Hopkins, I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins Nature & Parks, National Parks 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320 Save 42kRun Houston 158 61 Spiders, Snakes and Mosquitos Review of Congaree National Park Reviewed August 1, 2017 A nice visitor center with friendly Rangers and a film on the park. Photos taken by a park volunteer show a large cottonmouth . The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Hopkins, Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Occurrence values are defined below. Plus, wed had the park almost entirely to ourselves. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. But they can just as easily be found at the ground level. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria . This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. Carry plenty of water. Those who are eager to hit the water can head to the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, which is well-marked with navigational aids. , the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. If your visit is part of a bigger road trip, here are the driving distances and times to nearby destinations: Inside of Congaree National Park, your only option is tent camping. 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. Lots of it. We chose to have it delivered. Across the southeastern United States, old-growth bottomland forests like that found here at Congaree once covered approximately 30 million acres, while longleaf pine savannahs covered an estimated 90 million acres. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. The entire boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. We love bourbon and this is our favorite restaurant in Columbia. Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. people visited the park over the course of the year. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. 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. Proper clothing is essential. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. The National Park Service rangers have current trail . GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. . Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Congaree is a popular area for birding in South Carolina. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. When we did this, the trail was dry. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Dress in layers that can be easily removed depending on conditions, and carry a rain jacket, even if the forecast is calling for sun. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. It is the best way to experience this park. Don't be left out in the dark. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. Upper Cedar Creek Trail Guide - Friends of Congaree Swamp The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. The alligator is the largest reptile in the park, and there are turtles and snakes as well. These floods deposit fresh, nutrient rich soil across the landscape that helps to maintain the health of this ecosystem. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Carry a flashlight, even if you are only planning for a day hike. 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. Canoeing and Kayaking - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Time required: 12-14 hours. Cedar Creek to Route 601 Landing. (Seniors and those with America the Beautiful passes can participate for $35.). Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. Due to the pigs fast gestation period, its extremely difficult to control feral pig populations, though the park works with the USDA to keep their numbers down. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. We were visiting, Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. Top 10 Things to Do in Congaree National Park - Earth Trekkers Congaree is champion trees. 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. 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. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. This is a long hike. Paddlers can travel as far as 15 miles along this route for a single or multi-day adventure. Today, Congaree National Park helps preserve examples of these now uncommon natural landscapes and the diverse plant and animal life they support, as well as allowing visitors to experience and learn about what makes them so unique, as well as why they are worth saving. This off-the-beaten-path hike is worth it if you want to hike a quieter trail, see the Congaree River, and search for one of the oldest, grandest trees in the park. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? . The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. For comparison, in the same year, 4.42 million people flocked to Yosemite National Park. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Distance: 2.6 mile loop | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1 to 2 hours. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. Your email address will not be published. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. 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. Visit in the fall for optimal leaf-peeping opportunities. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. and all of Eastern Europe. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Allowed establish means values: native, endemic, introduced, Southern Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 10:53 PM by Ian Gourdin, Fowler's Toad from Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA on August 05, 2010 by sea-kangaroo, Spring Peeper from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on March 17, 2022 at 07:33 PM by kfleenor, Pine Woods Tree Frog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 08:47 PM by Ian Gourdin, Squirrel Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on July 01, 2022 at 08:18 AM by charlotteandgranthaveseenit, Barking Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 22, 2021 at 09:25 PM by ac-soilgirl, Green Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:51 PM by Ian Gourdin, Cope's Gray Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:42 PM by Nicole Lowder, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 16, 2023 at 09:37 AM by jennalollis, Southern Leopard Frog from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on February 20, 2023 at 03:10 PM by Maura, American Bullfrog from Richland County, SC, USA on August 14, 2022 at 02:30 PM by johngrego, Green Frog from Congaree National Park on April 22, 2023 at 11:01 AM by Valerie Hoyt-Parrish, Eastern Spadefoot from Richland County, SC, USA on June 16, 2018 at 11:21 PM by Kyle Finn, Marbled Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 07:05 PM by imlichenlucas, Atlantic Coast Slimy Salamander from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on March 12, 2022 at 03:24 PM by pniebanck, Carolina Swamp Dusky Salamander from Congaree National Park, Richland, South Carolina, United States on May 15, 2022 at 10:52 AM by Brian White, Southern Two-lined Salamander from Richland County, SC, USA on December 07, 2019 at 03:35 PM by Ston Coles, Three-lined Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 11:38 PM by imlichenlucas, coastal plain dwarf salamander from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on March 27, 2018 at 03:24 PM by Raina Eddy, Eastern Mud Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 17, 2021 at 02:19 PM by nathanc553, Greater Siren from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on February 15, 2020 at 02:20 PM by johngrego, American Alligator from Weston Lake, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 06:43 PM by lcarnley, Green Anole from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:15 PM by imlichenlucas, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard from 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on October 24, 2015 at 12:44 PM by Jos Garrido, Eastern Fence Lizard from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on May 05, 2018 at 03:00 PM by E.D. 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. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. 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Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale. Their work led to Congaree becoming a national monument in 1976. Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. It might an otter swimming in the river. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Visitation peaks from March to May. Congaree National Park - South Carolina - WildlifeSouth Save. Id seen plenty of rat snakes before, and Ive always appreciated them because of their sheer size, and varied appetite. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Its more of a casual indifference. The swamp is the ideal dwelling for frogs, salamanders . There are another 3 species that are likely present within the park as they are known to occur in the region but havent been confirmed within the park. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). 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. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. These trees make up one of the highest forest canopies in the world. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Julie Last updated: March 19, 2023 United States 6 Comments. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? Although we didnt run into any exotic or venomous snakes, the dogs and I were satisfied with our rainy Congaree visit; Our eyes were finally tuning into the subtleties of the swamp after a year of practice. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. Walk the boardwalk trail through the forest, go kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek, go birdwatching and fishing, and, if you like, venture farther into the park on a number of other woodland trails. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. Hopkins, Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. 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. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Marie in Michigan! The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a roughly 15-mile paddle through the heart of Congaree National Park, beginning at Bannister Bridge and continuing all the way to the Congaree River. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. Use dissolvable iodine tablets. May 1974: Congaree National Park 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, . It was a rainy winter morning when my dogs jumped out of the car, ready to put their sniffers to good use. Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? For two hours, Tim and I paddled on Cedar Creek and once we were finished, Gus picked up the canoe and we were on our way. 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. Travel with a friend! Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. SC Below is a pileated woodpecker that we saw while on the low boardwalk (west side). This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. 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. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. Most hikers get into trouble on the trail because of improper preparation. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . Learn more on the NPS website. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. Our website uses cookies. The wet environment makes planning difficult, but its also what makes the park such an ecological wonder. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Congaree has been the location of a search for the Ivory-billed woodpecker in the past, a bird once thought extinct until it was seen in Arkansas in 2004. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. Cheers, Julie. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. This park sits inside the Congaree River floodplain. Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of survival in an emergency situation. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. Congaree National Park appears in our Best US National Parks in March, Best US National Parks in May, and Best National Parks in November articles. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Cottonmouth snake spotted on boardwalk at Congaree National Park. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Peak fall colors occur at the beginning of November. 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. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. 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. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. Download the app. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Seeing Wise Lake is also very nice. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? Congaree National Park Visitor Information | HowStuffWorks Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. The current total is somewhere around 206 species that have been seen at the park. By comparison, there are slightly more than 1,107 species of birds known to science across the U.S., meaning that nearly 20% of the countrys birds have been spotted in Congaree. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. Sunscreen Use it. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Congaree National Park - Wikipedia Not In Park: Species is not known to occur in park. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. A Large Snake In South Carolina Does A Bad Job Of Hiding In A Tree Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The Kansas Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. 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. False Report: Species was reported to occur within the park, but current evidence indicates the report was based on misidentification, a taxonomic concept no longer accepted, or other similar problem of error or interpretation. At the visitor center, pick up a hiking trail guide and this lists each trail with its corresponding number. Out of the mainland USs national parks, its the third-least-visited east of the Mississippi, after Dry Tortugas and, Congarees trees support its vast array of wildlife and wetlands, Step onto (or paddle through) Congaree, and the first thing youll notice is just how tall the trees are. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. Check lists for individual taxa that live here, e.g. Is this your business? Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The vast majority of the park is lying within an area that, on an average year, will be underwater, explains Congaree National Park Ranger Jon Manchester, who has been with the park for 8 years. In other parts of the floodplain, slight changes in elevation have helped to create a variety of different ecosystems that support a diverse array of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, as well as trees such as giant old-growth oaks and massive loblolly pines. The Sims Trail provides another moderate hike, taking adventures 3 miles down a gravel road and into the forest. 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. Congaree National Park is bordered to the south by the Congaree River, which creates slow-moving creeks, oxbow lakes, and swampy areas throughout the park. 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. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061-8320. If theyre selected as a participant, the remaining fee is $19. 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 . This is the best walk in the park. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Whether youre herping, birding, or simply hiking, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked.