File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. This off-the-beaten-path hike is worth it if you want to hike a quieter trail, see the Congaree River, and search for one of the oldest, grandest trees in the park. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is part of the UNESCO Congaree Biosphere Reserve. Visit in the fall for optimal leaf-peeping opportunities. Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. When the trail rejoins with the boardwalk, walk out to the viewpoint of Weston Lake. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. Theyre not specifically dangerous to people in the park, Manchester says. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 2 to 3 hours. How high is the water, ranger? The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. In the spring, the park expects to resume ranger-led canoe tours. If you have a half day in Congaree National Park. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Menkoi Ramen House. Let us know. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Congaree National Park South Carolina Hiking Safety On This Page The Unprepared 0:00 / 9:24 Loaded Progress Duration: 9 minutes, 24 seconds "The Unprepared" is a short film made by Congaree National Park staff, with help from park volunteers and Eastern National staff. Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee. On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce gets wonderful reviews. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. By Ashlen Renner. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. The current total is somewhere around 206 species that have been seen at the park. By comparison, there are slightly more than 1,107 species of birds known to science across the U.S., meaning that nearly 20% of the countrys birds have been spotted in Congaree. This small park is quick and easy to visit. The total ascent for this hike is a mere 60 feet. CSV should not contain a header row. Allowed occurrence status values: present, common, uncommon, irregular, doubtful, absent In total, there are around 21 varieties of snakes that live here. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. Congaree has been the location of a search for the Ivory-billed woodpecker in the past, a bird once thought extinct until it was seen in Arkansas in 2004. SC Adequate preparation, constant attention, and good judgement will help make your hike a safe and enjoyable experience. You can also spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Do you have any questions about Congaree National Park, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. Check conditions here! While hiking in the backcountry of Congaree National Park, your safety is in your hands! One or more Occurrence Tags may be associated with each Occurrence value. When we did this, the trail was dry. Park visitors can camp at the parks campgrounds year round. Congaree National Park is in the Middle Atlantic coastal region and has a humid subtropical climate. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. In 1983, Congaree became an International Biosphere Reserve. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. We were visiting Congaree National Park, confident that a magnificent snake was waiting to be spotted nearby. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. 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While park officials mostly leave the area bare of infrastructure to keep these places natural, the boardwalk allows visitors to see the floodplain in a safe, and unobtrusive way. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 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False Report: Species was reported to occur within the park, but current evidence indicates the report was based on misidentification, a taxonomic concept no longer accepted, or other similar problem of error or interpretation. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. These are not marked, and it is very easy to get turned around if you wander onto one. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. But once on the River Trail, it is a completely flat, monotonous walk through the forest. Allowed establish means values: native, endemic, introduced, Southern Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 10:53 PM by Ian Gourdin, Fowler's Toad from Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA on August 05, 2010 by sea-kangaroo, Spring Peeper from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on March 17, 2022 at 07:33 PM by kfleenor, Pine Woods Tree Frog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 08:47 PM by Ian Gourdin, Squirrel Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on July 01, 2022 at 08:18 AM by charlotteandgranthaveseenit, Barking Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on May 22, 2021 at 09:25 PM by ac-soilgirl, Green Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 15, 2023 at 02:51 PM by Ian Gourdin, Cope's Gray Treefrog from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 10:42 PM by Nicole Lowder, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on April 16, 2023 at 09:37 AM by jennalollis, Southern Leopard Frog from Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA on February 20, 2023 at 03:10 PM by Maura, American Bullfrog from Richland County, SC, USA on August 14, 2022 at 02:30 PM by johngrego, Green Frog from Congaree National Park on April 22, 2023 at 11:01 AM by Valerie Hoyt-Parrish, Eastern Spadefoot from Richland County, SC, USA on June 16, 2018 at 11:21 PM by Kyle Finn, Marbled Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 07:05 PM by imlichenlucas, Atlantic Coast Slimy Salamander from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on March 12, 2022 at 03:24 PM by pniebanck, Carolina Swamp Dusky Salamander from Congaree National Park, Richland, South Carolina, United States on May 15, 2022 at 10:52 AM by Brian White, Southern Two-lined Salamander from Richland County, SC, USA on December 07, 2019 at 03:35 PM by Ston Coles, Three-lined Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 11:38 PM by imlichenlucas, coastal plain dwarf salamander from Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on March 27, 2018 at 03:24 PM by Raina Eddy, Eastern Mud Salamander from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 17, 2021 at 02:19 PM by nathanc553, Greater Siren from Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, US on February 15, 2020 at 02:20 PM by johngrego, American Alligator from Weston Lake, Gadsden, SC, US on April 28, 2023 at 06:43 PM by lcarnley, Green Anole from Congaree National Park, Gadsden, SC, US on April 22, 2023 at 05:15 PM by imlichenlucas, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard from 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA on October 24, 2015 at 12:44 PM by Jos Garrido, Eastern Fence Lizard from Gadsden, SC 29052, USA on May 05, 2018 at 03:00 PM by E.D. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. We saw the one pictured below making its way across Weston Lake from East to West. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! They negatively impact the health of the forest ecosystem. It is the best way to experience this park. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map. Since this park is so small, you only need a half to a full day to see the highlights. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Learn more here. #1 of 6 things to do in Hopkins. We prefer this one on all of our travels. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Outside of the park, Columbia is the best place to stay (and eat). Paddlers can travel as far as 15 miles along this route for a single or multi-day adventure. The park plans to hold its annual Firefly Festival this May. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. Learn more about prescribed burns, and how fire can be an essential tool in both preventing wildfires and helping certain ecosystems thrive. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . Starting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, this all-boardwalk trail makes a loop through some of the best scenery in Congaree National Park. 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. people visited the park over the course of the year. . Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. Usually, the fall season is the drier season to visit the park. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. You may need additional items depending on current conditions and the activity in which you participate (e.g. #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. As for the dogs and I, we preferred looking into the swamp from above, where we were more likely to be able to see snakes from a safe distance. There are around 75 types of trees, nearly 200 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles/amphibians, and more than 50 species of fish and butterflies. It has an onsite restaurant and it is 10 minutes closer to Congaree than the hotels in downtown Columbia. The parks cypress trees are one of the areas most peculia, features. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. It depends. Congaree National Park is famous for its mosquitoes and biting insects. 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. It is the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park Length: 7.6 mi Est. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. This green frog was hanging out on a plant above the flood waters when we spotted it from the boardwalk. Congaree National Park was created on October 18, 1976, as a Congaree Swamp National Monument. There are around 75 types of trees, nearly 200 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles/amphibians, and more than 50 species of fish and butterflies. 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In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. The area has amazing biodiversity. 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. Watch your step! 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. Hopkins, Where most deciduous trees in the United States grow to be somewhere between 50-80 feet tall, Congarees tree canopy has an average height of. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. Charlotte Douglass International Airport, which is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a larger airport with more flight options. Always let somebody know your planned route and schedule before heading out on the trail. Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is open year-round. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. For the entire 1.1 mile walk (one-way), you are on a wide grassy trail that leads to a view of the Congaree River. The cost is currently $10 for individual sites, $20 for group sites, and $5 at the Bluff Campground. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. Congaree National Park lies within the floodplain of the Congaree River. The park is home to 21 different species, including venomous snakes like copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlers. Congaree: Chasing Pure Solitude in One of the East's Least-Visited National Parks Marvel at tall trees, flooded forest, and rare birds at one of the nation's lesser-known destinations. Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. My herpetologist boyfriend had guided us through dozens of swamps in wet conditions before, explaining that pit vipers are more likely to be active in the rain because it allows them to more effectively sense heat variations in their environment, and non-venomous snakes tend to join them because prey is more active in the rain. Distance: Approximately 20 miles. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. and all of Eastern Europe. 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 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. The Firefly Trail is a flat trail that runs through the woods just to the south of the visitor center. 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. Hopkins, Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of survival in an emergency situation. Other common sightings include the white-tailed deer, skinks, and brown water snakes.
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