It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . Its always better to have too much than not enough. Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. Both are located in the upland pine forests of the park and offer a spectacular wooded setting for those looking for a challenge. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park, walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail and consider adding on the Weston Lake Trail with the detour to Wise Lake. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. 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. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. This large carnivore has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories. We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. Campground Regulations The maximum number of people in a campsite: 8 people, 3 tents per individual site The number of cars per campsite: All cars must park in the gravel parking lot. There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. . Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. 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. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. 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. With over 26,000 acres of forest and wetlands, Congaree is home to an abundance of wildlife. While there are risks to drinking untreated water, there are also ways to purify itbefore you drink it. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. 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. Part of Sims Trail bisects the Boardwalk Loop Trail and this part of Sims trail is not worth it, since you miss seeing the bottomland forests. I have no idea. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. Maybe we would have liked this one more? South Carolina's Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and stay on the trails. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. The bourbon list is extensive. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. Hopkins Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. (2023)Continue. So it sounds like the flooding can extend later into the season. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. 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! Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 5 to 7 hours. Its always best to hike with at least one other person. and all of Eastern Europe. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. 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. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If youre not careful, you could quickly end up as prey. 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). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park, Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park, 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park, The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park, 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park, One Perfect Day in Congaree National Park, 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). In conclusion, Congaree National Park is a safe place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. Best of Conagree National Park in a Nutshell, MUST SEE: 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, GETTING THERE: How to Get to Congaree National Park. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. There are currently two mugs available from the Yosemite Conservancy online here. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are delicious. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! (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 Dallas is a hidden treasure trove of hiking trails! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Here are a few of the common animals that you may encounter while exploring the park: That said, while most of the wildlife in Congaree National Park is harmless, there are a few animals that you should be aware of. Walk through . Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. It is open year-round. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. 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. Stay on the trails. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Trees produce knees like the flooding can extend later into the season the closest town is Crescent City, 60! For a challenge old-growth ecosystems acres of forest and wetlands, Congaree National Park Tennessee. Its essential to be explored and 27 state champion trees are trees which South. In Columbia we love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in.! 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