All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, its important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. and all of Eastern Europe. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. River Trail: 203 Reviews, 1,487 Photos, Map - AllTrails Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. Watch your step! The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. At the midpoint of the hike, you get a view of the Congaree River, but its not worth it, not for an 11 mile round trip hike (if you want a view of the Congaree River from a hiking trail, do the 2.2 mile Bates Ferry Trail instead). CSV should not contain a header row. It might an otter swimming in the river. Each trail has a different number. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. These feral hogs are a highly destructive, invasive mammal found in the park. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. It depends. Brown water snakes are especially likely to be seen on this portion of the trail, on overhanging branches or piles of woody debris. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. As an avid birder, Manchester is excited about one species in particular. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. In 2019, about 12,000 people came to catch Photuris frontalis, a local species of firefly that flashes in unison. 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. Not In Park: Species is not known to occur in park. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State The parks cypress trees are one of the areas most peculiar-looking features. GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. What is a bottomland forest? The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Proper clothing is essential. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. So it was totally the poachers fault. Print (Subscriber . #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. 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. Numerous old roads exist in the park. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Congaree National Park appears in our Best US National Parks in March, Best US National Parks in May, and Best National Parks in November articles. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. The 2.4 mile boardwalk loop originating from the visitor center is a popular place to start. Congaree National Park Check List iNaturalist We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. Hopkins, We saw a Snowy Owl outside Sault Ste. Sunscreen Use it. SC 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. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. We were on the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. According to the Congaree National Park, "Eastern Rat Snakes are common in Congaree National Park and along much of the East Coast. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. This past year we broke a record for our visitation. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. SC I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. At the trail junction, follow signs for Weston Lake and you will now be on trail #3 (there will be small, white signs on the trees with the number 3 on them). Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. NPS Photo. Hopkins, Do not leave marked trails. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. The park has about 16 full-time permanent staff, and a number of seasonal staff members that come and go. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. #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. This green frog was hanging out on a plant above the flood waters when we spotted it from the boardwalk. 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. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of survival in an emergency situation. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. looking up at the old-growth forest canopy in Congaree National Park Photo: scgerding/iStock via Getty Images. 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. The Weston Lake trail is a good place to see wading birds. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. Current Conditions - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The Kansas The checklist will almost always contain fewer species than the full list. Lots of it. Paddlers can travel as far as 15 miles along this route for a single or multi-day adventure. But they can just as easily be found at the ground level. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. If theyre selected as a participant, the remaining fee is $19. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. 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. Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Last seen on August 11, 2021 in Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US | 0 comments. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. Most hikers get into trouble on the trail because of improper preparation. Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a roughly 15-mile paddle through the heart of Congaree National Park, beginning at Bannister Bridge and continuing all the way to the Congaree River. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. Probably Present: High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed. 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. The wet environment makes planning difficult, but its also what makes the park such an ecological wonder. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. Congaree National Park - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help They eat everything., Although some activities have been impacted by Covid-19, many of them are beginning to become operational again. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. We later spotted a few frogs hanging out on the door to the bathroom at the visitor center in the early morning. 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. The full list also contains species that are "in review" because their status in the park hasn't been fully determined. The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. 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. This short film includes messaging to educate visitors about Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR). The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. Visitation peaks from March to May. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Heading out the door? After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. 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. 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. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. If you use an outfitter like River Runner, they can drop your canoe or kayak at the starting point and pick you up at the endpoint. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Your email address will not be published. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. Each person should carry should carry a minimum of 1 liter of water, though 2 liters is recommended. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. We were visiting Congaree National Park, confident that a magnificent snake was waiting to be spotted nearby. Along the bluffs on the northern edge of the floodplain stands an upland pine forest. February 18, 2022 Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis Heading out the door? There is a . The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. The Full List includes all the checklist species in addition to species that are unconfirmed, historically detected, or incorrectly reported as being found in the park. Don't be left out in the dark. Congaree has been the location of a search for the Ivory-billed woodpecker in the past, a bird once thought extinct until it was seen in Arkansas in 2004. 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. 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. But once visitors set foot on Congarees 2.4-mile boardwalk, it becomes clear that this is not your average national park. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Other parts of the US are dealing with floods so if this area also gets an increase in rainfall there could be some flooding in Congaree as well. Nature - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? First introduced into South Carolina in the. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Learn more on the NPS website. It is open year-round. Make your reservation in advance! These trees make up one of the highest forest canopies in the world. 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. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. 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. View all alerts Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. We are headed to Charleston next month and plan to stop at Congaree National Park. Carry a flashlight, even if you are only planning for a day hike. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Congaree National Park South Carolina Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Boardwalk Loop Ranger-led program on boardwalk NPS Photo/jt-fineart.com The 2.4 mile boardwalk is an excellent introduction to the park.The flat surface is accessible and provides a leisurely way to experience the Congaree wilderness. 100 National Park Road Travel with a friend! Congaree National Park Wildlife - Parkcation (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 Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The State And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Search our species database below. 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. Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. This is a long hike. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around the park. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. 592 Reviews. 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. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Learn more about available resources. (Seniors and those with America the Beautiful passes can participate for $35.). Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Save. Occurrence values are defined below. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. We chose to have it delivered. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. 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. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park - Wikipedia Its more typical in Florida, and its expanding its range.. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Those who are interested in participating in the event can enter into the lottery system for $1. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. 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. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. 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. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Inspired by campy B-horror films, The Unprepared was created to educate folks on how to come prepared to the wilderness while also being entertaining. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. 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. The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. The General Greene tree is located here. Spiders, Snakes and Mosquitos - Review of Congaree National Park 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. Poisonous cottonmouth snake spotted on the boardwalk at Congaree Baldcypress knees. Learn more here. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. The National Park Service rangers have current trail . It was named a national park in 2003. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. 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. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. 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. It is the best way to experience this park. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. 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. The 75 species of trees that grow in the bottomland forests of Congaree National Park provide a life-sustaining habitat for all kinds of mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds. A few of the snakes we saw today on Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park 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.