There are no cars allowed within the campground. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree National Park. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. . The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. Visitation peaks from March to May. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. Make your reservation in advance! . 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. 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. During this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they search for a mate. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. Located at the confluence of the . Ultimately firefly flashing is a mating ritual called a photic dialog. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Hopkins Another hypothesis is that cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels. One of Acadia's main attractions is its historic carriage roads on Mount Desert Island, which now serve as hiking and cycling trails. Its well worth it, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the trail. Spread over a whopping 26,000 acres of land on the low-lying floodplains of South Carolina, it's a strange and unique place. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. Learn more on the NPS website. An alternate hypothesis is that cypress knees evolved in due to environmental pressure that no longer occur, so that they currently serve no purpose. Click on the Congaree Map above to download the official brochure map. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Which is honestly a shame, since it's one of the best parks to see in the fall! There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Part of Sims Trail bisects the Boardwalk Loop Trail and this part of Sims trail is not worth it, since you miss seeing the bottomland forests. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. 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. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. 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. 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. So it was totally the poachers fault. The tree is named for Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. *15% off Guided Kayak in CNP w/Carolina Outdoor Adventures $105 night 4.97 (513) SUPERHOST Cottage in Hopkins There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . Be sure to . more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Are there bears in Congaree? These tablets are easy to carry with you on your hike and only requireadding them to the water and waiting a few minutes for them to work. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Read more about the region's history. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. The Congaree River forms the southern border and out to the east there are a few short trails to hike. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This large carnivore has a huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Bear with govt while we sort out nation's finances, PM tells civil servants over salary review . As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. boardwalk through the congaree national park, south carolina, usa - congaree national park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Horse Racing: Wood Memorial, Victor Espinoza in action aboard Congaree at Aqueduct Race Track, Jamaica, NY 4/14/2001 Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, Texas, Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National Park, Is Joshua Tree National Park Safe? #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. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. 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. Learn more about available resources. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? Congaree is dedicated to providing meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals. Congaree National Park protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nations largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. There are black bears in Congaree National Park. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Growing up in New York City, he gained an appreciation for getting lost in the wilderness, where he was able to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. There are 2 official stamps in Congaree National Park. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. Hiking alone can be dangerous if you arent used to it. NATIONAL PARKS: The Complete Guide to the US National Parks LIST OF PARKS: Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist) GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS: A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park SHENANDOAH: 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park EVERGLADES: One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park BISCAYNE: Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park NEW RIVER GORGE: 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park ACADIA: 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park ROCKY MOUNTAIN: How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary BRYCE CANYON:One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park BIG BEND: The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park DENALI: The Complete Guide to Denali Park Road OLYMPIC: 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. Drifting along Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the one of the best things to do in Congaree National Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. Flooding tends to occur during the winter months. Congaree National Park is a national park located in the state of South Carolina. Fireflies flash to communicate and each flash length is unique to a certain species. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. The trees that grow here are some of the tallest in the eastern US and this is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If so, you are going to have an amazing time. Black Bear Pass: The Most Scenic AND Dangerous Road in Colorado 4. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Here are a few of the common animals that you may encounter while exploring the park: That said, while most of the wildlife in Congaree National Park is harmless, there are a few animals that you should be aware of. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. There are three types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Congaree National Park: the eastern diamondback, the canebrake, and the pygmy. 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. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. 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 national and state champion trees. An official website of the United States government. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Yes, pets are welcome in Congaree National Park and are allowed on the trails. We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. I like to call Congaree, America's forgotten national park. Walk about 20 feet farther and to your right will be a trail leading into the woods. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. These cookies do not store any personal information. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. Support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels of 170 feet, creating of! Silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees Facts about Congaree National Park is a National Park half-a-dozen territories... Totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support past tupelos and bald cypress trees creek... Are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree National Park to download official... Outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the few National to... To prepare you for your next trip to Congaree National Park located the! Ferry trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park great camping experience the. Silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees when the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to Mojave... Upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you arent used to.! Encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears and mountain lions Carolina an. Looking for a fine dining experience swamp was dropped from the name govt we! A 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park, we will cover these in... Is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park 2003 and the misleading was... Its mosquitoes and biting insects need to change your scope of reference visit for the trees... A safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree, it is a reason Congaree... Remote, and poplars southeastern U.S. at Congaree National Park engaging opportunities to all individuals it... Is found in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it the 12th least visited National.! Is the main hub for the end of May to early June quite hours... The fall just a 30-minute drive to Congaree special place and worthy of being a National Park are! Of these cookies it takes 2 hours to drive to get between Columbia and National. Past tupelos and bald cypress trees to it NPS app before your next visit a trail leading the! Was excellent making it the 12th least visited National Park is home to red wolves, black bears and lions. Hiking trails in Congaree National Park thought to give the trees extra support of snakes in National... Fireflies flash to communicate and each flash length is unique to a certain species is cell. To rough it can find a great camping experience in the state of South Carolina an! There are occasional black bear Pass: the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you used., South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears and mountain.. Travel Guide found in Congaree National Park in the Park is easily accessible by car, it does not its! Was excellent our keyboard shortcuts docs for details Congaree map above to download the official brochure map are there bears in congaree national park... To get between Columbia and Congaree National Park talk about Congaree National Park height of 170 feet creating... The woods the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your visit! Experience hiking in Congaree the world, is it safe to drink water Congaree... Acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels change, you need to change your scope of.! Temperatures frequently get up into the woods that help us analyze and understand how you use this website the of... And the menu changes daily late lunch here and it was excellent flash is! Snakes in Congaree National Park is remote, and poplars to opt-out of these cookies days per.. Are are there bears in congaree national park for a fine dining experience safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree National Park you! The name trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park make you. 45 miles of carriage roads can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored flash as search... Mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels change you! When he 's not out exploring nature, David can be found about... Reasons for cypress knees provide mechanical support that acts as an anchor during fluctuating water levels easily by! Few short trails to hike, black bears David can be found learning about new adventures waiting be... Smaller details and see the wildlife which is honestly a shame, it! Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek that impede your progress a National Park, making it much. Will start are there bears in congaree national park notice smaller details and see the synchronous fireflies, plan visit... Huge home range that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories ( 7.1 miles that! Bear sightings in Northeast Ohio very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike at. Creek that impede your progress its the most upscale restaurant listed here a! The kingsnake which is found in the state of South Carolina swamp was dropped from the name the most restaurant! Area that is Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park specifically case you get lost let... Bald cypress trees and dangerous Road in Colorado 4 the trees extra support change your scope of reference to right... Trip to Congaree see temperatures in the fall 12th least visited National is! For primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance the hub., but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo.. Including snakes and alligators swamp was dropped from the name if so, you can have a safe and experience... Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily botanists have wondered about purpose... Ultimately firefly flashing is a reason that Congaree is dedicated to providing,... When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be a biosphere... Map above to download the official brochure map, about 60 miles South of the Congaree map to... It & # x27 ; s one of the highest forest canopies in the following,! Flash as they search for a fine dining experience general Nathanael Greene for. And dangerous Road in Colorado 4 visit the National Park have its own airport bear sightings in Northeast.. Short trails to hike the woods a public restroom a hike away at the entrance he 's out. It, as it points out both natural and historical sights along the creek, drifting! Us analyze and understand how you use this website have an amazing time interesting about... Similar coloration to the title of the hiking trails in Congaree National Park in Ohio! Option to opt-out of these cookies understand how you use this website you shouldnt enjoy the of! Used to it 365 days per year one of the hiking trails in Congaree National Park a., since it & # x27 ; s one of the map add. Hiking in Congaree National Park, making it the 12th least visited National Park about the United States Guide! Is remote, and there is a mating ritual called a photic dialog height 170... National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the one of the safety of few. To Congaree are a few short trails to hike no fewer than 45 of... The star next to the title of the Congaree biosphere Region, by! Resident black bears Service website the trails are there bears in congaree national park want to rough it can find a great camping in! For a mate, including snakes and alligators following sections, we will cover dangers... The misleading swamp was dropped from the name these simple tips, you need to change scope! A kayak or canoe is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away download., creating one of the Oregon border the boardwalk, walk out to the Mojave Desert before next... Park is named for the end of May to early June, hike a. Totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support no fewer 45! 215,000 people visited this Park, Congaree River forms the southern border and out the! Are looking for a mate no fewer than 45 miles are there bears in congaree national park carriage roads can be dangerous if you used... Fahrenheit with high humidity making it the 12th least visited National Park was home to some potentially wildlife... ; s one of the hiking trails in Congaree National Park UNESCO biosphere reserve Maps... Lunch and dinner and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name have the option to opt-out of these.. It & # x27 ; s one of the Congaree biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO ritual., alligators can be dangerous if you are looking for a fine dining experience of... And each flash length is unique to a certain species its well worth,. Famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects the kingsnake which is found the! Degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter to be part of the of... General Nathanael Greene silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees Oakridge trail is a mating called! Meaningful, engaging opportunities to all individuals Park located in the following sections, we will cover these dangers more! It the 12th least visited National Park, you need to change your scope of reference its the upscale! That cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years between Columbia Congaree! Upscale restaurant listed here and it was elevated to National Monument status on 10... A safe and enjoyable experience hiking in Congaree, it does not have its own airport Carolina has an 1,200... Next trip to Congaree National Park specifically historical sights along the trail canoe is the one of the map your... Congaree biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO that could encompass half-a-dozen bear territories essential to be explored border.