Congaree National Park

Congaree National Recreation area

Attendees to Congaree National Area in South Carolina will discover the largest remaining old-growth bottom land natrual enviroment in America. Most of the park is designated wilderness area, conserving a big concentration of champion trees. The inundating from the Congaree River a number of instances a year has created an surrounding favorable towards the growth of many types of giant trees like loblolly pines, bald cypress, laurel oaks, red maples, and sweet gums.

The Congaree River and Cedar Creek run by means of the park. You will find also a number of tiny oxbow lakes that were once a part of the river’s major channel. This flood plain is home to a variety of birds and also other wildlife like deer, raccoons, opossums, turtles, snakes, and river otters. Fishing is common inside the park and is allowed in all areas except Weston Lake. A valid South Carolina fishing permit is needed and no power-driven boats are permitted. Guests might also take pleasure in canoeing or kayaking in Congaree National Park. The park delivers cost-free well guided canoe excursions on Cedar Creek. Reservations for these trips are taken quarterly. Guests might also bring their very own canoes or kayaks. The Visitor Center has data on existing water levels. Paddlers might also canoe the Congaree River, but there is certainly no vehicle access inside the park.

The Harry Hampton Visitor Center, open daily from 9am-5pm, has displays concerning the park. A great method to take pleasure in the park’s old-growth forest is to take a hike. The two.four mile elevated boardwalk loop trail is among the most common with visitors. You will find 20 miles of other routes inside the park, ranging in length from .seven to 11 miles. The trails provide possibilities to complete bird watching and observe a few of the park’s other wildlife. 1 of the more common trails inside the park could be the Weston Lake Loop Trail, which follows along Cedar Creek and loops round the lake. The River Trail, which leads to the Congaree River, is also popular. Hikers should examine at the Visitor Center for existing trail conditions. Simple camping is permitted all year long, but there are no amenities available. Park rangers conduct a variety of applications all through the year. Guests might take pleasure in guided hikes, canoe trips, campfire talks, and bird counts.

Congaree National Park was established in 2003 and is one of the country’s most up-to-date National Parks. It’s situated 20 miles southeast of Columbia off SC Highway 48. The park is open all year, and there is no entrance charge.