Always let somebody know your planned route and schedule before heading out on the trail. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. 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. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Permits for these activities are currently free, but backcountry camping requires at least a 72 hour notice to the park. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Save. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. 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. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest 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. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. #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. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. 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. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Nature & Parks, National Parks. 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. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Ensure that the water has been filtered or any particles have settled, and use the recommended number of tabs per quart. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. 592 Reviews. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. 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. 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. They eat everything., Although some activities have been impacted by Covid-19, many of them are beginning to become operational again. 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. Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Many believe that it still lives deep within the old-growth forest popular with other woodpeckers. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. If theyre selected as a participant, the remaining fee is $19. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. 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. . The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. Print (Subscriber . The biggest threat they pose is to the ecosystem itself. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Use dissolvable iodine tablets. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. The General Greene tree is located here. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. 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. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. Weston Lake Loop Trail (4.6 mi), Oakridge Trail (7.5 mi), and King Snake Trail (11.1 mi) where hikers may spot deer, raccoon, opossum, and even bobcat tracks. Learn how your comment data is processed. And the black rat snake was a testament to our success. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . 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. 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. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. View all alerts Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. When theyre not underwater, Congaree has 25 miles of hiking trails, and the parks waterways also make for a great canoe or kayaking trip for truly adventurous souls. 100 National Park Road Watch your step! After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. There are four venomous snakes that live in the park. These feral hogs are a highly destructive, invasive mammal found in the park. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are. It is open year-round. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. 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. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Each person should carry should carry a minimum of 1 liter of water, though 2 liters is recommended. But its going to be our highest visiting year ever, says Manchester. . Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. (3.37 mi) Cottage Tree House B&B (3.50 mi) Gypsy camper (6.27 mi) A Charming Country Cottage Nestled in the Woods (8.95 mi) B & B Kampground; View all hotels near Congaree National Park on Tripadvisor 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. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. The full list also contains species that are "in review" because their status in the park hasn't been fully determined. NATIONAL PARKS: The Complete Guide to the US National Parks LIST OF PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist) GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park SHENANDOAH: 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park EVERGLADES: One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park BISCAYNE: Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park NEW RIVER GORGE: 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ROCKY MOUNTAIN: How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary BRYCE CANYON:One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park BIG BEND: The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park DENALI: The Complete Guide to Denali Park Road OLYMPIC: 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park. The bourbon list is extensive. 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. Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Some of these are connector trails. So it was totally the poachers fault. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Your email address will not be published. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. 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. 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. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. 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. 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. We saw a Snowy Owl outside Sault Ste. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Most of the time, you are walking through oaks and other hardwoods, not through sloughs of tupelos and cypress trees that make Congaree National Park so beautiful and so unique. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. 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. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. 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. Copperhead, canebrake rattlesnake, cottonmouth and the rare coral snake. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Congaree National Park protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nations largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems. Learn more on the NPS website. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around the park. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. buttressed cypresses in Congaree National Park, Isle Royale National Park: Hiking Lake Superiors Island Wilderness, The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouris Mountains, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How 7 Popular Trails Have Changed, How to Tell If a Bear is About to Charge You on the Trail, The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Is So Big, Even the Grizzlies Seem Small. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. 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. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Instead, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers bring essential water and nutrients to this bottomland region, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. 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. On the left will be an unmaintained road. 100 National Park Road Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. 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. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Its more of a casual indifference. Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Baldcypress knees. 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. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Always carry a map and a compass, and know how to use them! Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. Now dominated by loblolly pines, remnants of the once abundant longleaf pines that covered this upland region have managed to hold on and can still be seen. 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. In fact, it was our favorite experience here.