Visitation peaks from March to May. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. The park plans to hold its annual Firefly Festival this May. It is open year-round. Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Hopkins, Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. So it was totally the poachers fault. SC It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. We saw the anhinga pictured below from the observation point over Weston Lake from the boardwalk. While hiking in the backcountry of Congaree National Park, your safety is in your hands! These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. 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 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. and is subject to periodic flooding which occurs approximately ten times each year. There are four venomous snakes that live in the park. Remember: A little planning goes a long way towards making sure your hiking trip is a safe and pleasant one. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. SC Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . Let us know. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. Allowed occurrence status values: present, common, uncommon, irregular, doubtful, absent It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Also be wary of poison ivy, spiders, wasps and snakes, which like to hang out near downed trees. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Nature - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 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. Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. Baldcypress knees. Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. 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. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. Is Congaree National Park Pet-Friendly? - PatchPets With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. The biggest threat they pose is to the ecosystem itself. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Reptiles - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) In 2019, about 12,000 people came to catch Photuris frontalis, a local species of firefly that flashes in unison. Those who are interested in participating in the event can enter into the lottery system for $1. But they can just as easily be found at the ground level. How Many Days Do You Need in Congaree National Park? On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Part of Sims Trail bisects the Boardwalk Loop Trail and this part of Sims trail is not worth it, since you miss seeing the bottomland forests. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth This trail can be linked with the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a longer journey. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Required fields are marked *. Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. 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. We thought that this hike is easy. 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. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. We saw the one pictured below making its way across Weston Lake from East to West. 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. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. The vast majority of the park is lying within an area that, on an average year, will be underwater, explains Congaree National Park Ranger Jon Manchester, who has been with the park for 8 years. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria . The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Search our species database below. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But its going to be our highest visiting year ever, says Manchester. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. The Weston Lake trail is a good place to see wading birds. Carry plenty of water. How high is the water, ranger? First introduced into South Carolina in the. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. If theyre selected as a participant, the remaining fee is $19. Travel with a friend! The Ten Essentials are only the basic items you should have with you. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. However, the poisonous snakes typically avoid people. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. Were a globally important bird area, says Ranger Jon Manchester. These feral hogs are a highly destructive, invasive mammal found in the park. Cook, Little Brown Skink from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 05, 2021 at 03:36 PM by Richard Joyce, Common Five-lined Skink from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 12:12 PM by In the Blink of a Shutter, Broad-headed Skink from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on April 25, 2023 at 03:37 PM by Karli Sinclair, Common Garter Snake from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on April 02, 2023 at 02:25 PM by Maggie Martin, Red-bellied Snake from Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US on August 11, 2021 at 01:57 PM by Richard Joyce, Dekay's Brownsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:05 PM by Ian Gourdin, Brown Watersnake from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on April 21, 2023 at 02:06 PM by logankparr, Common Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on May 20, 2022 at 11:52 AM by Will Kostick, Banded Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on April 15, 2023 at 07:57 AM by johngrego, Plain-bellied Watersnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 23, 2023 at 11:28 AM by Hannah, ring-necked snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 02, 2022 at 04:09 PM by dbryant21, Eastern Worm Snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on February 26, 2022 at 04:49 PM by Richard Joyce, Eastern Hognose Snake from Richland County, SC, USA on September 24, 2021 at 02:35 PM by johngrego, North American Racer from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:08 PM by Nicole Lowder, Scarletsnake from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 27, 2022 at 10:11 PM by Richard Joyce, Rough Greensnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 03:39 PM by Juliana Smith, Eastern Kingsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on May 01, 2021 at 05:09 PM by nathanc553, Eastern Ratsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:15 AM by infinitesupernova, Northern Cottonmouth from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 05:26 PM by lcarnley, Other Check Lists for Congaree National Park, Bird Check List for Congaree National Park, Create a new check list for Congaree National Park . The full list also contains species that are "in review" because their status in the park hasn't been fully determined. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park, walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail and consider adding on the Weston Lake Trail with the detour to Wise Lake. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. 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. Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking Canoeing Cedar Creek NPS Photo Planning Your Congaree Canoe Adventure! The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. 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. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Alligators Alligators can't nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. 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. Copperhead, canebrake rattlesnake, cottonmouth and the rare coral snake. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. When we did this, the trail was dry. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest 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 . Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. Current Conditions - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 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. 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 flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. The General Greene tree is located here. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! Congaree National Park Visitor Information | HowStuffWorks If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. 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. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. #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. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. First introduced into South Carolina in the 1500s 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. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. 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. Upper Cedar Creek Trail Guide - Friends of Congaree Swamp The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. And those who are particularly adventurous can also take advantage of the parks dispersed camping, or kayak and canoe off of the creek. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. 100 National Park Road Plan a field trip to Congaree National 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. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. 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. Brown water snakes are especially likely to be seen on this portion of the trail, on overhanging branches or piles of woody debris. Learn how your comment data is processed. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. But once visitors set foot on Congarees 2.4-mile boardwalk, it becomes clear that this is not your average national park. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. 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. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. 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. 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. 100 National Park Road The bourbon list is extensive. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Below is a map from the National Park Service. 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. 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. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. River Trail: 203 Reviews, 1,487 Photos, Map - AllTrails 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. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. Visitors can expect to spend about 3 hours on the water, paddling through about 4 miles of the river, and potentially encountering alligators along the way. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 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. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. It is the best way to experience this park. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. #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. Congaree National Park lies within the floodplain of the Congaree River. Most hikers get into trouble on the trail because of improper preparation. The Kingsnake Trail explores a remote part of Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The State Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. The area has amazing biodiversity. Cheers, Julie. Things to Do at Congaree National Park - More Than Just Parks Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Hiking Safety - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. Today, Congaree National Park helps preserve examples of these now uncommon natural landscapes and the diverse plant and animal life they support, as well as allowing visitors to experience and learn about what makes them so unique, as well as why they are worth saving. In the spring, the park expects to resume ranger-led canoe tours. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. About a mile into our hike, I finally found what I was looking for: There was a black rat snake wiggling his way through the mud, clearly curious about something. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Local. looking up at the old-growth forest canopy in Congaree National Park Photo: scgerding/iStock via Getty Images. 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. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Congaree National Park (Hopkins) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go If you have one day in Congaree National Park. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. 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. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. 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. 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. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet.
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