Though a veritable youngster in the national park realm, congaree national park is a vegetative museum, harboring some of the eastern united states tallest trees in whats said to be the largest oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. The park contains some of the tallest trees in eastern. In addition to being a designated wilderness area, an international biosphere reserve, a globally important bird area and a national natural landmark, congaree is. Congaree indians subsisted on the vegetation and abundant game. In july of 2001 it was designated a globally important bird area, and on november 10, 2003 it was designated as the nations 57th national park historic timeline of congaree. The format was invented to make design easy, minimize waste, and work horizontally or vertically. Congaree creek heritage preserve cayce 2020 all you. It finally achieved status as a national park in 2003. Being a home for native americans, a place of mystery for europeans, and a refuge for escaped slaves, congaree swampnow a national park is a unique part. The basin is also home to thirty sites on the national register of historic places and one national historic district, stateburg. The congaree national park is a southern dream of swaying spanish moss, monumental old growth trees, humming bugs, and tranquil rivers. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national parks 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Rangers and volunteers conduct interpretive walks and talks throughout the year.
With trees an average of feet, the forest at congaree is one of the tallest broadleaved or deciduous forests in north america. The forest was redesignated as a national park in 2003. The park consists of an alluvial floodplain on the meandering congaree river. Additional info may be obtained by visiting the harry hampton visitor center, or by calling. The difference between the two is that a national monument protects one resource within an area, while a national park protects a larger area. Congaree national park is bordered to the south by the congaree river, which creates slowmoving creeks, oxbow lakes, and swampy areas throughout the park. On november 10, 2003, the national park designation was conferred on congaree, making it the 57th national park in the country. While the area is accessible in all seasons, it is best experienced in the spring and fall when temperatures are at their most comfortable and insects are generally not a problem. Once upon a time, the bottomland forests of congaree national park flourished from the chesapeake bay to east texas. The majority of congarees trails weave through the floodplain and consequently have little elevation change. On june 30, 1983, congaree national monument was designated as an international biosphere reserve. By robert greene ii the history of columbia, and of south carolina more generally, would look markedly different if it were not for the existence of the congaree swamp.
Congaree national park, natural area in central south carolina, u. Congaree national park south carolina encyclopedia. Bald cypress, water oak, sycamore, tupelo and cottonwood are among the trees youll find in this 24,395acre park that wraps a section of the. Now as of december 31st, 2011 approximately 26,021 acres of the park are in federal ownership.
The group succeeded in having the property designated as a national monument in 1976. Over 300 species have been recorded, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and wood stork. The accompanying text gives a brief description of the park, directions to the park, information on available visitor facilities, and trail descriptions. Authorized in 1976 as congaree swamp national monument, it was designated a national park and renamed in 2003. Only 50 miles southeast of congaree national park, this refuge provides a safehaven for nesting and migratory birds. Congaree swamp, the focus of the national park, is the largest area of virgin southern bottomland hardwoods remaining in the united states. May 09, 2016 each of the park pamphlets follow a unigrid design format developed in the 1970s. South carolinas congaree national park inundates visitors with a sense of tranquility, but dont be fooledthis park is perfect for even the most avid adventurer with 25 miles of hiking trails, opportunities to flatwater paddle and backcountry camp, and stunning river. The history of congaree national park howstuffworks. Like the unique ecosystem it protects an ancient alluvial floodplain so deep and dense that it provided safe shelter for slaves from nearby plantations as they made their first steps toward freedom the park stands with regal stoicism as it. The area was designated as a national monument in 1976. Before the area was devastated by hurricane hugo in 1989, it had nine national champion trees. An insiders guide to congaree national park fall in love. The founding of congaree national park, south carolina by elizabeth j.
The park is named after the congaree people, an american indian tribe, who lived in the area of central south carolina before it was inhabited by settlers. Cowasee basin includes a preface by billy cate, executive director of the congaree land trust, and a foreword by walter edgar, south carolinas leading historian and author of south carolina. Congaree national park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance of the wilderness there were recognized long before then. Beneath the picturesque spanish moss and cypress swamps, lies the vast terrain of a park just begging to be explored. Your guide to congaree national park ebook by michael. Overnight camping trip to the bluff campground in congaree national park.
Congaree national park visitor center, boardwalks, and trails fantastic opportunity to view a rare section of undisturbed bottomland hardwood forest along the floodplain of the congaree river. Federal history online 1 federal history 2011 almlie a place of nature and culture. Modern visitors to the park enjoy a pristine landscape that seems ancient and untouched by human hands, but in truth its history is far different. Congaree national park offers hiking, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and nature study. Congress then redesignated the monument to congaree national park on november 10th, 2003. In 2001, congaree was recognized as a globally important bird area. Bald cypress, water oak, sycamore, tupelo and cottonwood are among the trees youll find in this 24,395acre park that wraps a. Congaree creek heritage preserve cayce 2020 all you need. Below is a video telling a little bit about congaree national park history. Indiana dunes national park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of lake michigan and has much to offer. Congaree national park covers a total area of 22,200 acres. Prehistoric foragers hunted the area and fished its waters. The number of people visiting congaree in 2019 was 159,445 congaree was made a national park on november 10, 2003.
Great walk through the swamp most of the trails are on boardwalks and go through the swamp or parallel the river. Congaree natio al park 15 25 20 15 10 5 0 hopkins congaree eastover wateree fort motte to orangeburg and to and camden to and columbia f road mt. Congaree national park offers tremendous hiking opportunities through the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the southeastern united states. The park bookstore at congaree national park is operated by eastern national, a nonprofit organization that supports the national park service. Congaree national park is home to one of the few oldgrowth floodplain forests east of the mississippi river. Located in southeastern richland county is one of the last surviving oldgrowth swamps in the eastern united states, and the only national park in south carolina.
The ahwahnee might have the mostuppercrust guest history of any national park lodge queen elizabeth ii and u. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park s 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Gaddy author see all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Each of the park pamphlets follow a unigrid design format developed in the 1970s. From columbia, south carolina, head southeast in i77 for 20 miles t exit 5, bluff roads. Flooding occurs about 10 times a year but lasts only from several days to a month at a time, and for most of the year the area is dry. As spring approaches, this park becomes the perfect destination for adventurers of all ages looking to escape for an afternoon, night, or weekend to a southern paradise. Congaree national park the greatest american road trip. The 26,000 acre national park protects the largest intact tract of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the united states. The area was named a national park in 2003 with a goal of preserving this southern. Congaree national park, 21,888 acres 8,862 hectares, central s. Experience national and state champion trees, towering to record size amidst an astonishing array of plants and animals. This is a beautiful park that is about 20 miles south of columbia, south carolina and about 120 miles northwest of charleston, south carolina.
Freshwater wetlands in congaree national park two main biomes are found these are the deciduous forest biome and the taiga biome. We were able to see some wildlife, snakes on the trail, gator in the river, and lots of birds. Aug 03, 2014 within congaree national park, over half of the land is designated as wilderness. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. View road national park road park entrance bluff trail weston lake trail boardwalk sims trail after hours parking river t r a i l a o a kri d g e tr i l k i n s n a k e t a i l calhoun c o u n t r c. Congaree national park is a lush backcountry inhabited by bobcats, deer, and playful river otters. A few miles down the road from columbia, south carolina, is the congaree national park and nature preserve. Located at the confluence of the congaree and wateree rivers in central south carolina, congaree national park protects the nations largest intact expanse of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest. From there, just follow signs to congaree national park which is located at 100 national park road in hopkins, south carolina.
Your guide to shenandoah national park includes thoughtful commentary on congarees history, geography, flora, and fauna. Congaree national park national park, south carolina. This is the official congaree national park map from the brochure, showing the visitor center, trails, roads, and campsites. Natures return is a scholarly yet readable account of the landuse history of south carolinas only national park.
Park ranger fran rametta stands at the base of the largest loblolly pine in the old growth forest of the congaree national park on tuesday, november 18, 2003, near columbia, south carolina. Almlie on october 18, 1976, when congress established congaree swamp national monument for its significant ecological and geological resources, the swamp was not and had never been a land. The congaree national park track trail is a flat 2. Congaree national park visitor center, boardwalks, and trails. Congaree national park preserves the largest remnant of oldgrowth floodplain forest remaining on the continent. South carolinas only national park, congaree is located on 22,200 acres in the congaree river floodplain of lower richland county. Now, a number of boardwalks and hiking trails are open to the public, so this is an excellent place to go for long hikes. Some national parks hold large animals and widespanning views that become crowded with visitors. An intuitive map clearly displays the areas dont miss attractions to help point out exactly what to do and where to do it. The unusual name was given to this area by early traders in the 1700s because they mistakenly believed it was the estimated number of miles to the cherokee village of keowee in the upper. The six stories of granite and woodwork rise out of the yosemite valley near the base of royal arches, the 85yearold hotel a monument in its own right among the.
This book discusses the early history of the area that later became the congaree national park, shows efforts to protect it from logging by a citizens grassroots campaign, traces the park s early beginnings and development, and illustrates some of the park s notable flora and fauna. As well the aquatic ecosystem of congaree nationals park is freshwater wetlands. Congaree national park wilderness travel smithsonian magazine. Congaree national park is the only united states national park in the state of south carolina. There is a detailed map of each park showing trails and facilities. Weather at congaree national park with a humid subtropical climate, the park experiences mild winters and very warm, wet summers. Within congaree national park, over half of the land is designated as wilderness. The rivers waters carry nutrients and sediments through the park that fortify the forested wetlands. The early past prehistoric foragers hunted the area and fished its waters. Located along the north bank of the meandering congaree river, the park contains the largest tract of oldgrowth floodplain forest in north america, a remnant of the southern.
Temperate deciduous forest and taiga aquatic ecosystem. John cely, retired biologist, south carolina department of natural resources, and former land protection. Jun 15, 2017 natures return is a scholarly yet readable account of the landuse history of south carolinas only national park. The story of congaree national park the story of south carolinas only national park, from the initial attempts to harvest the forests massive virgin cypresses in the 1890s, through the grassroots struggles of the 1970s to preserve it, to its classification as a national park in 2003. Click the image to view a full size jpg 300 kb or download the pdf 1. Two years later, it was designated a national park. Ninety six national historic site national park foundation. The park received its official designation in 2003 as the culmination of a grassroots campaign that began in 1969. May 16, 2017 overnight camping trip to the bluff campground in congaree national park. The lush trees growing in its floodplain forest are some of. The story of south carolinas only national park, from the initial attempts to harvest the forests massive virgin cypresses in the 1890s, through the grassroots struggles of the 1970s to preserve it, to its classification as a national park in 2003.
Canoeing, hiking, fishing, camping are just some of your many options. Congaree national park wilderness travel smithsonian. Established by congress as a national monument in 1976 and redesignated a national park in 2003, congaree protects the last significant stand of oldgrowth, bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the united states. Though one of the smallest national parks in acreage, congaree carries a lot of human, and natural, history with it. It will occupy a prominent place on my bookshelf and no doubt those of many others who love our national treasure. On june 30, 1983 congaree swamp national monument was designated an international biosphere reserve. Fantastic opportunity to view a rare section of undisturbed bottomland hardwood forest along the floodplain of the congaree river. The bates ferry trail is a 2mile outandback route in the eastern section of the park that follows a historic ferry road used to transport people, livestock, crops, and other items to south carolina cities. Today only,000 acres of floodplain exist in south carolina, where once there were 1,110,000 acres. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the united states. Most trails in congaree national park are in a floodplain, which means the terrain is generally very flat.
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