Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Congaree is located 20 miles south south-east of the city of Columbia , South Carolina
Congaree National Park has potential for that outdoor adventure vacation you’ve always wanted to take providing you don’t mind getting wet! This significant National Park has primeval forests as well as swamp land and is prone to flooding. It provides tremendous fishing as well as unique bird watching opportunities. You will see national champion-sized trees, beautiful butterfly gardens, and boardwalk trails, all ready for exploring! There’s also canoeing and kayaking trips to be taken as well as camping, fishing and hiking. Check out below for great Congaree National Park information.
Uniqueness
Congaree National Park preserves the largest intact tract of old-growth floodplain forest in North America. To walk here is to walk among ancient trees of record size. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the park’s floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States. The average canopy height (130 ft.) is as tall as or taller than any temperate deciduous forest in the world including those found in Japan, the Himalayas South America, and all of Eastern Europe according to researchers. A storehouse of natural diversity, the forest encompasses hundreds of species of plants and animals. Congaree National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting. It is a designated International Biosphere Reserve.
Kayaking or canoeing is a thrilling way to experience adventure travel that allows you to observe the diverse wildlife of the park. It’s a great way to enjoy this primeval wilderness. Deer, river otters, turtles, snakes, raccoons, and wild pigs are a few of the animals that may be seen. There is a marked canoe trail on Cedar Creek, the largest channel that flows through the floodplain. The Congaree River can also be paddled, but there is no vehicle access to the river within the park boundaries. There are several trail trips to choose from in which to see the park. Cedar Creek is crossed by trails in two spots, allowing for a combination of hiking and canoeing.
The park’s 2.3 mile boardwalk loop trail offers an opportunity for persons in wheelchairs or those hiking to experience the park’s old-growth floodplain forest. Bicycles are not permitted on any trails. There is a high boardwalk that is six feet above the forest and a low boardwalk. The Elevated Boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest and ends at Weston Lake, an old channel of the Congaree River. The Low Boardwalk passes through a primeval bald cypress and water tupelo forest. Numerous hiking trails lead through different parts of the park to show-off the ancient forest and a view of a forest in successional stages. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. There is opportunity for excellent bird watching here. One of the most sought after sightings in the park is Swainson’s warbler. Common birds found here include the red-headed woodpecker, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, wood duck, black and turkey vulture, cardinal and Carolina wren, the state bird of South Carolina. In 1995, Robin Carter of the Columbia Audubon Society compiled bird sightings that included 173 species observed in the park. At different times of the year, prothonotary warblers, Mississippi kites, and herons can be seen.
The park is open every day from dawn until dusk except for Christmas Day, and the Visitor Center is open from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. All vehicles must be parked outside the entrance gate by 5:00 P.M. Restrooms near the Visitor Center are open from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily. Potable water is available from the spigot on the south side of the Visitor Center.
The Congaree National Park was originally the Congaree Swamp National Monument established in 1976, as a result of an effective “grass roots” campaign launched by the Sierra Club and many local individuals to protect the natural resources. On June 30, 1983 Congaree Swamp National Monument was designated an International Biosphere Reserve. A biosphere reserve preserves genetic diversity and acts as an environmental baseline for research and resource monitoring. In July of 2001 it was designated a Globally Important Bird Area. It became a national park in 2003 making it the nation’s 57th National Park. Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. More than 98% of Congaree National Park is congressionally designated Wilderness.
Prehistoric foragers hunted the area and fished its waters. The Congaree Indians claimed the floodplain and Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto recounted the intrigue of the area in his journals. Around 1700, the Congarees were decimated by a smallpox epidemic introduced with the arrival of European settlers. The new residents obtained land grants from the King of England until 1776 when the state of South Carolina assumed the right to distribute ownership of the land. Attempts to make the land suitable for planting, as well as grazing, continued through 1860. The floodplain’s minor changes in elevation and consequent flooding stifled agricultural activity; but the intermittent flooding allowed for soil nutrient renewal and enabled the area’s trees to thrive. Bald Cypress, in particular, became a target for logging. By 1905, the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company, owned by Francis Beidler, had acquired much of the land. Poor accessibility by land confined logging to tracts near waterways so that logs could be floated down river. In the perpetual dampness, though, many of the cut trees remained too green to float. Operations were suspended within ten years, leaving the floodplain basically untouched.
Gen. Francis Marion, legendary Swamp Fox of the Revolutionary War, confided in his journals: “I look at the venerable trees around me and I know that I must not dishonor them.” History attests that General Marion honored the trees that sheltered his strategic military forays for political freedom. Dishonor came in the 1880s, when the southern bottomland forests fell wholesale under ax and saw. These great forests, originally extending from the Chesapeake Bay to east Texas, were decimated over the next few decades. Originally, there were nearly 1,110,000-acres of floodplain in South Carolina. Precious remnants that survived the axe were drowned behind dams. Would any be saved? Today only 13,000-acres remain, with 11,000-acres protected in the Congaree National Park, a rarity indeed!
More than 98% of Congaree National Park is congressionally designated Wilderness. The area boasts approximately 75 tree species, many holding state records for size. The variety of trees equals half the number found in all of Europe. Some of the most commonly encountered trees and shrubs are loblolly pine, cherrybark oak, paw, water oak, bald cypress, tupelo, American holly, laurel oak, and ironwood. Loblolly pines as tall as 169 feet grow here in a rare association with the hardwood forest. You will see a primeval bald cypress and water tupelo forest where cypress “knees” protrude from the forest floor creating a mystical aura. The knees, part of the tree’s root system, are thought to help aerate the roots and to help anchor the cypress in the area’s wet soil. Also contained within the park are a young plantation forest of loblolly pines, a cypress-tupelo slough, a rich stretch of old-growth forest where large oaks abound, and giant cherrybark oaks that stand at near-record size. The1989 Hurricane Hugo made a big impact on the Congaree forest and therefore there is new growth in places. In 1980, there were 9 national champion-sized trees and 30 state record sized trees. Sixty-four trees were found to be 80% of the size of national champions, and 150 trees larger than 12 feet in circumference were found. After hurricane Hugo in 1989, 4 national champions and 19 state records remained. Although the park lost several National Champion trees, the overall effect was a natural stimulus to growth. Hugo snapped tree tops, thereby allowing sunlight to come through the canopy, promoting new growth beneath. Fallen trees have provided shelter for many species of organisms; standing dead trees became new homes for a variety of plant and animal species, including fungi, insects, reptiles, birds, and bats.
Fishing is allowed everywhere within the park except for Weston Lake. A South Carolina fishing license is required. The fish of the Congaree are fresh water fish. Some varieties are important to sportsmen as well as connoisseurs making for great fishing vacations or a fishing trip with your friends and family. Fishing for bream, large mouth bass and striped bass is a popular hobby. Three ancient fishes thrive in the Congaree River –garfish, with razor sharp teeth, mudfish or “Bowfin,” and sturgeon. Other fish pursued by anglers include yellow perch, chain pickerel, crappie, redbreast and “mollies.” Populations of sturgeon are declining. The Congaree River also provides homes for white bass, catfish, white perch, carp and suckers. To avoid introducing new, nonnative and/or potentially diseased, species to the ecosystem, please do not use minnows, amphibians or fish eggs as bait. To preserve the quantity and biodiversity of the fish population, only recreational fishing is allowed. Catch and release sportsmanship is encouraged. Please return illegal or unwanted fish carefully and immediately to the water.
There are several options for canoeing trips. There is a marked canoe trail on Cedar Creek, the largest channel that flows through the floodplain. The Congaree River can also be paddled, but there is no vehicle access to the river within the park boundaries. For canoeists with only one vehicle, the best option is to put-in at Cedar Creek Landing and to explore the creek either upstream or downstream of the parking area. This portion of Cedar Creek is beautiful and tranquil. Its banks are lined with cypress trees that form a graceful canopy over the creek’s dark waters. While it is also possible to explore Cedar Creek downstream of Bannister’s Bridge, the creek is wider, easier to paddle, and more scenic in the vicinity of Cedar Creek Landing. For canoeists with two vehicles, Bannister’s Bridge to Cedar Creek Landing makes for an enjoyable and satisfying day trip. The distance is 7 miles and takes about 4-6 hours. The creek is narrow at first, twisting through brush and low forest, but it soon widens and flows past oaks and loblolly pines of near-record dimensions. At the halfway point, the creek drops under a bridge. Off to the right is Wise Lake, a former channel of the Congaree River. The lake can be visited, via a short channel, when water levels are high. After another 2-3 hours of easy paddling, the iron bridge at Cedar Creek Landing will come into view. Canoeists with two vehicles may also explore the wilder, eastern section of the park and float down the brown-water Congaree River. This works well as an overnight trip, so stop by the Visitor Center for a free backcountry permit before undertaking this adventure. About two miles downstream from Cedar Creek Landing, an old, hand-dug canal provides a short-cut through the neck of one of the creek’s meanders. Two miles later, Cedar Creek makes a hard bend to the left and is joined by Horsepen Gut, a prominent tributary. Mazyck’s Cut, a short channel that leads to the Congaree River, is three miles further ahead on the right. Here a wooden sign points toward the river and three trail markers indicate the shortcut. Since the remainder of Cedar Creek is not cleared or marked, it is recommended that canoeists follow Mazyck’s Cut to the river. Once on the Congaree, clear floating awaits the canoeist for the 13 miles to the 601 bridge.
The park’s 2.3 mile boardwalk loop trail offers an opportunity for persons in wheelchairs or those hiking to experience the park’s old-growth floodplain forest. Bicycles are not permitted on any trails. There is a high boardwalk that is six feet above the forest and a low boardwalk. The Elevated Boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest and ends at Weston Lake, an old channel of the Congaree River. The Low Boardwalk passes through a primeval bald cypress and water tupelo forest. Numerous hiking trails lead through different parts of the park to show-off the ancient forest and a view of a forest in successional stages. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. There is opportunity for excellent bird watching here. One of the most sought after sightings in the park is Swainson’s warbler. Common birds found here include the red-headed woodpecker, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, wood duck, black and turkey vulture, cardinal and Carolina wren, the state bird of South Carolina. In 1995, Robin Carter of the Columbia Audubon Society compiled bird sightings that included 173 species observed in the park. At different times of the year, prothonotary warblers, Mississippi kites, and herons can be seen.
Summers are generally hot and humid. Winters are generally mild with variable precipitation. The park is prone to periodic flooding. Layers of clothing, long pants and good walking shoes are recommended.
Be aware of your surroundings for rising water, poison ivy, snakes, wasps, spiders, and mosquitoes. Maps, compass, first-aid kit, insect repellent, tent with rainfly, sleeping bag and mat, ground sheet, GPS unit, repair kit, extra medication and/or glasses, plastic bags to carry out trash or to keep things dry, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, multipurpose tool or knife, extra clothes, rain gear, collapsible water container, 2 quart water bottle, watch, matches, campstove, fuel, signal whistle or mirror, cooking pots and utensils, extra food, and drinking water are highly recommended. Water found along the trails is potable only if boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine. Layers of clothing, long pants and good walking shoes or hiking boots are also recommended. Summers are generally hot and humid. Winters are generally mild with variable precipitation.
The park is subject to periodic flooding. On average, the park floods ten times per year with most floods occurring during the period of December through April. Be alert to rising water and be prepared to move camp if necessary.
Here are some general, useful rules. Off-trail travel is not recommended due to the possibility of getting lost in the “flat” floodplain environment. For fishing, use the service road, not the boardwalks, for access to fishing areas. Also, do not use boats propelled by inboard/outboard motors. All vehicles must be parked outside the main gate by 5:00 P.M. Weapons and hunting are prohibited in the park. Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing natural, cultural, or archeological resources is prohibited. The trails are marked with painted blazes and reflective recycled plastic markers. These reflectors greatly improve night visibility. Recycling bins are provided at all of the trailheads as well as at the Visitor Center . Please recycle. Please pack out everything you pack into the park.
To canoe or kayak, you must bring your own or rent outside of the park in Columbia . Changing water levels may make paddling difficult. Approximately ten times each year, floodwaters from the Congaree River cover the park with a sheet of fast-moving water. Paddling upstream and following the marked canoe trail may be challenging during flooding events. Water levels can fluctuate by more than 10 feet. Canoe trail markers may be underwater and the trail may be indistinguishable from the rest of the floodplain. When water levels are very low or after significant flooding occurs, fallen trees may impede smooth travel, forcing canoeists to portage. Before paddling, it is advisable to call the visitor center (803-776-4396) to ask about current conditions. A final caution: although marked, the Cedar Creek canoe trail may be hard to follow in places. When in doubt, keep a keen watch for the diamond-shaped markers. However, because of Wilderness designation regulations, canoe trail markers are limited. The canoe trail from Bannister’s Bridge to the Congaree River has had significant downfall and there will be a lot of portages. At this time, access to the Congaree River from Cedar Creek at Mazyck’s cut is blocked with a log jam.
One attractive part of the park is the natural Butterfly Garden. All the plants in the Congaree butterfly garden are native to this area. These plants attract butterflies to the garden without artificial feeders. Caterpillars eat sassafras and wax myrtle leaves while butterflies sip from flowering plants like spiderwort and cardinal flower. Some of the butterflies or moths you are likely to see in the park include Tiger Swallowtails, Zebra Swallowtails, Mourning Cloaks, Snout Butterflies and Luna moths. There are many varieties of Sulphers, Blues, skippers and Angle Wing butterflies such as the Comma and Question mark. Monarchs and Viceroys are also frequently seen.
The forest’s diversity matches its trees’ record status and amply supports its wildlife inhabitants. One sign of a healthy forest is the presence of downed logs, a sign of the normal cycle of growth, death, and decay. Standing dead trees provide homes and feeding sites for all eight woodpecker species found in the southeast, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Congaree’s wildlife is generally representative of this region. Many of the mammals found in the Congaree are secretive and nocturnal. Park visitors may experience a fleeting glimpse of a deer, wild boar, gray squirrel, rabbit or fox. Bobcats, raccoons and opossums are all active at night. Evening dusk or early morning light provides the best opportunity to see them, including the flying squirrel or rare fox squirrel. Otters, nature’s clowns, are often seen cavorting in the creeks and lakes. You may also see, marsh rabbits, fox squirrels, southern flying squirrels, long-tailed weasels, red and big brown bats, and mice.
The fish of the Congaree are fresh water fish. Fishing for bream, large mouth bass and striped bass is a popular hobby. Three ancient fishes thrive in the Congaree River –garfish, with razor sharp teeth, mudfish or “Bowfin,” and sturgeon. Other fish pursued by anglers include yellow perch, chain pickerel, crappie, redbreast and “mollies.” Populations of sturgeon are declining. The Congaree River also provides homes for white bass, catfish, white perch, carp and suckers.
In 1995, Robin Carter of the Columbia Audubon Society compiled bird sightings at the park from more than 50 bird-watchers and 6000+ observations. His bird list included 173 species observed in the park. One of the most sought after sightings in the park is Swainson’s warbler. Common birds found here include the red-headed woodpecker, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, wood duck, black and turkey vulture, cardinal and Carolina wren, the state bird of South Carolina. At different times of the year, prothonotary warblers, Mississippi kites, and herons can be seen. You may also see the Pied-billed Grebe, American Bittern, Great Egret, Spotted Sandpiper, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow and Black-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Carolina Chickadee, among others.
No littering or hunting is allowed. All plants and animals in the park are protected! Please feel free to observe and photograph, but do not handle or disturb them. Again, beware that there are snakes, wild pigs, wasps, mosquitoes, and bobcats in ample numbers in the park.
Park entrance and camping are free, although you still need a free camping permit.
After Hours Campsite is a designated group camping area with port-o-johns, fire rings & grills, and picnic tables. The camp area is large enough for several large groups. Obtain a free camping permit and list of regulations at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center prior to camping. The After Hours campsite is located very close to the After Hours parking lot.
Bluff Campsite is a designated group camping area. The site has fire rings and picnic tables and is large enough for several large groups. Camping is primitive style with no facilities. To get to the campsite take the Bluff Trail from the parking area outside of the gate. The Bluff Trailhead is on the eastern side of the parking area.
There is also wilderness camping throughout the park, at least 100 feet away from backcountry trails and water and 1000 feet away from the visitor center and boardwalk. Camping is primitive style with no facilities. No campfires are allowed, except in existing fire rings. Firewood may be collected provided it is “down and dead”. This means that firewood must be both dead and on the ground. It is recommended to use camp stoves. To minimize impact on fragile wetland areas, group size is limited to 6 people per backcountry site. Water found along the trails is potable only if boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine. Be ready for wet weather and always allow time for finding a dry camping spot free of poisonous plants.
All camping is restricted to 14 days, maximum length of stay. The campgrounds are all open all year round. Pets must be leashed or physically confined at all times. Pack out everything that you pack in! Restrooms near the Visitor Center are open from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily. Potable water is available from the spigot on the south side of the Visitor Center. It is always advisable to hang food when camping in a wilderness area. The Bluff Site and After Hours sites are the only sites where open fires are permitted. Tents must be pitched in the open field, not in the surrounding woods.
Ninety Six National Historic Site is 75 miles away. Fort Sumter National Monument is 120 miles away. Kings Mountain National Military Park is 98 miles away. Cowpens National Battlefield is 108 miles away. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is 120 miles away. Sesquicentennial State Park is 30 miles away. Harbison State Forest is 34 miles away. Francis Beidler Forest is 76 miles away. Poinsett State Park and Lake Marion are also nearby attractions.
Columbia Airport is the nearest airport at 30 miles away.
Congaree National Park is located off of South Carolina Highway 48 ( Bluff Road ) approximately 20 miles southeast of Columbia , South Carolina , where there is an airport. South Carolina Highway 48 is accessible from Interstate 77 via exit 5 and from Interstate 26 from Charleston via South Carolina Highway 601. Follow the brown and white directional signs once on South Carolina Highway 48.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Congaree National Park:
By Car:
Charlotte, NC – 110.33 miles
Raleigh, NC – 239.47 miles
Chattanooga, TN – 351.14 miles
Charleston, SC – 125.35 miles
Columbia, SC – 18.54 miles
Lexington, SC – 30.95 miles
By Plane:
Columbia Metropolitan Airport – 23.13 miles
Congaree National Park , 100 National Park Road , Hopkins , SC 29061
(803) 776-4396
By Fax 803-783-4241
