The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Located at the confluence of the . For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. Camping is also permitted in the high-ground section of the park, where an actual campground . You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. Oldest US National Park: Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. Hopkins, SC - Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.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 . When we did this, the trail was dry. Black Bear Pass: The . If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Learn more about available resources. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Outdoor Center. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! You can canoe part or all of this trail. There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the park after dark: Following these safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring Congaree National Park at night. It's also one of the best family-friendly trails for spotting wildlife. 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. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. This is the best walk in the park. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. 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. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. Since last summer, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has received a number of reports about bears in lower Richland County and across the Congaree River in Calhoun County adjacent to the national park. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. So it was totally the poachers fault. 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. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. (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 . Peak Foliage: Early October to Mid-October. Growing up in New York City, he gained an appreciation for getting lost in the wilderness, where he was able to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Read more about the region's history. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. Walk through . Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. 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. (2023)Continue. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. By studying champion trees, scientists can discern optimum ecological conditions for these species. Already,. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Just be sure to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe. 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. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. South Carolina's Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. These tablets are easy to carry with you on your hike and only requireadding them to the water and waiting a few minutes for them to work. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. and all of Eastern Europe. Learn more here. Cheers, Julie. Required fields are marked *. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. However, there's one specific grizzly bear that's not like the others, and it resides at Yoho National Park in eastern British Columbia, Canada. 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. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! Since last summer, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has received a number of reports about bears in lower Richland County and across the Congaree River in Calhoun County adjacent to the national park. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. We were following the Congaree River Blue Trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007 by . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. An official website of the United States government. 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. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. Park Size: 26,276acres (41.06 sq miles) (106.34 sq km). But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. Congaree is champion trees. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Visit Media to see details. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Its always best to hike with at least one other person. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. 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