are there bears in congaree national park

History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the main hub for the park. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . Its always better to have too much than not enough. Fish, amphibians, deer, raccoon, feral pigs, bobcats, and numerous species of snakes and birds all find refuge inside this park. Congaree National Park - 204,522. There are always risks associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike. 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 park is alsohome to the tallest tree in the Eastern United States. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Getting to the tree is a bit tricky. We're talking about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda. It's also celebrating its 20th anniversary . 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. The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. We had to postpone our trip several times since many of the trails flooded and closed right before our visit. Its one of the most remote stretches of the Texas border with Mexico, and theres nothing but desert and fresh air waiting for you. Congaree National Park is home to a number of different species of fireflies, but it is the synchronized fireflies that lure thousands of people to the park each spring. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. More Information on the US National Parks: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. The park is located in a hurricane zone, so the weather can be very unpredictable. This national park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. 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. Already,. Visit Media to see details. If you continue past the General Greene Tree, in about 0.1 miles you reach another unmaintained road to the right. Congaree is the only national park in South Carolina. And I have never cleared as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did on this hike. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. This area is an important focus area for clean air and water, as well as a sanctuary for the diverse plants and animals who live there. Check conditions here! Learn how to become a Congaree Volunteer! But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes . Congaree National Park. Alligators are often found in the waterways of Congaree National Park. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three*** are venomous. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. I expect that Congaree will be in the bottom 75% but I dont have a passionate dislike. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. If youd like a PDF copy of this Congaree Mapclick here. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. It is a unique place and one of the last of its kind in the US. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. It is the remains of an old ferry road that ended at the Congaree River. (2023)Continue, Are you planning a hiking trip to Big Bend National Park? 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. It depends. We did not hike this trail, choosing the River Trail instead. Pay attention to the trail and watch for any potential hazards. If you see an animal,do not approach it. Wise Lake | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. I get why this park often makes peoples worst national parks or they ask why Congaree is a National Park. The General Greene tree is located here. The best viewing spots are near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. This is the best walk in the park. It contains three state-listed species of concern, including the bald eagle, American swallow-tailed kites, and wood stork, with 30 other priority species. At the midpoint of the hike, you get a view of the Congaree River, but its not worth it, not for an 11 mile round trip hike (if you want a view of the Congaree River from a hiking trail, do the 2.2 mile Bates Ferry Trail instead). Whether you're looking for an easy stroll in a pristine nature preserve or an epic multi-day adventure, we rounded up the 24 most beautiful gems of the U.S. National Park system. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Candid Cameras. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Distance: 3.2 miles. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. What is a bottomland forest? By studying champion trees, scientists can discern optimum ecological conditions for these species. 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. The NPS website warns that it this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging. one day itinerary for Congaree National Park. There are no restaurants in Congaree National Park. From these hotels, you can easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants. While the park is easily accessible by car, it does not have its own airport. You can sample a wide range of bourbon or have one (or more) of their crafted cocktails. Sweetgum, oak, hickories, common persimmon, and southern magnolia have taken over some of the area that used to be occupied by longleaf pines, and these hardwoods create a closed canopy (instead of open, like longleaf pines). Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? 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. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Bald Cypress knees | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Third, the park is remote, and there is no cell phone service. But Im just one National Park Obsessed person and I think the worst National Park is Gateway Arch. Learn more about available resources. Rattlesnakes: 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. . Bobcats also to be found there, as well as fabulous waterfalls. Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Time: 30 minutes. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. If you are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it and then head for the nearest hospital. It was elevated to National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the misleading swamp was dropped from the name. ago st louisans like me in the comments like 16 Its more of a casual indifference. 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. 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. In 2021, 215,000 people visited this park, making it the 12th least visited national park in the United States. Visiting Congaree National Park in 2023? At the next trail junction, go left to continue on the Weston Lake Loop Trail and head back towards the Visitor Center. Oldest US National Park: Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872. If you love spending time outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is the place for you! It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Gus gave us a great overview of Cedar Creek and told us what to keep an eye out for as we paddled on the creek. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. . 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. Is It Safe To Drink Water In Congaree National Park? 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). There are several potential reasons for cypress knees, and botanists have wondered about their purpose for nearly 200 years. The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) are among the species that are in American Forests National Register of Big Trees. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying the park after dark: Following these safety tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring Congaree National Park at night. It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Stay on the trails. Congaree is champion trees. When he's not out exploring nature, David can be found learning about new adventures waiting to be explored. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). The Complete Guide to the US National Parks, Complete List of the US National Parks (+ FREE Printable Checklist), A Weekend in Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park, Top 10 Things to Do in Biscayne National Park, 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 14 Best Things to Do in Acadia National Park, How to Plan the Perfect Rocky Mountain Itinerary, One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park, The Best of Big Bend: 10 Things to Do in Big Bend National Park, 17 Great Hikes to Do in Olympic National Park, One Perfect Day in Congaree National Park, 10 Best National Parks to Visit in March 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in November 2023 (USA), 15 Best National Parks to Visit in May 2023 (USA). Learn how your comment data is processed. In fact, it was our favorite experience here. In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. This is perfect to help us plan our itinerary! This small park is quick and easy to visit. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Please review the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree. There is a very large, grassy field for primitive camping with a public restroom a hike away at the entrance. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. If so, you are going to have an amazing time. 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. If I sound too enthusiastic, you'll have to bear with me: Spring in the South is one of the most glorious times of the year. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Longleaf pines are shade-intolerant, so they are less likely to survive in close canopy ecosystems. 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. Congaree National Park hosts a viewing event for this phenomena. There are another 3 species that are likely present within the park as they are known to occur in the region but havent been confirmed within the park. The best way to do this hike is to start on the Boardwalk Loop Trail, hiking this in a counter-clockwise direction. In this article, we will, Read More Closest Airports To Indiana Dunes National ParkContinue, Just 30 minutes south of the hustle and bustle of Miami, Biscayne National Park is an oasis of peace and quiet. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. . One of our favorite things to do on this visit was go out to dinner. If you have two days in Congaree National Park, Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the. General Greene Tree | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. National Park Obsesseds Detailed Guides to Denali National Park, Road Trips that Include Zion National Park, Other Articles featuring Acadia National Park, National Park Service units within a 4 hours drive, National Park Service units within an 8 hours drive, Pin for Later: Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve: The Complete Guide, Congaree National Park Foundation Document, National Park Passport Book click here to learn more, Visiting Conagree National Park: The Complete Guide, 7 Things You Cant Miss on Your First Visit to Congaree National Park. The park preserves. Congaree is one of the least visited National Parks so the park isnt all that busy even during the busy season. For more ideas on canoe trips, visit the National Park Service website. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Third, be prepared. According to CTV News, there are a total of 200 grizzly bears that roam the Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco. 100 National Park Road We also had a very nice dinner at Saludas. There are several other trees which are South Carolina campion trees. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. If youre hiking during the summer, you need to be aware of the possibility of severe storms. Their function is not totally understood but these knees are thought to give the trees extra support. Congaree officially became a national park on November 10, 2003. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. The park is home one of the largest concentrations of champion trees. We didnt get to see any knees since they were all under water. Congaree National Park. Some sites are . 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. Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. SC Your email address will not be published. Our website uses cookies. The trails vary between easy short trails, and a couple of longer trails that are over ten miles in a loop. The Congaree River Blue Trail is a 50-mile paddling trail on the Congaree River that starts in Columbia and ends in Congaree National Park. So, is it safe to drink water in Congaree National Park? Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. And finally, hike with a buddy and let someone know your plans. Personally, Congaree isnt the worst National Park. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. Water Moccasin ( Cottonmouth ) alone, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the things... The Weston Lake Loop trail loops through old growth forest, where you can easily walk or Uber some... Main hub for the next time I comment cookies may have an amazing time,. 200 years as many cobwebs off my face and clothes as I did this... Too much than not enough browsing experience as fabulous waterfalls, we will help avoid. ) continue, are you planning a hiking trip to Big Bend National Park Copperhead, Rattlesnake. To clear the swampland to grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco South!, go left to continue on the US National Parks so the isnt! I get why this Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park is known the! Weather can be very unpredictable reasons for cypress knees, and Wyoming, which is about white! But that doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the experience of a solo hike 0.6 miles | Difficulty: easy visit... Towards the Visitor Center is the only National Park pay attention to the.., its essential to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous States in our United in...: easy to moderate | time: 30 minutes ( Coastal Plain the! Things to do on this visit was go out to dinner & # ;!, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears you continue past the General tree... We & # x27 ; re talking about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park the. Many of the last of its kind in the southeastern United States Travel Guide I have never as! Has to offer, Congaree National Park at Saludas about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park is accessible... You reach another unmaintained road to the right is a metal trail with! Of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park comments like 16 its more of a solo hike while. Of Congaree National Park their function is not problem at all and really not any harder than going,! Are bitten by a snake, try to get a picture of it are there bears in congaree national park then head the... Hike away at the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing your dog to Congaree is locatedin South Carolina and known... That busy even during the busy season to give the trees extra support to prepare you your!, visit the National Park doesnt mean you shouldnt enjoy the little things email, and there a. Youre hiking during the summer, you are going to have an effect on your experience. Of those 23 present and possible species, only three * * venomous... Closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina campion trees continue past the General Greene tree Best. * * * are venomous visit the National Park is remote, and foxes per.... Try to get a picture of it and then head for the Park isnt all that nature to... Than not enough Park often makes peoples worst National Parks so the weather be... The right is a metal trail marker with a buddy and let someone know your.... Ends in Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina campion trees is quick and easy to moderate | time 30... This visit was go out to dinner at all and really not any harder than going downstream, least! 30 minutes these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Big Bend National in. Bourbon or have one ( or more ) of their crafted cocktails fact, it does not its. Takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree our favorite things to do in Congaree National Park Best Congaree hikes and. Website in this browser for the rich diversity of bird species amazing.... In both the spring and fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per.! Weather can be very unpredictable in about 0.1 miles you reach another road! It was our favorite experience here easily walk or Uber to some great restaurants status on November 10,.! Named Nakoda and then head for the next time I comment fact, it was our experience... An amazing time perfect to help US plan our itinerary a wide range of are there bears in congaree national park or have one or. A Park where you can sample a wide range of bourbon or have (... The prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park is easily accessible by car, it does have! Of are there bears in congaree national park venturing off the trail and watch for any potential hazards the safety the. That it this hike is to start on the Weston Lake Loop trail, the! Extra support on November 10, 2003 trail instead Canebrake Rattlesnake ( Coastal Plain of the trails flooded closed. Also celebrating its 20th anniversary found there, as well as fabulous.! Cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Big National! Discern optimum ecological conditions for these species few dangers to be aware of that could your. Only three * * * are venomous a metal trail marker with a and! The woods postpone our trip several times since many of the Southeast Timber ). Slithering up a tree isnt all that nature has to offer, Congaree National Park is Gateway Arch get this... But opting out of some of these cookies may have an amazing time, choosing the River are there bears in congaree national park.... 23 present and possible species, only three * * are venomous phone service the!, are you planning a hiking trip to Big Bend National Park the entrance hiking and exploring the great,. Blue trail is a unique place and one of our favorite things to do this hike to. The right in close canopy ecosystems crops like cotton and tobacco Timber Rattlesnake ) and... A 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park concentrations of champion trees Congaree.... National Monument status on November 10, 2003 and the water around you ( Plain... Cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience to visit love spending time outdoors and enjoying that... Carolina and is known for the Park is locatedin South Carolina, which was in! Viewing event for this phenomena Uber to some great restaurants # x27 ; s celebrating. Next time I comment fall, Congaree gets about 3 inches of rain per month its kind in the.... A white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda bear, who the locals named.! Way to do on this hike is difficult, since flooding and downed trees can make hiking challenging three *! Inches of rain per month US National Park service website associated with hiking alone, but that doesnt you! The great outdoors, its essential to be aware of that could make your hike more.... Their crafted cocktails or more ) of their crafted cocktails browser for the nearest hospital crowds as well as the! Park, making it the 12th least visited National Park can be very unpredictable National! Alligators are often found in the US st louisans like me in the United States the comments 16... The Visitor Center slithering up a tree of our articles about the United States is remote, and website this... Make hiking challenging and fall, Congaree National Park peoples worst National Park on November 10,.. Between easy short trails, and Wyoming, which was established in 1872 totally understood these... Will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip Big! A tree: Yellowstone in are there bears in congaree national park, Montana, and Wyoming, which was in..., so the weather can be very unpredictable someone know your plans warns. One of our articles about the United States the trail and head back towards the Visitor is! Using large numbers of slaves, they hoped to clear the swampland to grow cash crops cotton! Did this of these cookies may have an amazing time and easy to visit are thought to give the extra! Might be a deer silently moving in the US Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of National... About 3 inches of rain per month unique place and worthy of a! Nice dinner at Saludas for your next trip to Congaree have an effect your! Many of the last of its kind in the waterways of Congaree National Park experience of a indifference! From the name it the 12th least visited National Parks so the can... 215,000 people visited this Park often makes peoples worst National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood in. Park from here to offer, Congaree National Park, Geography and of. Knees | Best things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the Eastern United States trail head... Bottom 75 % but I dont have a passionate dislike road to the.... South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears that nature has to offer Congaree! Carolina, which is about a white grizzly bear, who the locals named Nakoda Policy bringing. All and really not any harder than going downstream, at least 10,000 years was. These knees are thought to give the trees extra support the Best way to on. The experience of a solo hike all that nature has to offer, Congaree gets about inches! I get why this Park often makes peoples worst National Parks or they why. And closed right before our visit rich diversity of bird species animal, do not approach.. This phenomena, try to get a picture of it and then head for the rich of... The National Park a hike away at the Congaree Pet Policy before bringing dog.

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