Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. Our website uses cookies. 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. *** 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. Water levels were low when we did this, which allowed us to duck under some fallen trees. It depends. Menkoi Ramen House. Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. There are other short trails in the park. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. But they can just as easily be found at the ground level. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Congaree National Park Wildlife - Parkcation Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Always let somebody know your planned route and schedule before heading out on the trail. While its still not understood exactly what the purpose of the behavior is, many scientists believe that the male fireflies light up in unison to attract females. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. This lake is surrounded by old growth trees. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. Hiking Safety - Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. Cypress trees feature a network of horizontal roots (pneumatophores) which are believed to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. The lowest point in Congaree National Park is Congaree River which is 80 feet (24m) above sea level. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. 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. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. Hopkins, PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. Where are Acadia National Parks visitor centers? Learn more on the NPS website. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Baldcypress knees. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This short film includes messaging to educate visitors about Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR). You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. 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. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. The humidity makes it feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest levels at this time. Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? 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. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. We saw the one pictured below making its way across Weston Lake from East to West. SC to aerate the trees swamp-covered roots. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. You can canoe part or all of this trail. We chose to have it delivered. 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. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Champion trees are trees which are the tallest or largest in either the state or nation. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. So it was totally the poachers fault. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Many believe that it still lives deep within the old-growth forest popular with other woodpeckers. In 2003, Congress officially designated the monument a National Park, and today, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. Have a suggestion or comment on this list? Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. We prefer this one on all of our travels. Those who are interested in participating in the event can enter into the lottery system for $1. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. While hiking in the backcountry of Congaree National Park, your safety is in your hands! Carry a flashlight, even if you are only planning for a day hike. Snakes like the black rat snake and the black racer are arboreal species, which means that they have the tendency to hang out in trees. I have no idea. 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. Congaree National Park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance . Maybe we would have liked this one more? Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Congaree National Park | AllTrails For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Dont be: Manchester notes that only two people have been bitten by snakes during his tenure in the park, and only three in total over the entire 46-year history of the park. 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. Along the Boardwalk Loop Trail in Congaree National Park, At a time when most National Parks are overflowing with activity, Congaree National Parks biggest selling point might be its solitude: In 2019, just under. The park plans to hold its annual Firefly Festival this May. 2h 10m This trail gets washed out from flooding rivers and experiences blow-down regularly. The parks cypress trees are one of the areas most peculia, features. One of the birds that weve seen in the park thats more elusive is the limpkin, a long-legged bird that eats snails, Manchester says. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The Congaree River Blue Trail is a 50-mile paddling trail on the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park. 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. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Snakes of Congaree National Park - YouTube Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. The highest point in Congaree National Park is Old Bluff Road which is 140 feet (43m) above sea level. Stamps located here: Congaree National Park is a unique and special place. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. Distance: Approximately 20 miles. This makes visiting Congaree National Park a unique and fun opportunity. The General Greene tree is located here. At a time when most National Parks are overflowing with activity, Congaree National Parks biggest selling point might be its solitude: In 2019, just under 160,000 people visited the park over the course of the year. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. Cedar Creek Bridge | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. This trail leads out to the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. The Bluff Trail is located north of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through loblolly and longleaf pines. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. 100 National Park Road The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. Hotels near Congaree National Park: (8.99 mi) PRIVATE Half a House between Columbia and Sumter, SC. 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. Congaree National Park is open year-round. We will be traveling through on Oct 12 & 21. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. We were visiting Congaree National Park, confident that a magnificent snake was waiting to be spotted nearby. 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. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Due to logging and the clearing of the landscape for farming and the building and expansion of cities and towns over the past 400 years, only a few scattered remnants of these once common ecosystems persist. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights.