But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Sunscreen Use it. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. *** 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. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. Already,. 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. Maine's Acadia National Park is one of the best national parks for dogs for a few reasons. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Be sure to . Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. If I sound too enthusiastic, you'll have to bear with me: Spring in the South is one of the most glorious times of the year. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. An official website of the United States government. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? It is open year-round. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. At the end of this short road is a small parking area and a National Park sign indicating the trailhead. If it is on a trail, find a route around it or wait for it to move on its own. What Are The Biggest Dangers At Congaree National Park? The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. 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. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. When will congaree national park open? Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. 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. Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. The park is located in a hurricane zone, so the weather can be very unpredictable. If and when you get cell service, call 9-1-1 and let them know which hospital you are headed to. Each trail has a different number. . NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Cheers, Julie. This way, if something happens and you dont return when youre supposed to, someone will know to come looking for you. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. (2023)Continue. Is Congaree National Park Safe? 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. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community! 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. The park is home to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Let someone know where youre going. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Menkoi Ramen House. There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. 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. It is 168 ft tall and has a circumference of 181 inches. Peak Foliage: Early October to Mid-October. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. . 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. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. There were no signs labeling this access road but the GPS coordinates for the turn off are 334544.7N 803833.7W. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. 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. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. 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. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. Check . We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. The park is alsohome to the tallest tree in the Eastern United States. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Water marks from flooding events can commonly be seen on Cypress trees. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. The parks are famous for their giant sequoia trees, some of which are over 350 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Oldest US National Park: Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872. 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. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. The trails vary between easy short trails, and a couple of longer trails that are over ten miles in a loop. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Get the best trails, tips & gear Reviews - for free. As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. 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! In conclusion, Congaree National Park is a safe place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Your email address will not be published. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . Looking for a cheap National Park souvenir? The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Unlike many hardwood forests, Congaree was largely spared by the lumber . If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. 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. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. Synchronous flashing displays are rare among North American fireflies, and the species of fireflies found within Congaree National Park live in a range that spans Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee with a preferred habit in mature forests and wet bottomlands. 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. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. 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. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. The Congaree River is what gives it the name. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Plan today at Ameriparks. If youre hiking during the winter, you need to be aware of the possibility of ice and snow. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. How high is the water, ranger? 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. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. ago I don't think anyone that has been to gateway arch thinks congaree is the worst national park. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. However, Congaree National Park is a relatively safe place to explore at night. If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Hiking and being in parks at night can be dangerous because of the low visibility, more wildlife out at night, and other general safety concerns. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Wise Lake is located near the trail junction for the Weston Lake Loop Trail and River Trail. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. Phone +1 803-776-4396. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. For more information,read our detailed one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. If so, you are going to have an amazing time. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. 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