Congaree Nationwide Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest within the southeastern United States. This small park is fast and straightforward to go to. Stroll the boardwalk path by the forest, go kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek, go birdwatching and fishing, and, when you like, enterprise farther into the park on quite a lot of different woodland trails. On this information, we cowl the most effective issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park.
Information to Congaree Nationwide Park
Fascinating Info about Congaree Nationwide Park
Geography and Maps of Congaree Nationwide Park
Greatest Issues to Do
Planning Your Time
When to Go
The right way to Get Right here
The place to Keep
The place to Eat
Plan Your Go to
Fascinating Info about Congaree Nationwide Park
This nationwide park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest within the southeastern United States. The bushes that develop listed below are a number of the tallest within the jap US and this is without doubt one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies on the earth.
This park sits contained in the Congaree River floodplain. It’s mistakenly known as a swamp. As an alternative, the flooding of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers convey important water and vitamins to this bottomland area, creating probably the most numerous ecosystems within the USA.
What’s a bottomland forest? In response to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. These forests are discovered alongside the floodplains of rivers within the southeast United States. The bushes that stay right here (normally bald cypress, oaks, gums, and tupelos), are capable of survive these seasonal (and generally year-round) floods. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that after coated the USA, solely 40% stays.
In Congaree, you’ll be able to see a number of the tallest Loblolly pines nonetheless alive right this moment in addition to bald cypress bushes which might be over 500 years previous. Tupelo bushes sit alongside gradual shifting creeks and oxbow lakes. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and quite a few species of snakes and birds all discover refuge inside this park.
Congaree formally turned a nationwide park on November 10, 2003. It is usually a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 2021, 215,000 individuals visited this park, making it the twelfth least visited nationwide park in america.
Bald cypress bushes produce “knees” like those within the photograph above. Their operate will not be completely understood however these knees are thought to offer the bushes additional assist.
Geography and Maps of Congaree Nationwide Park
Congaree is without doubt one of the smallest US nationwide parks. At 26,000 acres, it’s the seventh smallest park.
The Harry Hampton Customer Middle is the primary hub for the park. That is the place the vast majority of the climbing trails begin, together with the great Boardwalk Loop Path. Cedar Creek flows west to east by the middle of the park. The Congaree River varieties the southern border and out to the east there are a number of brief trails to hike.
Beneath is a map from the Nationwide Park Service.
Map of Congaree Nationwide Park | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Right here is an interactive map the place we’ve labeled issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park.
The right way to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get extra details about every focal point. Click on the star subsequent to the title of the map so as to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it in your cellphone or laptop, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will note this map in your listing.
Greatest Issues to Do in Congaree Nationwide Park
#1 Stroll the Boardwalk Loop Path
Distance: 2.6 mile loop | Issue: Straightforward | Time: 1 to 2 hours
That is the most effective stroll within the park. Beginning on the Harry Hampton Customer Middle, this all-boardwalk path makes a loop by a number of the greatest surroundings in Congaree Nationwide Park.
The boardwalk path is an elevated path by the bottomland, the place you’ll be able to see big tupelos and bald cypress bushes standing within the water. The complete boardwalk path is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Boardwalk | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Alongside the path are numbers that correspond to the Self-Guided Boardwalk Path brochure that you could decide up on the Customer Middle earlier than you begin this stroll. It’s nicely value it, because it factors out each pure and historic sights alongside the path.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: This park floods frequently. After a heavy flooding, the Boardwalk Loop Path, and different trails on this listing, can briefly shut. Earlier than planning your journey, and simply earlier than your go to, go to the Nationwide Park Service web site for updates on park circumstances to keep away from any unlucky surprises. We needed to postpone our journey a number of instances since most of the trails flooded and closed proper earlier than our go to.
#2 Go Kayaking or Canoeing on Cedar Creek
Drifting alongside Cedar Creek in a kayak or canoe is the among the finest issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park. Actually, it was our favourite expertise right here.
There are a number of methods to do that, relying on how a lot time you may have and the way a lot you want canoeing or kayaking.
We spent two hours canoeing on Cedar Creek, beginning and ending on the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch. Tim and I canoed downstream on the creek, silently drifting previous tupelos and bald cypress bushes.
Cedar Creek Bridge | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Cedar Creek | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Cedar Creek | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
It’s one of the simplest ways to expertise this park. We didn’t see a lot in the way in which of wildlife, however Cedar Creek is gorgeous, and to float alongside the water, listening to the birds and the crickets, and to see these majestic previous bushes, was a really memorable expertise.
Cedar Creek is a really gradual shifting creek. Paddling upstream will not be drawback in any respect and actually not any more durable than going downstream, at the least after we did this.
As water ranges change, you may have obstacles alongside the creek that impede your progress. Water ranges had been low after we did this, which allowed us to duck beneath some fallen bushes. There’s a probability that downed bushes can block the creek, forcing you to show round or pull your kayak/canoe up onto land to hold it across the downed tree.
Renting a Canoe or Kayak
We rented a canoe from River Runner Out of doors Middle. You may both decide up the canoe from their workplace in Columbia, or for an extra price, have them ship it proper to the canoe launch. We selected to have it delivered.
At 2 pm, our canoe was delivered by Gus from River Runner Out of doors Middle. Gus gave us an important overview of Cedar Creek and instructed us what to maintain an eye fixed out for as we paddled on the creek. For 2 hours, Tim and I paddled on Cedar Creek and as soon as we had been completed, Gus picked up the canoe and we had been on our method. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics tremendous simple.
It’s also possible to spend a half day to a full day on Cedar Creek. There’s a 15 mile “path” referred to as the Cedar Creek Canoe Path, that begins at Bannister’s Bridge and ends on the Congaree River. You may canoe half or all of this path. Should you use an clothing store like River Runner, they will drop your canoe or kayak at the place to begin and decide you up on the endpoint.
The Congaree River Blue Path is a 50-mile paddling path on the Congaree River that begins in Columbia and ends in Congaree Nationwide Park. Study extra right here.
For extra concepts on canoe journeys, go to the Nationwide Park Service web site.
#3 Hike the Weston Lake Loop Path
Distance: 4.5 miles | Issue: Straightforward | Time: 2 to three hours
The Weston Lake Loop Path loops by previous development forest, the place you’ll be able to see extra tupelo and bald cypress bushes. Like the entire climbing trails in Congaree, it’s utterly flat.
This was our second favourite hike in Congaree, with #1 being the Boardwalk Loop Path.
One of the simplest ways to do that hike is to start out on the Boardwalk Loop Path, climbing this in a counter-clockwise path. On the path junction, comply with indicators for Weston Lake and you’ll now be on path #3 (there will probably be small, white indicators on the bushes with the quantity 3 on them).
The Weston Lake Loop Path will comply with alongside Cedar Creek for nearly one mile. On the subsequent path junction, go left to proceed on the Weston Lake Loop Path and head again in direction of the Customer Middle. When the path rejoins with the boardwalk, stroll out to the point of view of Weston Lake. Then take the boardwalk again to the customer heart.
Weston Lake Loop Path | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Weston Lake Loop Path | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Weston Lake Overlook | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
#4 See Smart Lake
Smart Lake is without doubt one of the prettiest spots that we noticed in Congaree Nationwide Park. This lake is surrounded by previous development bushes.
Smart Lake | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Smart Lake is positioned close to the path junction for the Weston Lake Loop Path and River Path. From the Boardwalk Loop Path, stroll 0.6 miles on the Weston Lake Loop Path till you get to the path junction with the River Path. There are indicators right here that direct you to Smart Lake. From this junction, you’ll stroll about 100 meters to get to Smart Lake.
#5 See the Synchronous Fireflies
For two weeks from mid-Could to mid-June, fireflies gentle up the skies in Congaree Nationwide Park. Throughout this time, the fireflies synchronously flash as they seek for a mate.
The most effective time to see the fireflies is between 9 pm and 10 pm. The most effective viewing spots are close to the Harry Hampton Customer Middle.
This has change into such a well-liked occasion that in 2021 the Nationwide Park Service started a lottery system. Study extra on the NPS web site.
#6 Go Fishing
Fishing is allowed in all areas of Congaree Nationwide Park. We noticed a number of fishermen alongside Cedar Creek whereas we had been canoeing.
To be able to go fishing within the park, you should have a legitimate South Carolina fishing license. Catch and launch fishing is inspired. For extra restrictions and knowledge, go to the NPS web site.
#7 Bates Ferry Path and the Normal Greene Tree
This off-the-beaten-path hike is value it if you wish to hike a quieter path, see the Congaree River, and seek for one of many oldest, grandest bushes within the park.
The Bates Ferry Path is admittedly not all that thrilling. It’s the stays of an previous ferry highway that ended on the Congaree River. For the complete 1.1 mile stroll (one-way), you’re on a large grassy path that results in a view of the Congaree River.
Bates Ferry Path | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Congaree River | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Should you simply hike the Bates Ferry Path, it’s a 2.2 mile out-and-back hike that’s utterly flat and takes about an hour.
However I like to recommend including on a detour.
Attending to the Normal Greene Tree
The Normal Greene Tree was acknowledged as a South Carolina Heritage Tree on December 7, 2018. It’s the largest bald cypress in Congaree Nationwide Park with a circumference of 30 toes. The tree is called for Revolutionary Struggle normal Nathanael Greene.
Attending to the tree is a bit difficult. We got climbing instructions on the Harry Hampton Customer Middle and have modified them:
From the Bates Ferry trailhead, stroll 0.4 miles. On the left will probably be an unmaintained highway. To the proper is a steel path marker with a #7 on it. Stroll about 20 toes farther and to your proper will probably be a path main into the woods.
On this path, you’ll cross a steel bridge over a creek. The path narrows past this bridge. As soon as the path turns to the left, search for cypress bushes standing in water off on the proper aspect of the path. The Normal Greene tree is positioned right here.
Normal Greene Tree | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
The whole distance from the Bates Ferry Path to the Normal Greene Tree is 0.2 miles.
Should you proceed previous the Normal Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you attain one other unmaintained highway to the proper. Observe this for one more tenth of a mile and also you come to this low space, stuffed with tupelos and bald cypress bushes. It’s a ravishing a part of Congaree Nationwide Park.
GETTING TO THE BATES FERRY TRAILHEAD: This path is positioned within the far jap part of Congaree Nationwide Park on Freeway 601. As you drive south on Freeway 601, the flip off for the trailhead is positioned simply previous the bridge that crosses Bates Previous River. This trailhead is labeled on our interactive map.
#8 Hike the Fork Swamp Path
Distance: 0.6 miles | Issue: Straightforward to average | Time: half-hour
This hike is fast and straightforward, so long as it’s not flooded or muddy. After we did this, the path was dry.
The Fork Swamp Path is positioned close to the Bates Ferry Path, so this hike is value doing if you’ll be out this manner. This path leads out to the southern channel of Bates Previous River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852.
Fork Swamp Path | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
GETTING HERE: On Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled “Fork Swamp Trailhead.” It’s positioned on an entry highway on Freeway 601. There have been no indicators labeling this entry highway however the GPS coordinates for the flip off are 33°45’44.7″N 80°38’33.7″W. On the finish of this brief highway is a small parking space and a Nationwide Park signal indicating the trailhead. The trailhead can also be marked on our interactive map.
#9 The Kingsnake Path
Distance: 12 miles | Issue: Straightforward to troublesome | Time: 5 to 7 hours
If you’re a birdwatcher, that is the most effective path within the park. The Kingsnake Path passes by sloughs of tupelo and cypress bushes and runs alongside a part of Cedar Creek. Crossing over the previous, rickety bridges with views of the forest is gorgeous.
Cedar Creek | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Kingsnake Path
Bald Cypress knees | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
This path begins on the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch and ends on the junction with the Weston Lake Path and Oakridge Path. At this junction, you’ll be able to retrace your steps again to your place to begin or add the Weston Lake Path or the Oakridge Path.
The problem can differ primarily based on circumstances within the park. After we did this hike, it was dry and the path was very simple to hike (it’s utterly flat). However downed bushes and flooding can create troublesome circumstances.
#10 Hike the River Path to the Congaree River
Distance: 11.1 miles | Issue: Straightforward to troublesome | Time: 4 to six hours
Tim and I weren’t followers of this hike, however I’m itemizing it as a factor to do in Congaree Nationwide Park with a purpose to present some details about it.
This can be a lengthy hike. And for probably the most half, the views don’t change all that a lot over its 11 miles.
The brief stroll on the boardwalk firstly of the hike is the most effective half. Seeing Smart Lake can also be very good.
Seeing this fallen tree was probably the most memorable elements of this hike.
However as soon as on the River Path, it’s a utterly flat, monotonous stroll by the forest. More often than not, you’re strolling by oaks and different hardwoods, not by sloughs of tupelos and cypress bushes that make Congaree Nationwide Park so lovely and so distinctive.
And I’ve by no means cleared as many cobwebs off my face and garments as I did on this hike.
On the midpoint of the hike, you get a view of the Congaree River, nevertheless it’s not value it, not for an 11 mile spherical journey hike (if you would like a view of the Congaree River from a climbing path, do the two.2 mile Bates Ferry Path as an alternative).
Congaree River | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
We thought that this hike is simple. It’s utterly flat and really nicely marked with path indicators alongside its complete distance. The whole ascent for this hike is a mere 60 toes. The NPS web site warns that it this hike is troublesome, since flooding and downed bushes could make climbing difficult.
I solely advocate this hike for many who are on the lookout for a protracted hike away from the crowds.
Different Trails within the Park
There are different brief trails within the park. A few of these are connector trails.
The Sims Path is an previous gravel highway. A part of Sims Path bisects the Boardwalk Loop Path and this a part of Sims path will not be value it, because you miss seeing the bottomland forests. The southern a part of the Sims path connects the Boardwalk Path with the Weston Lake Path, River Path, and Oak Ridge Path.
The Firefly Path is a flat path that runs by the woods simply to the south of the customer heart. It’s good however we preferred the Boardwalk Path extra. It will get its identify since it is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in Could and June.
The Bluff Path is positioned north of the Harry Hampton Customer Middle and passes by loblolly and longleaf pines.
The Oakridge Path is an extended path (7.1 miles) that passes by hardwood forests with oaks, gums, and poplars. We didn’t hike this path, selecting the River Path as an alternative. Possibly we’d have preferred this yet another?
Congaree Path Signal | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
Mountaineering trails are marked with small white indicators just like the one on this tree. Every path has a unique quantity. On the customer heart, decide up a climbing path information and this lists every path with its corresponding quantity.
How Many Days Do You Want in Congaree Nationwide Park?
Since this park is so small, you solely want a half to a full day to see the highlights.
We listed 10 issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park. The highlights, in our opinion, are strolling the Boardwalk Loop Path and kayaking or canoeing on Cedar Creek. Including on the Weston Lake Path and Smart Lake is nice for many who need to go a bit of deeper into the park.
In case you have a half day in Congaree Nationwide Park, stroll the Boardwalk Loop Path and think about including on the Weston Lake Path with the detour to Smart Lake.
In case you have in the future in Congaree Nationwide Park, spend half a day climbing the Boardwalk Loop Path and Weston Lake Path and spend half of a day canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek. For extra info, learn our detailed in the future itinerary for Congaree Nationwide Park.
In case you have two days in Congaree Nationwide Park, spend in the future canoeing or kayaking on Cedar Creek and in the future climbing the paths (we advocate the Boardwalk Loop Path, Weston Lake Path, and the Bates Ferry/Normal Greene Tree hike).
Greatest Time to Go to Congaree Nationwide Park
The most effective time to go to Congaree Nationwide Park is within the spring and the autumn.
Within the spring and fall, temperatures are heat (daytime highs can rise up into the 70’s) and mosquitoes are low. In each the spring and fall, Congaree will get about 3 inches of rain per 30 days.
Peak fall colours happen at first of November. We visited Congaree from November 8 by November 10. Daytime highs had been within the excessive 60’s to mid-70’s and at evening it received down into the 40’s. We had shiny sunny skies every of the three days that we had been right here.
Fall is the most effective time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water ranges are ultimate.
If you wish to see the synchronous fireflies, plan your go to for the top of Could to early June.
In the course of the summer time months, Congaree is scorching and humid. Temperatures steadily rise up into the high-90’s and even up over 100°F. The humidity makes it really feel worse and mosquitoes are at their highest ranges presently.
Flooding tends to happen throughout the winter months. Temperatures could be chilly however snow is uncommon.
Congaree Mosquito Meter in November | Greatest Issues to do in Congaree Nationwide Park
The right way to Get to Congaree Nationwide Park
Congaree Nationwide Park is positioned in South Carolina.
The closest main airport is positioned in Columbia, South Carolina, which is a couple of 30 minute drive from Congaree Nationwide Park. Charlotte Douglass Worldwide Airport, which is positioned in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a bigger airport with extra flight choices. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree Nationwide Park from right here.
In case your go to is a part of a much bigger highway journey, listed below are the driving distances and instances to close by locations:
- Columbia, South Carolina: 18 miles, half-hour
- Charleston, South Carolina: 105 miles, 2 hours
- Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina: 130 miles, 2.5 hours
- Charlotte, North Carolina: 112 miles, 2 hours
- Asheville, North Carolina: 180 miles, 3 hours
- Savannah, Georgia: 150 miles, 2.5 hours
- Augusta, Georgia: 90 miles, 1.5 hours
The place to Keep
Inside Congaree Nationwide Park, your solely choice is tent tenting. There are two campgrounds, the Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground, and you should make your reservation prematurely.
Exterior of the park, Columbia is the most effective place to remain (and eat). It’s only a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree Nationwide Park.
There are quite a few lodges in Columbia to select from. We stayed on the Hilton Columbia Middle and had an important expertise however the Graduate Columbia, Staybridge Suites Columbia, Aloft Columbia Downtown, and the Courtyard Columbia Downtown all are extremely rated and have an important location in downtown Columbia. From these lodges, you’ll be able to simply stroll or Uber to some nice eating places.
On the outskirts of Columbia, the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce will get great evaluations. It has an onsite restaurant and it’s 10 minutes nearer to Congaree than the lodges in downtown Columbia.
The place to Eat
There are not any eating places in Congaree Nationwide Park. Should you plan to go to the park for the day, pack a picnic lunch. There are restricted meals choices in Gadsden and the most effective place to seize a chunk to eat is in Columbia, South Carolina.
Certainly one of our favourite issues to do on this go to was exit to dinner. There are a number of nice eating places in Columbia. We had three nights right here, so we tried three totally different eating places in addition to one spot for lunch.
Bourbon was our favourite restaurant. The meals is superb (Cajun and Creole) however the primary motive to place this restaurant in your listing is for the bourbon. The bourbon listing is in depth. You may pattern a variety of bourbon or have one (or extra) of their crafted cocktails. We love bourbon and that is our favourite restaurant in Columbia.
Motor Provide Firm Bistro presents farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu modifications each day. Make your reservation prematurely!
We additionally had a really good dinner at Saluda’s. Situated within the 5 Factors neighborhood, this restaurant serves southern fare with a twist. It’s probably the most upscale restaurant listed right here and a pleasant choice in case you are on the lookout for a superb eating expertise.
Menkoi Ramen Home. We had a late lunch right here and it was glorious. The ramen noodle soups and dumplings are scrumptious.
Cola’s Restaurant, Mr. Pleasant’s New Southern, Alodia’s Cucina Italiana (positioned exterior of Columbia), and Midwood Smokehouse additionally get superb evaluations.
Plan Your Go to
Entrance Charge: There is no such thing as a price to enter Congaree Nationwide Park.
Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days per yr.
Get updates on highway circumstances and path closures, as you intend your journey and simply earlier than your go to, on the Nationwide Park Service web site.
