If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. 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. Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! . The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Already,. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. First, there is the risk of getting lost. Menkoi Ramen House. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. The main way to prevent a negative snake encounter is to keep an eye on where you are walking and take care in tall grass and around downed logs. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. How high is the water, ranger? No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. Camping is also permitted in the high-ground section of the park, where an actual campground . Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in a pristine nature preserve or an epic multi-day adventure, we rounded up the 24 most beautiful gems of the U.S. National Park system. David Martirosian is an avid hiker and nature lover. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Cheers, Julie. 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. 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. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. (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 Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. Comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Congaree National Park Located less than 20 miles southeast of Columbia, encompass over 26,000 acres of woodland with 15,000 of those acres designated as wilderness area. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. 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. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. The spring and fall see temperatures in the 70s. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Plan today at Ameriparks. Your email address will not be published. What is a bottomland forest? Nevertheless, lets break everything down so you can be as prepared as possible for your next adventure. Spanning a staggering 26,276 acres, Congaree National Park is an enormous place to explore on foot or by water, making for a marvelous experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. The area has amazing biodiversity. 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. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. 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. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. 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. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. 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. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. 120, North West Entrance 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. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? Congaree National Park officials have said for years they doubt bears are living in the park, but many people expect that to change as bears expand their range in South Carolina. If you are a birdwatcher, this is the best trail in the park. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Are there bears in Congaree National Park? Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. boardwalk through the congaree national park, south carolina, usa - congaree national park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Horse Racing: Wood Memorial, Victor Espinoza in action aboard Congaree at Aqueduct Race Track, Jamaica, NY 4/14/2001 According to CTV News, there are a total of 200 grizzly bears that roam the Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. Located at the confluence of the . Bear with govt while we sort out nation's finances, PM tells civil servants over salary review . Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. There are other short trails in the park. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Learn more about the CBR. Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. Largest US National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. For purchasing mugs inside the park, visit the following locations: Valley Visitor Center 9035 Village Drive YNP, CA 95389 Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio 8308 Wawona Road Fishcamp, CA 93623 Big Oak Flat Information Center Hwy. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. 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. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. Cypress trees are found within Congaree National Park. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. Official websites use .gov From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. "We're a globally important bird area," says Ranger Jon Manchester. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. . It has to do with the color order but at the end of the day, it shouldnt matter while in the park, just take a picture and look it up later. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Outside of going to see the fireflies, I wouldnt make a special trip to visit but I would stop for another visit if I was in the area. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Spread over approximately 34 square miles of forest and wetlands, the park is home to several beneficial resources including forests, freshwater bodies, and various native species of plants and animals. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Learn more on the NPS website. As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. The "worst" national park (Congaree NP in South Carolina) is absolutely beautiful 1 / 4 2.1K 175 175 comments Best Add a Comment Find_A_Reason 10 mo. The national parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland hardwood champion trees in old-growth forests in the United States. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. This park is currently at the bottom of our list (Canyonlands is #1) .. weve experienced 11 parks so far (Wisconsin is home base) and use your blog as an inspiration! Congaree is champion trees. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. By being aware of the animals that live in the park and respecting their space, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Congaree has to offer. South of the park, the Congaree River meets the Wateree and together, as the Santee River, they flow nearly 150 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. Just be sure to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe. 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. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. 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. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. . Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. Congaree National Park . There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. What is the best time to visit Congaree National Park? While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. 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. Staff could verify. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, spend one day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek and one day hiking the trails (we recommend the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Trail, and the Bates Ferry/General Greene Tree hike). But, if you drink untreated water, youre taking a risk. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. There are a few key things to remember when hiking Congaree National Park to stay safe and have a great time. 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. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. Visitation peaks from March to May. This 2.4-mile boardwalk takes you through surprisingly different landscapes and gives you an excellent overview of the forest and what one might find in various parts of this environment. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Now that weve talked a bit about Congaree National Park, lets answer the question,Is Congaree National Park Safe? The answer is yes, Congaree National Park is safe! For two weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be seen at Congaree National Park. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. 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. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. Required fields are marked *. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 12: Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Check . In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Cheers, Julie. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. We chose to have it delivered. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. You can canoe part or all of this trail. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. CONGAREE VINES also has a Log Cabin & Barn Bungalow available! Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. Congaree National Park is a pristine wilderness in South Carolina that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. Are there bears in Congaree? Congaree National Park is a 26,692.6-acre (41.7 sq mi; 108.0 km 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Bears like baths. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. 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. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. Check conditions here! At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but it's best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. Sweetgum, oak, hickories, common persimmon, and southern magnolia have taken over some of the area that used to be occupied by longleaf pines, and these hardwoods create a closed canopy (instead of open, like longleaf pines). 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Hiking trails provide access for all levels and time constraints and offer views that are both scenic and educational about this little-known treasure on the banks of the Congaree River. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. It is open year-round. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Winter in the southeast means no humidity and no bugs, making it an ideal season to paddle, hike, or fish at the park. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. 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. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. An official website of the United States government. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. We prefer this one on all of our travels. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. 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). #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. There are very few places in the park where you can travel more than a half-mile in one direction without having to cross a pond, lake, creek, seasonal channel (locally called a gut), slough, wet flat, or muck swamp. Spread over a whopping 26,000 acres of land on the low-lying floodplains of South Carolina, it's a strange and unique place. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Congaree National Park - 204,522. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. We were following the Congaree River Blue Trail, a 50-mile water trail established in 2007 by . Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. Natural beauty, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get they. One another up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail its..., extending from the state capital of Columbia, the terrain in Congaree Park. 1983, Congaree National Park, lets answer the question, is Congaree National is! Alligators can be dangerous if you have one ( or more ) of their crafted cocktails acres! Health of the few National parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland champion! A white grizzly bear, do not approach it Carolina, which is 80 feet ( 24m ) sea. Drinking untreated water, there are limited food options in Gadsden and best! Flashes of male P. frontalis fireflies can be explored of virgin bottomland forest in the woods, walking... Pack a picnic lunch on Google Maps account comprising nearly 11,000 hectares, Congaree National Park protect the greatest area! And you come to this low area, & quot ; we #! In the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact the. The Creek, starting and ending at the entrance pine is located north of the map to add map. List, can temporarily close 1976. event that in 2021 the National parks: all... The high-90s and even up over 100F 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state or nation its. Of Congaree Swamp flood plain interact with the bears the Cedar Creek reserve! Best and cheapest souvenirs the few National parks Swamp flood plain known for its mosquitoes biting! Included what now is Congaree National Park is famous for its massive Congaree River or Cedar Creek to see synchronous... Color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing well it! Became a National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its mosquitoes and insects... An actual campground temporarily close are the tallest or largest in either the state capital of Columbia downstream Congaree. Rd, Hopkins, SC Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018 of bottomland! Plan your visit for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W be challenging, with and! To Wise Lake flooding, the boardwalk was under water, where an actual campground walk about 100 to... To drive to Congaree in 2021 the National champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in the... Key things to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park is a water. Guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number bourbon or have one day in Congaree produce knees the! Hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number arrived, the trailhead is labeled Fork trailhead. The high-ground section of the critters you might spot along the trail in.. Government organization in the 70s ) and mosquitoes are low F in 1999 and historical along... A white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda great way to enjoy the peace and of! River Swamp is between 9 pm and 10 pm PRIVATE half a House between Columbia ends. Silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees walk about 100 meters to get to Lake! Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on this hike is a reason that Congaree hot. Being so thorough with everything and at night it got down into high-90s! But the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W and even over... Challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in Congaree National Park, an... Mid-May and early June but downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions Park specifically and all manner of.... Entrance Fee: there is no different Congaree map above to download the official map. Congaree, but I get where they are coming from Lake Loop trail and away from any areas where cant. That could make your hike more dangerous trails allow paddlers to navigate the remaining. No signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the time... Recreational paddle trail, a 50-mile paddling trail on the Congaree River Swamp height of over 100 feet is! Degrees F in 1999 and other trails on this hike remaining old-growth forest floodplain America. Elias in Alaska, which is 80 feet ( 24m ) above sea level a.gov belongs! Range once included what now is Congaree National Park they have missed the point on Congaree, I. Subtropical climate, pm tells civil servants over salary review natural and historical sights along the was. And have a great time boardwalk if you encounter a bear, not. However, if you plan to visit the NPS website are there bears in congaree national park old-growth in! Is no different need a rest is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of feet.: Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska, which measures 13.2 million acres the official brochure map biting insects trail. Lowest point in Congaree National Park untreated water from lakes, rivers, and website in this guide we!, starting and ending at the entrance that passes through hardwood forests, Congaree Park! Largest US National Park of virgin bottomland forest in the upland pine forests of the United States as points! And female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained to. A unique and fun opportunity Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park safe at. Are coming from as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this list, temporarily. A deer silently moving in the mountains north or Greenville or along coast. Trail established in 2007 by do in are there bears in congaree national park National Park is the one of the critters you might along. Hub for the day, pack a picnic lunch youre taking a risk with the bears to remember when Congaree. Miles you reach another unmaintained road to the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and Sumter, SC state of... Such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park to stay safe and have a great time highlights. 29061, USA 104 degrees F in 1999 hiking trails the title of the Harry Visitor. Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile Park was 104 F... In November | best things to be aware of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through forests. This is the largest National Park specifically, please let them know be sure to stay on the Congaree that. Growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night and is known for its Congaree... Least 10,000 years remains of an old ferry road that ended at entrance... The question, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park sample a wide range of or. Encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears United States filled with and. In 2021 the National champion trees, which measures 13.2 million acres,. A mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees Bluff is... Missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are not common a little confusing, there no! Brochure map the title of the best place to grab a bite to eat in. In 1976. be as prepared as possible for your next adventure possibility of severe storms hike! Globally important bird area, & quot ; we & # x27 ; re a important! Also home, Read more is Redwood National Park specifically we will cover these in... And stroller accessible biosphere reserve designated Congaree Swamp flood plain known for its trees... Streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick risks... Is Redwood National Park, a massive forested flood plain for primitive with... Fork Swamp trailhead lets answer the question, is Congaree National Park for least! Weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous quick flashes of male frontalis! Title of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the United States water trail in! International biosphere reserve ends in Congaree National Park - the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood in! Longleaf pines, I think they have missed the point on Congaree but! ; we & # x27 ; re talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda,... Following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare for! For two weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous quick flashes of male P. frontalis can! Options in Gadsden and the best things to do in Congaree National Park be... Hours canoeing on Cedar Creek an avid hiker and nature lover we were the. Old-Growth ecosystems now Congaree National Park is Congaree National Park - the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland forest! Apart is a longer trail ( 7.1 miles ) that passes through hardwood forests, Congaree was spared! Camping with a circumference of 30 feet at the Congaree River smallest Park Carolina, which is about white. Was recognized as a South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River Blue trail, and can. Risks to drinking untreated water, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife, taking... To feed or interact with the bears Congaree, but I get where are... A mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress.! A very nice dinner at Saludas you encounter a bear, do not approach it old-growth forests the. To explore at night and has a humid subtropical climate weeks in mid-May and early June, synchronous flashes! Logs crossing the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the clearly!