Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. While park officials mostly leave the area bare of infrastructure to keep these places natural, the boardwalk allows visitors to see the floodplain in a safe, and unobtrusive way. 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! Our website uses cookies. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . Forested wetlands, oxbow lakes, sloughs, and slow-moving creeks cover and cover the landscape and provide essential habitat for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life, as well as bald cypress and tupelo trees. In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. The park is home to 21 different species, including venomous snakes like copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlers. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! Distance: Approximately 20 miles. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. A few of the snakes we saw today on Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park Numerous old roads exist in the park. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. Read more about the region's history. But its going to be our highest visiting year ever, says Manchester. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. Download the app. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Home of Champions Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. Were a globally important bird area, says Ranger Jon Manchester. 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. 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), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA). But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Baldcypress knees. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. SC Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. It may also deter fireflies from getting too close to the wrong species, some of which are cannibalistic. First introduced into South Carolina in the. It isnt uncommon for Congaree visitors to spot a few snakes hanging from trees as they canoe down the river. Occurrence values are defined below. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. By Ashlen Renner. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. The General Greene tree is located here. The highest temperature recorded at Congaree National Park was 104 degrees F in 1999. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. 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. 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. 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. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. 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Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. Learn more about available resources. Congaree National Park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance . Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Permits for these activities are currently free, but backcountry camping requires at least a 72 hour notice to the park. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Search our species database below. If you have one day in Congaree National Park, spend half a day hiking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and Weston Lake Trail and spend half of a day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. There are around 75 types of trees, nearly 200 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles/amphibians, and more than 50 species of fish and butterflies. It is open year-round. Also a great option for canoeists with two vehicles, this trip allows paddlers to explore the wilder eastern section of the park and float down the Congaree . 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. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. 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). We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. The Weston Lake trail is a good place to see wading birds. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. 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. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. In order to go fishing in the park, you must have a valid South Carolina fishing license. Each trail has a different number. Cook, Little Brown Skink from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 05, 2021 at 03:36 PM by Richard Joyce, Common Five-lined Skink from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 12:12 PM by In the Blink of a Shutter, Broad-headed Skink from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on April 25, 2023 at 03:37 PM by Karli Sinclair, Common Garter Snake from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on April 02, 2023 at 02:25 PM by Maggie Martin, Red-bellied Snake from Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US on August 11, 2021 at 01:57 PM by Richard Joyce, Dekay's Brownsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:05 PM by Ian Gourdin, Brown Watersnake from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on April 21, 2023 at 02:06 PM by logankparr, Common Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on May 20, 2022 at 11:52 AM by Will Kostick, Banded Watersnake from Richland County, SC, USA on April 15, 2023 at 07:57 AM by johngrego, Plain-bellied Watersnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 23, 2023 at 11:28 AM by Hannah, ring-necked snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 02, 2022 at 04:09 PM by dbryant21, Eastern Worm Snake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on February 26, 2022 at 04:49 PM by Richard Joyce, Eastern Hognose Snake from Richland County, SC, USA on September 24, 2021 at 02:35 PM by johngrego, North American Racer from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:08 PM by Nicole Lowder, Scarletsnake from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 27, 2022 at 10:11 PM by Richard Joyce, Rough Greensnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 03:39 PM by Juliana Smith, Eastern Kingsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on May 01, 2021 at 05:09 PM by nathanc553, Eastern Ratsnake from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:15 AM by infinitesupernova, Northern Cottonmouth from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 05:26 PM by lcarnley, Other Check Lists for Congaree National Park, Bird Check List for Congaree National Park, Create a new check list for Congaree National Park . The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. . My herpetologist boyfriend had guided us through dozens of swamps in wet conditions before, explaining that pit vipers are more likely to be active in the rain because it allows them to more effectively sense heat variations in their environment, and non-venomous snakes tend to join them because prey is more active in the rain. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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 national and state champion trees. The Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve is on the south side of the Congaree River and has a bluff that is a great place to see birds flying over the park. Instead, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers bring essential water and nutrients to this bottomland region, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. But once visitors set foot on Congarees 2.4-mile boardwalk, it becomes clear that this is not your average national park. Adequate preparation, constant attention, and good judgement will help make your hike a safe and enjoyable experience. May 1974: Congaree National Park 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, . They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Cypresses only grow in the southeastern corner of the United States, with the exception of a few pockets of trees in places like Louisiana and Mississippi, and many of the nations forests were heavily logged in the early 1900s to aid in railroad construction, Congarees cypresses, including the threatened bald cypress, are the largest remaining old growth stand in the nation. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. Heading out the door? Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. February 25, 2019, 6:38 AM. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. 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. Learn more on the NPS website. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It was named a national park in 2003. (Worried about being bitten? Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. Ensure that the water has been filtered or any particles have settled, and use the recommended number of tabs per quart. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. If you just hike the Bates Ferry Trail, it is a 2.2 mile out-and-back hike that is completely flat and takes about an hour. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. One or more Occurrence Tags may be associated with each Occurrence value. Below is a pileated woodpecker that we saw while on the low boardwalk (west side). It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. 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). The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. 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. 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. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I can only find reports of one venomous snakebite in the park and that was to a poacher who was handing a copperhead. life jacket/PFD, bug spray, personal locator beacon). This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. We chose to have it delivered. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? Julie Last updated: March 19, 2023 United States 6 Comments. It proceeded to spread its wings to dry them and we got a couple great photos of it while it did. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. The trail offers excellent birdwatching, and hikers may spot deer, raccoons, opossums, and even bobcat tracks. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. We saw a Snowy Owl outside Sault Ste. Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? Plus, wed had the park almost entirely to ourselves. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. 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. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. 100 National Park Road Watch your step! This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. When theyre not underwater, Congaree has 25 miles of hiking trails, and the parks waterways also make for a great canoe or kayaking trip for truly adventurous souls. In 2019, about 12,000 people came to catch Photuris frontalis, a local species of firefly that flashes in unison. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Let us know. Here visitors can experience both a unique old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, home to numerous national and state champion trees and one of the most biodiverse forests in the nation, as well as an upland pine forest where fire plays a key role in its health and survival. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. Learn how your comment data is processed. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Check conditions here! . Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. CSV should not contain a header row. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. 4 more non-emergency alert notifications. I have no idea. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Its more typical in Florida, and its expanding its range.. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . Congaree is champion trees. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. If you're planning a visit in the spring or summer make sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and apply ample amounts of insect repellent. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. Some of these are connector trails. 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. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. 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. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Time required: 12-14 hours. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. These trees make up one of the highest forest canopies in the world. The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. There are four venomous snakes that live in the park. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Its more of a casual indifference. You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Congaree: Chasing Pure Solitude in One of the East's Least-Visited National Parks Marvel at tall trees, flooded forest, and rare birds at one of the nation's lesser-known destinations.
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