We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. However, there's one specific grizzly bear that's not like the others, and it resides at Yoho National Park in eastern British Columbia, Canada. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. If you see an animal,do not approach it. Congaree National Park. Hiking Safety Tips For Congaree National Park. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . Visitation peaks from March to May. Phone +1 803-776-4396. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. There are other short trails in the park. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. The park has mild winters with warm, wet summers. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? 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. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. Cheers, Julie. 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. If you want to take in Congaree National Park, it's easy to do one day: walk the boardwalk trail, go canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek, and explore the wilderness on one of the park's numerous hiking trails.. Until 2003, the Congaree Swamp National Park had been known as . 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. Check conditions here! 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. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some of the critters you might spot along the way include salamanders, woodpeckers, kites . Once I visit all the national parks, Ill sit down and rank them. Another danger to be aware of is wildlife. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. The Boardwalk | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. If you have additional information on the Indigenous nations boundaries, please let them know. However there are several airports within a reasonable distance that you can use to fly into the area. Bears like baths. Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. What is a bottomland forest? It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. 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! Most of the time, you are walking through oaks and other hardwoods, not through sloughs of tupelos and cypress trees that make Congaree National Park so beautiful and so unique. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. These species, however, no longer are found within the park. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. Along the way, there are sandbars, ancient bluffs and all manner of wildlife. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. 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. 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. Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. Other scientists have suggested that cypress knees assist in the trees in nutrient accumulation during flooding events. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest and most, Read More Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? 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. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. 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. 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. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Anything is possible in the natural world, including a mountain lion showing up at Congaree, however briefly (where it should enjoy fine dining on the succulent swine herd). There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. There are no cars allowed within the campground. , Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We didnt see much in the way of wildlife, but Cedar Creek is beautiful, and to drift along the water, listening to the birds and the crickets, and to see these majestic old trees, was a very memorable experience. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. All pets must be on a leash under six ft and under your control at all times. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Its always better to have too much than not enough. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. Camping is also permitted in the high-ground section of the park, where an actual campground . The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. . Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. 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. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Congaree National Park. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. This trail's moderate length, mellowness, and beautiful wildflowers make it another of the most popular Congaree National Park hiking trails. The CBR Core Protected Area includes 15,269 acres of Congaree National Park, all of which are federally designated wilderness. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Its no secret that water is essential for survival. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. The ten-mile long River Trail leads all the way to the Congaree River, a curling ribbon of placid water that forms the park's more than 25-river-mile long southern border. 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 trails vary between easy short trails, and a couple of longer trails that are over ten miles in a loop. There are . Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. CONGAREE VINES also has a Log Cabin & Barn Bungalow available! Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but it's best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. How high is the water, ranger? There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! First, there is the risk of getting lost. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. These are the 10 most dog-friendly national parks in the USA. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Congaree National Park hosts five national champion trees and 27 state champion trees, which can provide insights into old-growth ecosystems.