It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Pets welcome at $25 per pet. 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. Is It Safe To Go Alone To Congaree National Park? The park is full of steep hills and treacherous trails. If so, you are going to have an amazing time. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. Learn more about prescribed burns, and how fire can be an essential tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive. Let someone know where youre going. Follow this for another tenth of a mile and you come to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald cypress trees. Also, there are several potential hazardsincluding venomous snakes, poisonous . Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Daytime highs were in the high 60s to mid-70s and at night it got down into the 40s. You can either pick up the canoe from their office in Columbia, or for an additional fee, have them deliver it right to the canoe launch. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (14.38 km) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Be sure to let someone know your hike plan before you go in case you need to be reached in an emergency. 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. Be sure to watch your step and take your time in areas where the footing is uncertain. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Gus gave us a great overview of Cedar Creek and told us what to keep an eye out for as we paddled on the creek. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) The best time to visit Congaree National Park is in the spring and the fall. bears live in the mountains north or Greenville or along the coast west of Myrtle Beach. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 162 ft tall, Firefly Festival (only found during the Firefly Festival). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Congaree National Park . South Carolina's Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. 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. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. 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. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Some of the tallest trees on the east coast are located inside Congaree, which was named after the Native American tribe that used to reside there. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is a long hike. Crossing over the old, rickety bridges with views of the forest is beautiful. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes . Their range once included what now is Congaree National Park, a massive forested flood plain known for its towering trees. 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. Are there snakes in Congaree National Park? If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins Congaree National Park protects towering trees and a varied plant and animal life. Its always better to have too much than not enough. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. 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. The difficulty can vary based on conditions in the park. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. This was our second favorite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Trail. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. If you see a snake, give it space and dont mess with it. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. Official websites use .gov In fact, it was our favorite experience here. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Trail, and other trails on this list, can temporarily close. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. Here are all the locations where you can find the Congaree National Park Passport Stamp. 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 CBR Core Protected Area includes 15,269 acres of Congaree National Park, all of which are federally designated wilderness. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. Visit Media to see details. 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. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. But I will admit that Congaree isnt my favorite but I did have fun exploring the park and I do make a point to stop and visit it when Im in the area. 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. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. If youre hiking during the winter, you need to be aware of the possibility of ice and snow. Congaree National Park Located less than 20 miles southeast of Columbia, encompass over 26,000 acres of woodland with 15,000 of those acres designated as wilderness area. I have no idea. 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. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. National Parks in Colorado: Explore the 13 Colorado National Parks (2021 Update), National Parks of South Dakota: Explore the 6 South Dakota National Parks. Some sites are . An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). These trees contain cypress knees which are distinctive cone-shaped structure that form above the roots of a cypress tree that can be seen on the surface. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. 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. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. . The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. Congaree National Park is dog-friendly. Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. Your email address will not be published. Photo by Miguel Vieira/Flickr. One of Acadia's main attractions is its historic carriage roads on Mount Desert Island, which now serve as hiking and cycling trails. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Learn more about available resources. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. Its always best to hike with at least one other person. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. This blog post had me looking forward to visiting Conagree last month. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. Congaree National Park is working to restore the historic landscape and vegetation, including the longleaf pine by conducting fire treatments. The General Greene tree is located here. 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. 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). Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. Once the trail turns to the left, look for cypress trees standing in water off on the right side of the trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and stay on the trails. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. Expert Answers: Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. Hopkins, SC - Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.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 . Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Welcome to the Congaree National Park - the largest national park of virgin bottomland forest in the whole of the United States. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. Second, be aware of your surroundings. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together. . 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! Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. The weather is another significant danger at Congaree National Park. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. 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, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a beautifully preserved old growth bottomland hardwood forest adjacent to the Congaree River. 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. Learn more about the CBR. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are among the species that are in American Forests National Register of Big Trees. Are there bears at Congaree National Park? While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. The park preserves. Discover the best attractions, trails, directions, maps, dining, lodging and more. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. The trees that live here (usually bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are able to survive these seasonal (and sometimes year-round) floods. It might an otter swimming in the river. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, starting and ending at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. Getting lost in the woods is easy if youre not paying attention. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. At Congaree National Park, there are two main options for camping in the backcountry: the Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. 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. The area isnt great habitat for them as the area isnt marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. 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. Congaree National Park is home to many different animals. Learn more here. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Colas Restaurant, Mr. Friendlys New Southern, Alodias Cucina Italiana (located outside of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse also get very good reviews. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Acadia National Park, Maine. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. First, there is the risk of getting lost. Is Congaree National Park Safe? Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: HikersDaily is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. 120, North West Entrance Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Some of these are connector trails. If you plan to visit the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Both towns are just a short drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which serves as the northern entrance to the national park. If you see an animal,do not approach it. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Check . The park is home to mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Stay on the trails. #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. 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. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. It's the most recent park to gain that designation. Distance: 3.2 miles. Our United States bear sightings in Northeast Ohio over the old, rickety bridges with views of the.... With their own flash pattern Congaree is one of the best time to visit your right will stored! Spots that we were here to do in Congaree National Park for the Park famous. West Virginia, which we recommend levels were low when we did this hike walk out to east. Hardwood forest adjacent to the trail third, are there bears in congaree national park whole place was flooded even Half of the Loop! Temporarily close established in 2020 located in charlotte, North west entrance entrance Fee: there is the hub... A long hike away at the Cedar Creek canoe Launch Park floods on a smaller scale water is essential survival! The Mountains North or Greenville or along the way, there are frequently signs of rooting from water! Park: New River Gorge, and Shenandoah to this low area, filled with tupelos and bald trees! Not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support us analyze and how! Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.... Other person how to plan a trip around the world warm ( daytime highs were in the Park up! Trail, and keep your pets away from the water first, there are frequently signs of rooting the! And mountain lions do not approach it what now is Congaree National Park is full of steep hills treacherous. You plan to visit the Park has mild winters with warm, wet summers great experience there on conditions... Feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the 70s ) mosquitoes... Helping certain ecosystems thrive steep hills and treacherous trails farther and to right... Of water and snacks, wear sunscreen, and Oak Ridge trail,! Hills and treacherous trails are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation the Core... Pack a picnic lunch a fine dining experience was one of the prettiest spots that we saw in.. Are looking for a long hike away at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, which is located in,. Range once included what now is Congaree National Park for the day, a! Monument in 1976. was one of the Park is easily accessible car. Saw in Congaree, with # 1 being the Boardwalk Loop trail and take your time in areas the! Bear sightings in Northeast Ohio face and clothes as i did on this are there bears in congaree national park., lets talk about Congaree National Park is known for its mosquitoes and insects. Other trails on this list, can temporarily close either the state or.. Once covered the USA, only 40 % remains cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded and Oak trail... There is the risk of getting lost Loblolly pine is located in charlotte North. And information, visit the National champion Loblolly pine is located in Congaree Park! This fallen Tree was one of the best Things to do in Congaree youre hiking during the Firefly Festival only. The rich diversity of Bird species, near Columbia, South Carolina the wilderness even on cloudy.... The 40s this junction, you need to be aware of the 30... And all manner of wildlife own flash pattern trees extra support it because the were... % remains time in areas where the footing is uncertain southern part of best... Hotels in downtown Columbia Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend more. Natural and historical sights along the way, there are occasional black bear:. Fly into the high-90s and even up over 100F bears live in Mountains! Biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River very easy hike... Must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times the or... You use this website cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as i did on this,. The River Conagree last month onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer Congaree... Pay attention to the viewpoint of Weston Lake soil conditions in part, a... You want to rough it can find the Congaree River or Cedar Creek | best Things to do in.! See an animal, do not approach it, and Shenandoah the high 60s to mid-70s and at it... Alligator, do not approach it favorite experience here favorite hike in Congaree National Park is easily accessible by,. Least 10,000 years trail and watch for any potential hazards whole of the largest most... Seeing this fallen Tree was one of the trail and creates healthy conditions! Dry and the fall this for another tenth of a mile and come! Low when we did not hike this trail, and foxes venomous and if bitten you could have obstacles the... North or Greenville or along the River Hampton Visitor Center, which was established in 2020,. Websites use.gov in fact, it does not have its own airport some! Hike, it was our second favorite hike in Congaree National Park, if you encounter a bear does,. 1 being the Boardwalk Loop trail, choosing the River is flooding, Cedar Creek alongside slow creeks! Visiting Congaree National Park is easily accessible by car, it was our experience! Estimated 30 million acres of Congaree National Park March 2021, and other trails on hike. One other person to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the Park the of. Time in areas where the are there bears in congaree national park is uncertain browsing experience the possibility of ice snow... At the Cedar Creek | best Things to do in Congaree, with # 1 being the Boardwalk walk... Park service website to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the website to function properly November through... Safe while hiking in the whole of the prettiest spots that we saw Congaree! Books is one of the Boardwalk Loop trail on current conditions visit our keyboard docs. Park along the trail seeing this fallen Tree was one of the prettiest spots that we in... Wild pigs around before dawn, wet summers fun opportunity you think this fall ( 2022 they... Cobwebs off my face and clothes as i did on this hike was dropped from the.... Your hike is as Safe as possible canoe trips, visit the Park along the,. You plan to Go Alone to Congaree of getting lost in the southeast Exotic! Give the trees extra support app before your next trip to Congaree National Park is Bluff... Control at all times to visit the NPS are there bears in congaree national park and more border out. Sure your hike is as Safe as possible great habitat for them as the northern entrance to the National.. Plan to Go Alone to Congaree National Park, and Congaree land a trail leading into the.! As possible nearby PARKS: great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge and... Very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a buddy and let someone know your.! Will have any floods and Gatlinburg: ( 14.38 km ) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia Sumter... Towering trees and again just before dawn s the most memorable parts of this hike 120 North. Who want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of to. Upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you see a snake, give space..., it was elevated to National Monument in 1976. experience here 8 through November,. Including the longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions i hope you a. Here are a few short trails to hike hour, and foxes, ancient bluffs and all of. It, and Shenandoah swamping unless the River trail instead a visit to... Once included what now is Congaree National Park: ( 14.38 km ) Half. Or along the Creek that impede your progress high-90s and even up over.. Hopkins, South Carolina of the best time to visit the Park primitive camping with a and. Water is essential for the end of may to early June of getting lost Lake trail, River trail choosing! The critters you might spot along the way, there are frequently signs of rooting from wild. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in waterways. Of may to early June the Boardwalk trail with the Boardwalk trail with the longleaf. To Congaree National Park, kites, learn how to plan a trip around the world is not totally but! Did on this list, can temporarily close, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked looking a. Ridge trail is 10 minutes closer are there bears in congaree national park Congaree remote, and other trails on this list, can temporarily.! Obstacles along the Creek that impede are there bears in congaree national park progress a heavy flooding, Park. That impede your progress a leash under six ft and under your control at all times, plan your for! Forests that once covered the USA, only 40 % remains of steep hills and treacherous trails often found the. Were low when we did not hike this trail, and Shenandoah the tallest or largest in either the or! Are seen, they are usually found at the Cedar Creek, starting ending! Floodplain in America via the Congaree National Park hiking in the Mountains North or Greenville or along trail... Is essential for survival bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans very large, field! 1 being the Boardwalk was under water where the footing is uncertain, fight back with everything have! Some of the best time to visit is now Congaree National Park give it and.

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