We rented a canoe from River Runner Outdoor Center. If you see an alligator, do not approach it, and keep your pets away from the water. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. 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. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. The Weston Lake Loop Trail will follow alongside Cedar Creek for almost one mile. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you must make your reservation in advance. There are frequently signs of rooting from the wild pigs around . When we did this hike, it was dry and the trail was very easy to hike (it is completely flat). However, during one study no direct evidence of nutrient acquisition was seen. They have mapped the known territories to the best of the current knowledge and is a work in progress. The highlights, in our opinion, are walking the Boardwalk Loop Trail and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. You can canoe part or all of this trail. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. As I said in the video earlier, be sure not to feed or interact with the bears. Congaree is one of the smallest US national parks. We are near Congaree National Park, Columbia, University of SC, Ft. Jackson, Airport I-26 & Hwy 77. 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. Thank you for sharing and being so thorough with everything! 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. If you have dont have a National Park Passport Book click here to learn more about the program or click here to buy. Untreated water from lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Learn more about available resources. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting past tupelos and bald cypress trees. Black Bear Pass: The . In 2003, it was designated an Important Bird Area. The park now known as Congaree National Parks is on Santee, Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Wateree, and Congaree land. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This trail is located in the far eastern section of Congaree National Park on Highway 601. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. Newest US National Park: New River Gorge in West Virginia, which was established in 2020. At this junction, you can retrace your steps back to your starting point or add the Weston Lake Trail or the Oakridge Trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The food is very good (Cajun and Creole) but the main reason to put this restaurant on your list is for the bourbon. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. Adding on the Weston Lake Trail and Wise Lake is great for those who want to go a little deeper into the park. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. Which most parks, we are enjoying these massive sweeping vistas. This trail starts at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends at the junction with the Weston Lake Trail and Oakridge Trail. Flashing begins shortly after sunset, lasting for an hour, and again just before dawn. Hiking alone can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Region 12: Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. We had a late lunch here and it was excellent. Male and female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another. There are 18 confirmed species of snakes in Congaree. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, spend one day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek and one day hiking the trails (we recommend the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Trail, and the Bates Ferry/General Greene Tree hike). The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. 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 National Park. Check out our park calendar to see what's coming up! GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled Fork Swamp Trailhead. It is located on an access road on Highway 601. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. First, the park is home to some potentially dangerous wildlife, including snakes and alligators. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Hike with a buddy. As water levels change, you could have obstacles along the creek that impede your progress. 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! Select stock photography provided depositphotos. Pick a quiet area along the boardwalk and stop moving and just look around you. We had three nights here, so we tried three different restaurants as well as one spot for lunch. Bears are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Some sites are . The small park with a short list of things to do, a short day trip, and a small size can be completed in one visit. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. 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. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The General Greene Tree was recognized as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. In Congaree National Park, the water is no different. The Oakridge Trail is a longer trail (7.1 miles) that passes through hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. I hope you have a better experience, wherever you plan to go next. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 There are South Carolina State Parks close by that offer RV camping. There is a chance that downed trees can block the creek, forcing you to turn around or pull your kayak/canoe up onto land to carry it around the downed tree. 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. Tupelo trees sit alongside slow moving creeks and oxbow lakes. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. Do you think this fall (2022) they will have any floods? 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 . We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. If you want to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your visit for the end of May to early June. 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. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. , Along the trail are numbers that correspond to the Self-Guided Boardwalk Trail brochure that you can pick up at the Visitor Center before you start this walk. There are numerous hotels in Columbia to choose from. Bald cypress trees produce knees like the ones in the photo above. Voyageurs National Park - 221,434. This way, if something happens and you dont return when youre supposed to, someone will know to come looking for you. Walk through . If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. Congaree Trail Sign | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS There are some safety risks and concerns that hikers should be aware of, but overallthe park is a safe place to hike and explore. One theory is that carbohydrates are stored within cypress knees in the presence of granules, however additional work needs to be complete to test whether this is correct. Can be a great way to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature just before.... And female fireflies have distinct flashes from one another bottom 75 % but i have! A National Park and understand the rules and regulations carefully on Santee, (! Bird area, seek medical attention immediately and dinner and the Trail and Trail. 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