Congaree National Park is the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, located in South Carolina. Though originally called a swamp, the park is actually a floodplain that floods an average of 10 times per year. It protects over 27,000 acres of forest habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching. The park aims to preserve this intact ecosystem for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

1. Congaree National Park
Don’t be mistaken by its name for Congaree Swamp National Park, located in
South Carlina, is not an actual swamp. Established on November 10, 2003, Congaree
National Park was orgianally a National monument. Although Congaree is already a
National park, it also juggles being an International Biosphere Reserve and a Globally
Important Bird Area. Being a hefty 27,000 acres, Congaree is the largest bottomland
hardwood forest left in the Southeastern States! Now your probably wondering,” If
Congaree isn’t a swamp, then what is it?” Congaree National Park does not have water
surrounding it for most of the year, but the floodplain forest does flood an average
of 10 times a year. This is why the word “swamp” was removed from the park’s
name, and coincidentally the park began getting way more visitors! The best time to
visit this park is during spring and fall for these are the most pleasant seasons.
What can you do at this park? You can do almost anything! From fishing to
hiking to canoeing to bird watching etc. etc. The park has specific trails looped in and
out of it that will take you through heavenly views. There are many, many trails you
can take such as:The King Snake Trail, River Trail, Oakridge Trail, Bluff Trail, and
the Western Lake Loop Trail. Each of them have a separate specific blaze color and
take you through different parts of the park. Now onto fishing. You can fish in
Congaree National park as long as you have a valid South Carolina fishing license. If
you do not follow these rules then fines and/or loss of your fishing equipment may
result. At night you can camp under the stars and listen to the wildlife of Congaree
National park.

2. The wildlife in Congaree National Park is absolutely extraordinary! From fungi
that grows on the Cypress Trees that glow as if they were glow sticks to Loblolly
pines over 160 ft. tall! Covering the ancient trees are heavy grape vines and climbing
hydrangeas. There’s even a legend that the wood growths found on the Cypress tree’s
trunk are actually elves who come to life at night and dance through the forest! The
forest is filled with things other than dancing elves though. Bobcats and wild boar run
around hunting down their prey. The sound of woodpeckers working hard on the trees
echo through the forest while sea otters splash around in the nearby river with the
fish. Other aquatic life join them such as red-bellied turtles. Deer sprint through
the woods as brown blurs while Yellowbellied Sapsuckers drill holes into the trees and
continuously suck the sap out from the holes day after day. What a beautiful sight to
see.
Wouldn't it be a shame if nobody got to see these-once-in-a-lifetime sights?
Thankfully the Congaree National Park preserves all of it! From over 90 species of
trees that hold state records for their height to vast amounts of unique creatures.
Their reason? “To preserve and protect for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment
of present and future generations and outstanding example of a near-virgin, south
hardwood forest situated in the Congaree River floodplain in Richland County, South
Carolina”. Congaree National Park also preserves the bottomlands where the Native
Americans hunted. Thanks to the park the bottomlands look almost exactly the same
as when the Native Americans hunted there. Congaree National Park preserves all
27,000 acres of its wildlife. w future generations will be able to see a vast beautiful
forest instead of a parking lot.
Congaree National Park has breath taking wildlife, a million things to do, and
an interesting history. There’s no getting bored at this park! Book a visit now to have
the best time and share with your friends.