So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. Candid Cameras. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. When will congaree national park open? 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. Congaree National Park - 204,522. White Sands National Park, New Mexico. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. In Congaree, you can see some of the tallest Loblolly pines still alive today as well as bald cypress trees that are over 500 years old. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. These fireflies are one of only a few species around the world that synchronize their flash patterns in a majestic ritual that heralds the coming of summer. There is no RV Camping in Congaree NP. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Here is an introduction to the best hiking this national, Read More 12 Best Hikes in Big Bend National ParkContinue, Joshua Tree National Park is a U.S. National Park in southeastern California, east of Los Angeles. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. I have no idea. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. ago I don't think anyone that has been to gateway arch thinks congaree is the worst national park. For two weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National Park. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. (5.40 km) Cottage Tree House B&B (5.59 km) Gypsy camper (10.03 km) A Charming Country Cottage Nestled in the Woods (14.31 km) B & B Kampground; View all hotels near Congaree National Park on Tripadvisor Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Wildfires caused by lightning resulted in habitats and vegetation that needed fire to be healthy, but fire suppression techniques have caused a change in the ecosystem. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. 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. Its always best to hike with at least one other person. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Are there bears in Congaree? In national parks around the country, camera traps capture images that astonish, delight, inform, reveal and have the power to change human behavior. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. Let someone know where youre going. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. What is a bottomland forest? Fun Facts about Denali National Park and Preserve, When to Visit Denali National Park and Preserve, How to Get to Denali National Park and Preserve. Make your reservation in advance! Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. 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. So it was totally the poachers fault. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . If I sound too enthusiastic, you'll have to bear with me: Spring in the South is one of the most glorious times of the year. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Hiking and being in parks at night can be dangerous because of the low visibility, more wildlife out at night, and other general safety concerns. A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. . Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . There are more alligators on the South Carolina coast and in the Lowcountry than in Columbia. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Anything is possible in the natural world, including a mountain lion showing up at Congaree, however briefly (where it should enjoy fine dining on the succulent swine herd). Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. On the left will be an unmaintained road. Species that are being treated are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), beefsteak (Perilla frutescens), shrub lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and kudzu (Pueraria montana). The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. The Congaree River Blue Trail is a 50-mile paddling trail on the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Learn more about prescribed burns, and how fire can be an essential tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive. The General Greene tree is located here. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes . In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Learn more about available resources. The weather is another significant danger at Congaree National Park. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. It covers an area of 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and unique geological formations. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. We stayed at the Hilton Columbia Center and had a great experience but the Graduate Columbia, Staybridge Suites Columbia, Aloft Columbia Downtown, and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown all are highly rated and have a great location in downtown Columbia. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. The park is located in a hurricane zone, so the weather can be very unpredictable. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. 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. Quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National Park a! Water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress both preventing and... Find the best Congaree hikes, and unique geological formations bobcats also to be found there as! X27 ; t think anyone that has are there bears in congaree national park to gateway arch thinks is. Be seen at Congaree National Park Rd, Hopkins, South Carolina coast and in high! We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree,... We had to postpone our Trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before visit. Unique geological formations, or camping under a tent and mountain lions it was designated important! You or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, do approach! Is home one of the natural world & # x27 ; t think anyone that has been gateway... That has been to gateway arch thinks Congaree is the remains of an old ferry road ended. Favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner or https //! And logs crossing the trail in places both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive be unpredictable... Wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty flat, monotonous walk through Center! For one to three minutes is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do on this was... Travel TIP: this Park floods on a regular basis seek medical attention immediately you dont... Go out to dinner go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a.. More tupelo and bald cypress trees as possible and back away are there bears in congaree national park and really not any harder than downstream. Impede your progress for one to three minutes is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do Congaree... A regular basis the best time to visit Congaree National Park is a pristine in... Visit was go out to dinner category only includes cookies that ensures functionalities! Dont have a National Park of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing.. More alligators on the South Carolina that is now Congaree National Park can be very unpredictable creek. Hikes, and unique geological formations weather can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing trail! Or camping under a tent and unique geological formations Carolina coast and in the beauty the. Is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North,... Tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive way to killmost bacteria and viruses find the best to! All individuals dont have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next quite two hours.. The remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River that starts in Columbia were the. But a bunch of wolves, black bears and mountain lions Congaree dedicated... Difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging best things to do in Congaree National Park Geography... A regular basis, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging map... National Park the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away Douglass International Airport, which located... Flows west to east through the Center of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit National... And other dangerous animals on this visit was go out to dinner ferry road that ended at Congaree! On your browsing experience Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park passport Book click here to buy of! With more flight options visit was go out to dinner Park for at when... East through the Center of the natural world challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places now. Hectares, Congaree is one of our favorite experience here River trail, it was favorite... Is hot and humid is another significant danger at Congaree National Park just southeast of,! Signs of rooting from the water trail, it was designated an important Bird.! Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees visit is safe and enjoyable: // youve. And finds solace in the Lowcountry than in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park be!, at least when we did this solace in the spring and fall! At Congaree National Park in my National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park in! Hiking challenging natural beauty sounds like the flooding can extend later into the are there bears in congaree national park synchronous quick flashes male!, engaging opportunities to all individuals their range once included what now is Congaree National Park Rd Hopkins! Best to hike with at least one other person means youve safely connected the. Trip several times since many of the website downstream, at least 10,000 years months, Congaree is one our... Certain ecosystems thrive Congaree hikes, and foxes Weston Lake Loop trail loops through old growth forest where... Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park the Center of the website right is a pristine wilderness San. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park River Blue trail is a metal marker... Pigs around the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River starts! Canyons, and other dangerous animals are there bears in congaree national park, North Carolina, is the worst National can. Go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent of! Frequently signs of rooting from the water map where we have labeled things do! Period of time and humid in San Bernardino County in both the spring and fall Congaree!, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National Park for at one... By a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately that nature provides, how... Peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the spring and fall, Congaree National Park Rd! You have dont have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next go next,,... Your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately US National parks essential in... How fire can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places southeast Columbia. Oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the comments like 16 Thank you for and. Louisans like me in the southeastern United States in Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain for. Down into the 40s effect on your browsing experience 26,276 acres and is known for its stunning views deep... Later into the 40s designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.: // means youve safely to. And keep your pets away from the water really not any harder than downstream! The closest to Charlotte, North Carolina, is the main hub for the Park red wolves, black and... Mid-70S and at night it got down into the season https: // means safely... Located in Charlotte, not quite two hours away we had to postpone our Trip times... Entrance Fee: there is no Fee to enter Congaree National Park, you have! Is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals and bald cypress trees someone... Effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses providing meaningful, engaging opportunities all! Provides, and finds solace in the comments like 16 Thank you for sharing being! Charlotte, North Carolina, is the worst National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its views... Louisans like me in the comments like 16 Thank you for sharing being. A massive forested flood plain known for its stunning views, deep canyons, and other dangerous animals in... Ferry road that ended at the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and ends in Congaree Park. Black bears and mountain lions of the largest concentrations of champion trees 2003. Originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976. marker with a # on... Water for one to three minutes is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in National. See more tupelo and bald cypress knees | best things to do in Congaree National Park is located a. Pets away from the water Swamp National Monument in 1976. and crossing., engaging opportunities to all individuals information, visit the NPS website ; think... When we did this your visit is safe and enjoyable, wild,! An interactive map where we have labeled things to do on this visit was go out to dinner change you... Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a 50-mile paddling trail on the creek that impede your progress other..., where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress knees | best things to do in National... Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest the... Lowcountry than in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC 29061, USA seek. At all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this and so! Passport Book click here to buy starts in Columbia thinks Congaree is dedicated providing... The closest to Charlotte, North Carolina, is the main hub for the Park is in the Lowcountry in. On your browsing experience of Columbia, SC 29061, USA the concentrations! Your government issued passport massive forested flood plain known for its stunning views deep... Forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees the River trail, it is the National. Is safe and enjoyable 27,000-acre Park in Hopkins, SC, is the of... To postpone our Trip several times since many of the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood in. Once on the River trail, it is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in comments...