is champion trees. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. Along the Boardwalk Loop Trail in Congaree National Park, 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. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. Learn more on the NPS website. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. 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. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. Remember: A little planning goes a long way towards making sure your hiking trip is a safe and pleasant one. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Whether you are planning a short day trip or an overnight trip into the backcountry, travelling on Cedar Creek by canoe or kayak is a great way to experience Congaree National Park. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Id seen plenty of rat snakes before, and Ive always appreciated them because of their sheer size, and varied appetite. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Your email address will not be published. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. 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. Forested wetlands, oxbow lakes, sloughs, and slow-moving creeks cover and cover the landscape and provide essential habitat for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life, as well as bald cypress and tupelo trees. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 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. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. 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. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. 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. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. You can canoe part or all of this trail. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Numerous old roads exist in the park. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. Congaree National Park is part of the UNESCO Congaree Biosphere Reserve. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. This small park is quick and easy to visit. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. Your email address will not be published. Alligators Alligators can't nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. 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. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Its more of a casual indifference. Travel with a friend! Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. Congaree National Park lies within the floodplain of the Congaree River. It is open year-round. Always carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them! Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. The Kingsnake Trail explores a remote part of Congaree National Park. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. The Ten Essentials are only the basic items you should have with you. 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 a wonderful place to visit. Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. 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. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Marie in Michigan! Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Although the park is still relatively unfamiliar to many hikers, it is still growing. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. 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. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. However, the poisonous snakes typically avoid people. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Sunscreen Use it. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Select stock photography provided depositphotos. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. Julie Last updated: March 19, 2023 United States 6 Comments. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. According to the Congaree National Park, "Eastern Rat Snakes are common in Congaree National Park and along much of the East Coast. Visitation peaks from March to May. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. 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. 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. Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria . There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around the park. There are other short trails in the park. Our website uses cookies. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. Hopkins, There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. 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. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. One or more Occurrence Tags may be associated with each Occurrence value. Is this your business? It was named a national park in 2003. It depends. Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Last seen on August 11, 2021 in Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US | 0 comments. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. It might an otter swimming in the river. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. 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. Across the southeastern United States, old-growth bottomland forests like that found here at Congaree once covered approximately 30 million acres, while longleaf pine savannahs covered an estimated 90 million acres. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. Ensure that the water has been filtered or any particles have settled, and use the recommended number of tabs per quart. 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.