Imagine exploring the path Hernado De Soto once followed, or listening to the sounds the Congaree Native American tribe once heard. That’s what I discovered when I visited Congaree National Park
. The park is off the beaten path, about a twenty minute drive from Columbia, South Carolina, through scenic back roads. Once we entered the park, it was another few miles to the Welcome Center, nestled off the road among old growth trees.
Our journey began with a film, exploring the history of the area. The park lies between two rivers and tempted early settlers with the abundant timber, availability to water, and rich, fertile soil. Unknown to them, the area is also a flood plain. The yearly winter flooding continues to this day. Later, loggers tried to cut the timber for the growing US population, but were hindered by the lack of transportation to move the trees and by the flooding. Because of this, Congaree remains the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. The area was saved from developers by a grass roots campaign began in 1969. The park was finally established as a National Park in 2003.
After the film we decided to take a hike along the Boardwalk Loop Trail, an easy 2.4 mile hike. Tip: Be sure to pick up a map of the trail. This explains the importance of all the numbered check points along the way. Before leaving, we checked the “mosquito meter”, which ranged from all clear to war zone. The sign suggested the mosquito activity was mild, which leads to my second tip. Bring insect repellent. Even with the mild sign we found ourselves slapping mosquitoes often.
The Boardwalk Loop offers beautiful views of champion trees, bald cypress trees, and “knees.” Don’t know what knees are? I didn’t either. Knees are small stumps of trees growing from the ground near large trees. No one knows their purpose, but it is suspected they help support the weight of the champion trees. While exploring the Boardwalk, it’s a short path of about 100 feet to the river overlook.
Congaree offers something for everyone; canoe trips, hiking, camping and even kid’s programs. We found several kid’s activity sheets at the park, and passed several children using them for a scavenger hunt. Rangers lead FREE canoe trips, nature walks, hikes and demonstrations. Be sure to check the schedule online as some canoe trips require reservations, and some are on a first come, first served basis. We were told these canoe experiences fill up quickly.
Tip: If you are visiting in the winter, check the conditions before you go due to flooding.
Have you visited Congaree National Park?
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Great photos! National Parks capture some of our land’s amazing beauty!
Beautiful pictures! This looks like a great place to explore and so peaceful! I will add this to my list of National Parks.
Im not going to lie I havent really gotten into national parks. It looks interesting and great backstory.
What a gorgeous place. I haven’t been but would love to check it out. We love nature
What a gorgeous park. I love being outside, enjoying nature and this park is perfect. I haven’t been down south in years but I would love to visit soon.
Wow the pictures look like they’re right out of a fairy tale. So very nice to see your pictures!
What a beautiful national park. I love seeing all the different national parks around the US, they get added to my hope to visit one day list 🙂
What a beautiful park to visit! We have never been in the area before but I think I’ll have to add it to my travel list!
I like this place, reminds me so much of my high school days! I would love to bring my family there!
I absolutely loved it there. It was such a unique place with a very cool history!
This is a great place to go hiking with the family! There’s really nothing more beautiful than seeing nature! It’s nice that you are given a background of the park first before the actual tour, it makes you appreciate the place more.
I love going in the car and taking the dog to visit new parks. I have not been to this one but on my list of things to do!
Growing up my parents always took us on road trips, often including national parks. I have never been as far east as South Carolina when seeking out parks, but I’d love to see the national parks there. The Congaree National Park looks so unique.
This looks like such a beautiful place to visit. My girls love going hiking, they would love a place like this to explore!
What a nice park!!!! I love hitting up parks every chance I get! Nature is just beautiful
Looks like a great National Park to add to the bucket list. Love the scenery, you shared some great photos!
I love to visit national parks with the family. That’s super that they offer free canoe trips!
This looks like a beautiful park! National parks are always place to explore – great pictures.
What a beautiful park!! I love visiting beautiful outdoor scapes like this! Beautiful pictures!
what a gorgeous gem of a national park. the flowers and surroundings are so beautiful. you took great pictures. we love to visit parks and would certainly visit this one when in the area
What a beautiful destination! This looks like such a fabulous place to bring the whole family! Visiting parks is something we always do on vacation.
I will add this to my list of National Parks to visit! I kind of wonder what War Zone would be if you were smacking at mild…
I have never visited a National park before, but Congaree looks lovely. Looks so peaceful and like a great place to visit!
National Parks really are great to visit. SO much to see and learn from these places.
We love going to national parks. I love it when visiting a new place they have a video so you can learn more about what you’re seeing.
This looks like a great destination.
We have some friends that are in SC; I think I will ask them about this park.
What beautiful cypress! Reminds me of Florida. Someday I will visit SC!
You guys are so brave to go in there. I can’t deal with mosquitos at all. Cool back story though.
This looks like a really great place to go out and explore. I will keep it in mind if I am ever in the area.
What a gorgeous National Park! This is why I love living in the south. We have some of the most gorgeous terrain in the country.
One of the things I love about most state parks is how far you have to drive back into the woods once you turn into the entrance. They really capture the essence of trees and nature! Congaree sounds like a nice one to visit. Love those knees!
Beautiful pictures! I live right outside of Columbia but have not visited yet. We need to check this park out when the weather gets a little cooler.
I’m blushing. I’ve lived in SC for almost 30 years and have never been to Congaree National Park. How have I missed this? I have obviously heard of it, but never visited. Looks like a fun place to take the grandkids.