Newcomers to South Carolina may not be aware the Palmetto State is home to one of the 61 protected National Parks in the U.S. In 2003, the area now known as Congaree National Park was officially named part of the National Park Service. With 26,276 acres that includes the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country, Congaree National Park in South Carolina has some enormous trees that are worthy of seeking out.
Hiking trails have been carved into the natural flora of this low-lying park and they’re all relatively flat, so hiking here allows for an easy stride as you wander the forest in awe of all it offers.
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Any visit to Congaree National Park (which is always free admission, by they way) should begin at the Visitor Center where you’ll find a small museum, restroom facilities, and 24/7 access to trail maps.
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Grab one designated for the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail, check the mosquito meter (it’s a real thing) for the expected nuisance level and then apply insect repellent as needed before heading out on the fully-accessible boardwalk trail.
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This magical woodland adventure includes a look at some of the largest trees in the world, including the tallest among 15 species. Loblolly pines, bald cypress, tupelo trees and more will dazzle your senses with their sheer size.
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In the fall, the landscape here gets painted with the rusty hues of autumn; and a spring hike is filled with the joyfully bright greens of new leaves sprouting all around. The boardwalk trail has plenty of benches along the 2.4-mile loop through the forest. Sit a while and enjoy the scenery – it’s one of the best places to view fall foliage in South Carolina!
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You can expect the fauna here to be delightfully fun as well – any time of year. From barn owls to an occasional feral hog, you may be surprised at what you’ll encounter at Congaree.
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Some will be easily familiar from the creatures found in your own back yard. While others…
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…may raise an occasional eyebrow. The nine-banded armadillo has been spotted here, as have snakes. The latter will make you want to stay on the boardwalk!
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Have you discovered South Carolina’s only national park yet? The 2.4-mile boardwalk trail is a perfect way to become acquainted with this incredible resource found in the heart of the state.
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Congaree National Park in South Carolina is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is always free. For more information on the boardwalk trail, be sure to check out the official website of the National Park Service.
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Address: Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park in South Carolina July 29, 2022 Sarah M. Is Congaree National Park the only national park in South Carolina? South Carolina may be home to just one national park, but believe us when we tell you that it’s all about quality over quantity! One of the country’s most hidden national parks, Congaree National Park preserves the largest swatch of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. But Congaree is much more than just a forest. It’s also characterized as a swamp… a swamp with enormous old cypress trees. In fact, Congaree’s old growth trees include the largest concentration of champion trees in the world. (Champion trees are labeled as such due to their size and significance.) So while Congaree National Park might well be the only national park in South Carolina, it’s definitely worth seeking out and adding to your Palmetto State bucket list! What are some other beautiful places to explore in South Carolina? One of our favorite places in South Carolina, walking into Angel Oak Park is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. This humble park in South Carolina is home to trees that are between 300 and 500 years old, and while they’re not towering giants like those found in the West, they are no less resplendent. Anyone who’s ever braved the elements of a tropical storm or hurricane will tell you that to survive the elements of Mother Nature this close to the ocean for so long is nothing short of magical – or, at the very least, miraculous. And that is exactly what Angel Oak Park is: a marvelous, modern-day miracle.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park in South Carolina
July 29, 2022
Sarah M.
Is Congaree National Park the only national park in South Carolina? South Carolina may be home to just one national park, but believe us when we tell you that it’s all about quality over quantity! One of the country’s most hidden national parks, Congaree National Park preserves the largest swatch of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. But Congaree is much more than just a forest. It’s also characterized as a swamp… a swamp with enormous old cypress trees. In fact, Congaree’s old growth trees include the largest concentration of champion trees in the world. (Champion trees are labeled as such due to their size and significance.) So while Congaree National Park might well be the only national park in South Carolina, it’s definitely worth seeking out and adding to your Palmetto State bucket list! What are some other beautiful places to explore in South Carolina? One of our favorite places in South Carolina, walking into Angel Oak Park is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. This humble park in South Carolina is home to trees that are between 300 and 500 years old, and while they’re not towering giants like those found in the West, they are no less resplendent. Anyone who’s ever braved the elements of a tropical storm or hurricane will tell you that to survive the elements of Mother Nature this close to the ocean for so long is nothing short of magical – or, at the very least, miraculous. And that is exactly what Angel Oak Park is: a marvelous, modern-day miracle.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Carolina may be home to just one national park, but believe us when we tell you that it’s all about quality over quantity! One of the country’s most hidden national parks, Congaree National Park preserves the largest swatch of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. But Congaree is much more than just a forest. It’s also characterized as a swamp… a swamp with enormous old cypress trees. In fact, Congaree’s old growth trees include the largest concentration of champion trees in the world. (Champion trees are labeled as such due to their size and significance.) So while Congaree National Park might well be the only national park in South Carolina, it’s definitely worth seeking out and adding to your Palmetto State bucket list!
What are some other beautiful places to explore in South Carolina?
One of our favorite places in South Carolina, walking into Angel Oak Park is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. This humble park in South Carolina is home to trees that are between 300 and 500 years old, and while they’re not towering giants like those found in the West, they are no less resplendent. Anyone who’s ever braved the elements of a tropical storm or hurricane will tell you that to survive the elements of Mother Nature this close to the ocean for so long is nothing short of magical – or, at the very least, miraculous. And that is exactly what Angel Oak Park is: a marvelous, modern-day miracle.
