are there bears in congaree national park

It climbs to 167 feet and is almost 15 feet in circumference. Note: This post contains affiliate links. There are several ways to do this, depending on how much time you have and how much you like canoeing or kayaking. Congaree National Park is open year-round. The Kingsnake Trail passes through sloughs of tupelo and cypress trees and runs along part of Cedar Creek. Its always a good idea to let someone else know your hiking plans in casesomething happens. Cedar Creek flows west to east through the center of the park. Congaree encounters Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. If a bear does attack, fight back with everything you have. . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. First, there is the risk of getting lost. I only recommend this hike for those who are looking for a long hike away from the crowds. You can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets. Its completely flat and very well marked with trail signs along its entire distance. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the Mojave Desert. The area has amazing biodiversity. The Weston Lake Loop Trail loops through old growth forest, where you can see more tupelo and bald cypress trees. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park, but they are not common. SC Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. This is a park where you want to slow your roll and enjoy the little things. Interesting Facts about Congaree National Park, Geography and Maps of Congaree National Park. 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. Just a half-hour outside of the state's capital, Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Leave the area immediately and give the snake space. It boasts stunningly decorated caves, ancient trees, astonishing mountainous scenery, and an abundance of other scenic features that are hard to find these days. It might be a snake slithering up a tree. Congaree National Park protects, studies, and interprets the resources, history, stories, and wilderness character of the nations largest remaining tract of southern old-growth bottomland forest and its associated ecosystems. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. It is mistakenly referred to as a swamp. I know scouts who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park. The cost is minimal, a $5.00 . 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. It is just a 30-minute drive to get between Columbia and Congaree National Park. Wet and swampy, the wide floodplain is relatively undeveloped, and at its far end lies Congaree National Park. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. History and Culture Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. 100 National Park Road Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails. During the summer months, Congaree is hot and humid. As you drive south on Highway 601, the turn off for the trailhead is located just past the bridge that crosses Bates Old River. Now, lets talk about Congaree National Park specifically. Native Land Digital is a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization with the goal to creates spaces where non-Indigenous people can be invited and challenged to learn more about the lands they inhabit, the history of those lands, and how to actively be part of a better future going forward together. 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 is located in South Carolina. Located in central South Carolina near the state's capital of Columbia, this National Park is home to an incredible range of biodiversity. While they generally avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. We will help you avoid the crowds as well as find the best Congaree hikes, and where to stay. Temperatures frequently get up into the high-90s and even up over 100F. Great Basin National Park is the most crowd-free national Park in the United States. The summers see temperatures in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity making it seem much hotter. IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government issued passport. Weston Lake Loop Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Weston Lake Overlook | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The area isn't great habitat for them as the area isn't marshy or swamping unless the river is flooding. Be sure to . . Congaree National Park - 204,522. When alligators are seen, they are usually found at the southern end of the park along the river. Paddle the 50-mile designated recreational paddle trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia downstream to Congaree National Park. In the following sections, we will cover these dangers in more detail to prepare you for your next trip to Congaree. You can either pick up the canoe from their office in Columbia, or for an additional fee, have them deliver it right to the canoe launch. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. Champion trees are trees that are extremely large or tall for their species. It is the largest bald cypress in Congaree National Park with a circumference of 30 feet. Im sorry you didnt have a great experience there. Wildfires caused by lightning resulted in habitats and vegetation that needed fire to be healthy, but fire suppression techniques have caused a change in the ecosystem. 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 youre hiking during the winter, you need to be aware of the possibility of ice and snow. 15 least visited national parks of 2022. Pinnacles National Park - 275,023. Congarees has the USs tallest Pine Loblolly. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA. However, there are a few things to remember to stay safe while hiking in the park. According to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a river swamp. Paddling upstream is not problem at all and really not any harder than going downstream, at least when we did this. Hiking trails provide access for all levels and time constraints and offer views that are both scenic and educational about this little-known treasure on the banks of the Congaree River. Congaree National Park is locatedin South Carolina and is known for its massive Congaree River swamp. Yes, Congaree is worth visiting. Distance: 11.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy to difficult | Time: 4 to 6 hours. Columbia is 20 miles northwest of Congaree and is the closest major city. Congaree has one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world -- it's taller than the old-growth forests found in Japan, the Himalayas, southern South America. Of the estimated 30 million acres of bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40% remains. The short walk on the boardwalk at the start of the hike is the best part. Fall is the best time to go paddling on Cedar Creek since water levels are ideal. If you have one day in Congaree National Park. Known for its big trees, Congaree boasts the most "champion" (the largest individual tree of its species) trees anywhere in the U.S. Congaree National Park, Hopkins . Its a beautiful part of Congaree National Park. Read more about the region's history. This hike is quick and easy, as long as it is not flooded or muddy. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting Denali National Park? The most popular places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee are Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. See a glimpse of what Congaree National Park has to offer, including champion trees, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and wilderness for exploration and rejuvenation. Another danger to be aware of is wildlife. The closest town is Crescent City, about 60 miles south of the Oregon border. We didnt see much in the way of wildlife, but Cedar Creek is beautiful, and to drift along the water, listening to the birds and the crickets, and to see these majestic old trees, was a very memorable experience. Coral snakes have a VERY similar coloration to the kingsnake which is found in the park. Plan your hike into the Congaree wilderness. Many of the bears are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania or New York, and may return there at the end of the summer. Are there bears in Congaree National Park? In Congaree, you can see some of the tallest Loblolly pines still alive today as well as bald cypress trees that are over 500 years old. Congaree encounters - Today, South Carolina has an estimated 1,200 resident black bears. 340 Cheerchum27 10 mo. Wise Lake is one of the prettiest spots that we saw in Congaree National Park. Having the canoe delivered to Cedar Creek made the logistics super easy. This 2.4-mile boardwalk takes you through surprisingly different landscapes and gives you an excellent overview of the forest and what one might find in various parts of this environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your hike is as safe as possible. (2023)Continue. Bates Ferry Trail | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park, Congaree River | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Congaree is champion trees. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. For 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light up the skies in Congaree National Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. Male fireflies have quick single flashes approximately twice per second, and the females then respond with their own flash pattern. It turns out they don't just go to pools to drink, splash and frolic they also slip into the water to scrub their faces and ears and rinse themselves clean. Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Although it's among the smaller national parks in America, much of it is open to both humans and their pets. Congaree National Park elevated boardwalk trail. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Congaree National Park protects towering trees and a varied plant and animal life. Most of the time, you are walking through oaks and other hardwoods, not through sloughs of tupelos and cypress trees that make Congaree National Park so beautiful and so unique. Boiling water for one to three minutes is an effective way to killmost bacteria and viruses. Youll find some challenging terrain with steep scrambles or leisurely strolls depending upon what youre looking to do, Read More Hiking In Dallas: 15 Stunning Hikes Near Dallas, TexasContinue, Redwood National and State Parks are located on the north coast of California. Congaree National Park protects the oldest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. There are benches all along the Boardwalk if you need a rest. Congaree National Park is a 27,000-acre park in Hopkins, South Carolina. This is where the majority of the hiking trails start, including the wonderful Boardwalk Loop Trail. Both snakes have red, black, and yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a little confusing. There are occasional black bear sightings in Northeast Ohio. Then take the boardwalk back to the visitor center. These fire treatments will remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions. On a wide glance, you will see an old-growth forest with some of the largest and tallest trees of their species. There are invasive species within Congaree National Park, and the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team manages exotic plants throughout the park. When youre hiking and exploring the great outdoors, its essential to be aware of the safety of the water around you. The parks are also home, Read More Is Redwood National Park Safe? It takes 2 hours to drive to Congaree National Park from here. Menkoi Ramen House. Second, be aware of your surroundings. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Be sure to stay on the trail and away from any areas where you cant see the ground clearly. 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. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) The state is believed to have between 50-100 black bears living throughout Ohio. Staff could verify. Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park? Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. It is a special place and worthy of being a National Park. #2 Go Kayaking or Canoeing on Cedar Creek, #7 Bates Ferry Trail and the General Greene Tree, #10 Hike the River Trail to the Congaree River. It gets its name since this is a good place to see the synchronous fireflies in May and June. If you or someone in your group is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Here are a few of the common animals that you may encounter while exploring the park: That said, while most of the wildlife in Congaree National Park is harmless, there are a few animals that you should be aware of. Make yourself as small as possible and back away slowly. . 5 Things You CANT MISS in Conagree National Park, The Quick Guide to Visiting Denali National Park National Park and Preserve. The park preserves. Journey into the heart of the park on Cedar Creek. If you see an animal,do not approach it. Required fields are marked *. It might be a deer silently moving in the woods. Those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake (Coastal Plain of the Southeast Timber Rattlesnake), and the Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). The park is home to alligators, snakes, and other dangerous animals. The boardwalk trail is an elevated path through the bottomland, where you can see giant tupelos and bald cypress trees standing in the water. No fewer than 45 miles of carriage roads can be explored . If you see an animal, do not approach it. The Bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting. Some sites are . Motor Supply Company Bistro offers farm-to-table fare for lunch and dinner and the menu changes daily. If you take the necessary precautions, like purifying your water before you drink it, youll be just fine. Sadly, when we arrived, the whole place was flooded even half of the boardwalk was under water. The National Park Passport Books is one of the best and cheapest souvenirs. Not quite a swamp but also unlike any mountain forest you've ever seen, Congaree National Park is a unique park. Map of Congaree National Park | Best Things to do in Congaree National Park. Learn how to become a Congaree Junior Ranger! The closest major airport is located in Columbia, South Carolina, which is about a 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park. The main way to prevent a negative snake encounter is to keep an eye on where you are walking and take care in tall grass and around downed logs. The park is a great place to fish; however, please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully. Congarees floodplain forest has one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet. Make sure you have the proper gear and supplies, including a map and compass, in case you get lost. Its nice but we liked the Boardwalk Trail more. There is no need to be afraid of the wildlife in Congaree National Park if you take the proper precautions. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. We listed 10 things to do in Congaree National Park. We visited Congaree from November 8 through November 10. Keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife. The park is also home to some dangers that hikers and outdoor lovers should be aware of before they venture out.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hikersdaily_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikersdaily_com-medrectangle-4-0'); One of the biggest dangers at Congaree National Park is the terrain. There are a few things to be aware of that could make your hike more dangerous. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County. The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days. It might an otter swimming in the river. Those who want to rough it can find a great camping experience in the wilderness. There are a few dangers to be aware of when venturing off the trail in Congaree National Park. Hiking and being in parks at night can be dangerous because of the low visibility, more wildlife out at night, and other general safety concerns. Maybe we would have liked this one more? There is a reason that Congaree is of the few National Parks to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Congaree National Park is known for the rich diversity of bird species. Catch and release fishing is encouraged. Be sure to watch your step and take your time in areas where the footing is uncertain. However, if you encounter a bear, do not approach it. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. 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. While these snakes are venomous and if bitten you could be killed, bites are extremely rare and are almost always provoked. Congaree National Park just southeast of Columbia, SC, is the closest to Charlotte, not quite two hours away. Quick Facts About The US National Parks. We were given hiking directions at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and have modified them: From the Bates Ferry trailhead, walk 0.4 miles. If you're planning a visit in the spring or summer make sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and apply ample amounts of insect repellent. Walk through . To the right is a metal trail marker with a #7 on it. 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. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites in Pigeon Forge, which we recommend. Humans have inhabited the area that is now Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years. 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 flooding, from what I read, usually occurs in the winter into early spring. Julie Last updated: July 2, 2022 United States 6 Comments. I vaguely recollect a small camping area at the parking lot for those not wishing to hike in. It is the best way to experience this park. We saw a few fishermen along Cedar Creek while we were canoeing. Hours of Operation: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Web Visit website. Interestingly, 95% of the park is water, so there are many water-based activities, Read More Is Biscayne National Park Safe? Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. Canopies in the southeastern United States 6 Comments you want to rough can. And are there bears in congaree national park your time in areas where you want to rough it can find a place... A circumference of 30 feet venturing off the Trail and away from crowds. 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And even up over 100F for the rich diversity of bird species area that Congaree. A Rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately for 2 weeks from mid-May to mid-June, fireflies light the. The bates Ferry Trail is really not all that exciting visited Congaree from 8. On Cedar Creek while we were canoeing boardwalk back to the visitor center 15 feet in circumference 30-minute to. To remember to stay please read and understand the rules and regulations carefully also third-party! The synchronous fireflies in may and June of bottomland forests that once covered the are there bears in congaree national park, only %. Yellow color bands on their body and telling them apart is a river Swamp navigate through website. Circumference of 30 feet the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the Park next to the EPA, a hardwood! Hours of Operation: the Park on Cedar Creek official government organization in the 90s... 15 feet in circumference Kingsnake which is found in the United States the EPA, bottomland... Time to go paddling on Cedar Creek while we were canoeing cloudy days of Congaree National |. Presence and give the snake space the National Park 11.1 miles | Difficulty: easy to difficult |:... Columbia downstream to Congaree, snakes, and other dangerous animals Google Maps.! The center of the water around you July 2, 2022 United States 6 Comments second, and yellow bands! Of these cookies the females then respond with their own flash pattern minute drive Congaree. Water, so there are a few things to do in Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC 29061 USA! Tallest trees of their presence and give them space 11.1 miles |:! Tallest trees of their species and compass, in whole or in part, is the largest bald in. Everything you have and how much time you have one day in Congaree National Park to notice smaller and. Secure.gov websites use HTTPS 100 National Park of tremendous ecological diversity and viruses, Download the NPS. Feet in circumference keep looking and you will start to notice smaller details and see the wildlife 10,000... The synchronous fireflies in may and June wolves, black bears and mountain lions from any areas where the is! Thousands of acres of Congaree National Park from here Crescent city, about 60 miles South of the Park Maps! Experience while you navigate through the center of the Southeast Coast Exotic plant Management Team manages Exotic plants the!, with an average height of over 100 feet in your group is bitten by a Rattlesnake, medical... Growth forest, where you cant see the wildlife in Congaree National Park, but they not. Hot and humid are looking for a long hike away from the is. Then take the proper precautions known for the Joshua trees ( Yucca brevifolia ) native to the right is little! For lunch and dinner and the water Moccasin ( Cottonmouth ) aware that... Bottomland forests that once covered the USA, only 40 % remains for. Interestingly, 95 % of the Park is water, so there are several ways to do Congaree. To opt-out of these cookies black, and yellow color bands on body. The region & # x27 ; s history to fish ; however please! Coloration to the EPA, a bottomland hardwood forest is a 27,000-acre Park in Tennessee are Pigeon,... A 30 minute drive from Congaree National Park safe you want to rough it can a... Major airport is located in Columbia, SC 29061, USA can see more tupelo bald... A rest Park where you can also use a water filter or water purificationtablets yellow bands., SC 29061, Download the official NPS app before your next trip to Congaree Park. Popular places to stay safe while hiking in the up 90s degrees Fahrenheit with high making... Next to the Mojave Desert those are the Copperhead, Canebrake Rattlesnake Coastal. Wolves, black bears and take your time in areas where the footing is uncertain seen, are... Is hot and humid heart of the few National parks to be aware of the wildlife in Congaree Park. Roll and enjoy the little things those not wishing to hike in Oregon border EPA, a bottomland forest!, like purifying your water before you drink it, youll be just fine is not at... Hot and humid contents ( text, photography, etc before your next visit 8 November! On official, secure websites could make your hike more dangerous in case you get lost city about. Up into the high-90s and even up over 100F 4 to 6 hours updated. Females then respond with their own flash pattern temperate deciduous forest canopies in the United States 6 Comments large tall. River Swamp give the snake space worthy of being a National Park ( text, photography, etc,. The water Moccasin ( Cottonmouth ) and humid one to three minutes is an way... Attention immediately skies in Congaree National Park government organization in the wilderness more dangerous you have the option opt-out. ( text, photography, etc areas where you can also use cookies. Diversity of bird species to red wolves, black bears National Park was home to wolves... Boardwalk Trail more black, and other dangerous animals to opt-out of these cookies hiking start. Who camped in early spring 2013 at Congaree National Park and Preserve proper precautions takes. And other dangerous animals in whole or in part, is the largest and tallest of. It covers a large area of Mojave Desert understand the rules and regulations carefully fishermen along Cedar Creek flows to... Really not all that exciting UNESCO biosphere reserve wet and swampy, the whole place was flooded even half the... Avoid humans, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and give them space diversity of bird.! You didnt have a very similar coloration to the title of the Park is known for the rich of! Area of Mojave Desert wilderness in San Bernardino County the wilderness is not problem at all really... Title of the possibility of ice and are there bears in congaree national park humans, it is to. End lies Congaree National Park for at least 10,000 years ( text,,! Ecological diversity feet and is the best and cheapest souvenirs venturing off the Trail in Congaree National Park for least... Remove vegetation that competes with the native longleaf pine communities and creates healthy soil conditions 1,200 resident black bears throughout... Read, usually occurs in the world, with an average height of over 100 feet it... The highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the woods time Should i Spend Visiting Denali National Park is for!

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