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. As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. 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. Check . If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the country's smallest and newest national parks, the 26,276-acre Congaree National Park in central South Carolina is a hidden gem. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. Congaree National Park. Both towns are just a short drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which serves as the northern entrance to the national park. 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. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Distance: 11.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 4 to 6 hours. (2023)Continue. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. Stay on the trails. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Congaree National Park, Hopkins . When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. 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. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Safety Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. There is no RV Camping in Congaree NP. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Second, the terrain in Congaree National Park can be challenging, with roots and logs crossing the trail in places. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. Acadia National Park, Maine. The trees that grow here are some of the tallest in the eastern US and this is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world. 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. David enjoys the peace and solitude that nature provides, and finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. 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). Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Virgin . 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. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Your email address will not be published. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. The CBR Core Protected Area includes 15,269 acres of Congaree National Park, all of which are federally designated wilderness. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 219,987. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. We thought that this hike is easy. 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. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. Female P. frontalis fireflies are more difficult to find than the males because they are more susceptible to predation and hide to survive. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? There are black bears in Congaree National Park. *** I have seen venomous coral snakes listed as possible in the park in other sources but they are not on NPSs official wildlife list so I dont think they are in the park. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. There is a beauty to this area, its just on a smaller scale. The bourbon list is extensive. If youre not careful, you could easily lose your footing and end up injured. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. 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. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Visit Media to see details. An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. The city may not be known for its lush green scenery and vast natural beauty, but that doesnt mean there arent any surprises waiting on your next adventure. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. 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. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. 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. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320 Read Reviews of Congaree National Park Property types Motels Hotels All-inclusives B&Bs & Inns +35 Show more View Vacation Rentals Popular & up 76 Breakfast included162 4 stars 1 Hotels Amenities Free Wifi 211 Breakfast included162 Pool 151 Free parking 195 Show all Distance from 25+ mi No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . 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. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Is it worth going to Congaree National Park? 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). You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. Third, be prepared. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Candid Cameras. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. #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. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Are there bears in Congaree? When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Some sites are . 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. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. 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. If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not try to capture it or kill it. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . From the Boardwalk Loop Trail, walk 0.6 miles on the Weston Lake Loop Trail until you get to the trail junction with the River Trail. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Get the best trails, tips & gear Reviews - for free. Species that are being treated are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), beefsteak (Perilla frutescens), shrub lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and kudzu (Pueraria montana). According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Is It Safe To Drink Water In Congaree National Park? Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is open year-round. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Current knowledge and is a Park where you want to slow your roll enjoy... The east there are signs here that direct you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous nations boundaries, let. The beauty of the safety of the current knowledge and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp the... Will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21 limited food options in Gadsden the. Hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its just on a smaller scale fireflies... And Dangerous road in Colorado 4 sign indicating the trailhead the video earlier, be not... 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