Park Size: 26,276acres (41.06 sq miles) (106.34 sq km). Congaree is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including bobcats, deer,armadillos, turkeys, and alligators, but its best known for the large number of bird species that have been spotted in the park. But they can just as easily be found at the ground level. For two hours, Tim and I paddled on Cedar Creek and once we were finished, Gus picked up the canoe and we were on our way. Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. Select stock photography provided depositphotos. But downed trees and flooding can create difficult conditions. The Sims Trail is an old gravel road. On this trail, you will cross a metal bridge over a creek. Those who are eager to hit the water can head to the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, which is well-marked with navigational aids. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. When we did this, the trail was dry. In Congaree, you need to think on a smaller scale. Although the park is still relatively unfamiliar to many hikers, it is still growing. But it actually isnt a swamp, its a floodplain. Hopkins, Many believe that it still lives deep within the old-growth forest popular with other woodpeckers. These trees have been known to grow as tall as 120 feet, and their trunks can be as large as six feet in diameter. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. The total distance from the Bates Ferry Trail to the General Greene Tree is 0.2 miles. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? . Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. The typical tour costs $70 per person, and takes participants through some of the parks most active waterways. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is open year-round. How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Here is an interactive map where we have labeled things to do in Congaree National Park. Of the roughly 125 species of fireflies in the U.S., only a small number of them exhibit this kind of synchronicity. 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. Let us know. At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Instead, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers bring essential water and nutrients to this bottomland region, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. Where the cypress trees grow, cypress kneesvertical outgrowths of the cypress rootscan also be found protruding from the surface of the water. And the black rat snake was a testament to our success. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Congaree National Park. 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. Download the app. Now dominated by loblolly pines, remnants of the once abundant longleaf pines that covered this upland region have managed to hold on and can still be seen. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. The trailhead is also marked on our interactive map. Snake released in Conagree National Park may not survive | The State Congaree National Park is "the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland. So it was totally the poachers fault. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. Assigned based on judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent evidence. You can go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or camping under a tent. The Fork Swamp Trail is located near the Bates Ferry Trail, so this hike is worth doing if you will be out this way. 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. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. Present: Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available. 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. Dress in layers that can be easily removed depending on conditions, and carry a rain jacket, even if the forecast is calling for sun. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are signs here that direct you to Wise Lake. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Last seen on August 11, 2021 in Congaree National Park, Richland County, US-SC, US | 0 comments. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. We had bright sunny skies each of the three days that we were here. Each trail has a different number. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. The checklist will almost always contain fewer species than the full list. And for the most part, the views dont change all that much over its 11 miles. Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree National Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina. Make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Whether you are planning a short day trip or an overnight trip into the backcountry, travelling on Cedar Creek by canoe or kayak is a great way to experience Congaree National Park. Cedar Creek to Route 601 Landing. Watch your step! Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. 4 more non-emergency alert notifications. The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. Print (Subscriber . We were visiting, Congaree was originally designated as a swamp monument in 1976. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. These forests are found along the floodplains of rivers in the southeast United States. Its more of a casual indifference. For more restrictions and information, visit the NPS website. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. 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. Birds are also prey to some Congaree snakesblack rat snakes, for example, are known to eat birds, lizards, rats, and sometimes even other serpents. Congarees waterways expand and contract with the seasons, often covering the ground with several inches or even feet of water. Snakes of Congaree National Park - YouTube 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. There is a 15 mile trail called the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, that starts at Bannisters Bridge and ends at the Congaree River. It was shortly after a rain storm and we saw it fly across the lake and land in a tree across the lake. Located in the Five Points neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. Brown water snakes are especially likely to be seen on this portion of the trail, on overhanging branches or piles of woody debris. Plan a field trip to Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. It is the best way to experience this park. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! 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. Non-native: Species occurs on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human activities. 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. 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. The Full List includes all the checklist species in addition to species that are unconfirmed, historically detected, or incorrectly reported as being found in the park. 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. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Congaree National Park Check List View Plain Taxonomic Photo Prev 1 2 3 . buttressed cypresses in Congaree National Park, Isle Royale National Park: Hiking Lake Superiors Island Wilderness, The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouris Mountains, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How 7 Popular Trails Have Changed, How to Tell If a Bear is About to Charge You on the Trail, The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Is So Big, Even the Grizzlies Seem Small. The flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. There are a lot of great restaurants in Columbia. Cedar Creek is a very slow moving creek. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Marie in Michigan! There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. Whether youre herping, birding, or simply hiking, the parks 26,276 acres of land and water make it a terrific destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. File should be in the following format: taxon name, description, occurrence status, establishment means. For more information about the best times to visit the national parks, check out our Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. The Checklist contains only those species that are designated as "present" or "probably present" in the park. 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. We had a visit planned to the park March 2021, and cancelled it because the boardwalks were flooded. 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. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. This has become such a popular event that in 2021 the National Park Service began a lottery system. The National Champion Loblolly Pine is located in Congaree. February 25, 2019, 6:38 AM. Temperatures can be chilly but snow is unusual. 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. Alligators cant nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. Upper Cedar Creek Trail Guide - Friends of Congaree Swamp The Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve is on the south side of the Congaree River and has a bluff that is a great place to see birds flying over the park. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Were still waiting on the final numbers as our stars team go through and clean the data. Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia, contains 27,000 acres of the species so be careful if you take a stroll! Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Home of Champions Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Like all of the hiking trails in Congaree, it is completely flat. In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. Congaree National Park South Carolina Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Boardwalk Loop Ranger-led program on boardwalk NPS Photo/jt-fineart.com The 2.4 mile boardwalk is an excellent introduction to the park.The flat surface is accessible and provides a leisurely way to experience the Congaree wilderness. Seeing this fallen tree was one of the most memorable parts of this hike. The species is abundant in 27,000-acre Congaree National Park, about 15 miles southeast of Columbia. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. Fork Swamp Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Your email address will not be published. We stayed at the Hilton Columbia Center and had a great experience but the Graduate Columbia, Staybridge Suites Columbia, Aloft Columbia Downtown, and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown all are highly rated and have a great location in downtown Columbia. We were on the observation deck at the end of the boardwalk. Unconfirmed: Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent. A Large Snake In South Carolina Does A Bad Job Of Hiding In A Tree Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles can help us minimize those impacts. Congaree National Park Photos (1,487) Directions Print/PDF map Length 9.9 miElevation gain 45 ftRoute type Loop Discover this 9.9-mile loop trail near St. Matthews, South Carolina. These are not marked, and it is very easy to get turned around if you wander onto one. 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. It depends. At 26,000 acres, it is the 7th smallest park. The Bluff Campground is also near the visitor center, but campers will have to hike at least a mile to get to their campsite. The trail narrows beyond this bridge. The park features large expanses of pristine floodplain forest, unbroken by roads or railroads, where one can walk in solitude and observe wildlife. In this guide, we will be exploring Congaree National Park and providing helpful hints and tips for planning a trip to Congaree. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. Carry plenty of water. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. Thank you to theNative Land Digitalfor making the Indigenous territories accessible to all. Remember: A little planning goes a long way towards making sure your hiking trip is a safe and pleasant one. Menkoi Ramen House. Large snake tries and fails to blend in at SC swamp park | The Kansas 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. *** 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. 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. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. Your email address will not be published. NEARBY PARKS: Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, New River Gorge, and Shenandoah. Winter is mild and the flooding is frequent. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. The bourbon list is extensive. With Congaree National Park, you need to change your scope of reference. Cypresses only grow in the southeastern corner of the United States, with the exception of a few pockets of trees in places like Louisiana and Mississippi, and many of the nations forests were heavily logged in the early 1900s to aid in railroad construction, Congarees cypresses, including the threatened bald cypress, are the largest remaining old growth stand in the nation. There are limited food options in Gadsden and the best place to grab a bite to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina. Fun Facts about Denali National Park and Preserve, When to Visit Denali National Park and Preserve, How to Get to Denali National Park and Preserve. Harry Hampton Visitor Center Open Year Around. 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. This short film includes messaging to educate visitors about Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR). Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. Its the most upscale restaurant listed here and a nice option if you are looking for a fine dining experience. Hiking with a partner increases your chances of survival in an emergency situation. Congaree National Park is proud to be part of the Congaree Biosphere Region, designated by UNESCO. When fully operational, the park may have about 19 or 20 employees. 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 100 feet, the tallest in the eastern U.S. and higher than many other old-growth forests. Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. Its more typical in Florida, and its expanding its range.. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. 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. 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. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (Worried about being bitten? This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, its important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. The animal that the park really worries about is the hog. Bourbon was our favorite restaurant. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. The best time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. How high is the water, ranger? The trail ends at Cedar Creek Landing, which is marked by an iron bridge over the creek. This is a long hike. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. In 2022, 200,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Music by David Fesliyan at Fesliyanstudios.com. With almost 80% of the park lying within the floodplain, these floods make the backcountry trails and even parts of the boardwalk inaccessible to visitors. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Learn more on the NPS website. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park, Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park. by explorers as a food source, today somewhere between 2 and 6 million feral pigs exist across the nation, predominantly making their homes in the south. Voice over for Audio Description by Amanda Hardin. 100 National Park Road Personally, I think they have missed the point on Congaree, but I get where they are coming from. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Visitors can expect to spend about 3 hours on the water, paddling through about 4 miles of the river, and potentially encountering alligators along the way. In the spring and fall, temperatures are warm (daytime highs can get up into the 70s) and mosquitoes are low. Search our species database below. I slipped the dog leashes around my wrist, and began the hunt. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Learn more about the CBR. 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. 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. The Longleaf Campground is located right off of the entrance road, and it is home to both individual sites (for 1-8 people) ,and group sites (for 9-24 people). Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. The southern part of the Sims trail connects the Boardwalk Trail with the Weston Lake Trail, River Trail, and Oak Ridge Trail. It was named a national park in 2003. Always plan ahead and prepare. Boardwalk through the swamp at Congaree National Park, South Carolina. "Birds of Congaree National Park". Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods on a regular basis. At the trail junction, follow signs for Weston Lake and you will now be on trail #3 (there will be small, white signs on the trees with the number 3 on them). The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a roughly 15-mile paddle through the heart of Congaree National Park, beginning at Bannister Bridge and continuing all the way to the Congaree River. Some of these are connector trails. They are non-venomous, but, like all creatures, should be given space. Also a great option for canoeists with two vehicles, this trip allows paddlers to explore the wilder eastern section of the park and float down the Congaree . The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. CSV should not contain a header row. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. These floods deposit fresh, nutrient rich soil across the landscape that helps to maintain the health of this ecosystem. From this junction, you will walk about 100 meters to get to Wise Lake. This trail can be linked with the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a longer journey. Congaree National Park Wildlife - Parkcation Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book? Comparatively, the Grand Canyon has about 500 staff members during the peak season. SC Occurrence values are defined below. Travel with a friend! Hopkins, Although theyre often large, the black rat snake poses no threat to humans. 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