Congaree National Park is the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It’s an incredibly biodiverse, beautiful national park located just south of the Queen City in Hopkins, South Carolina.
The waters of both the Congaree and Wateree rivers flow through Congaree National Park. Together, they provide the ecosystem of this central South Carolinian natural treasure each and every nutrient it needs. The intricate relationship fosters staggering biodiversity and reminds visitors of the delicate beauty of nature. It also upports the growth of state and national champion trees. “Champion trees” refer to the largest specimens of a particular species, and this park has one of the most abundant concentrations of them in the world. Stretching across 26,276 acres, this national park is also home to the country’s largest tract of Southern bottomland hardwood trees.
Congaree’s Cultural History
In addition to its large hardwoods and sky high pines, the forest of Congaree also has a rich cultural history. Inhabitants have used the floodplain for purposes or refuge for over 13,000 years. From prehistoric dwellers to modern day conservationists and all of the people between, many made this their home. Furthermore, each contributed to what makes this national park so special.
Over 52 million acres of floodplain forests existed across the southeastern United States up until the late 1800s. Passionate citizens like Harry Hampton, for whom Congaree’s visitor center is named, began a successful campaign to guard the local land from harvesting and exploitation.
Tenacious resilience and survival are recurring themes here and there are many activities so that you can experience it firsthand. With over 25 miles of trails, 2.4 miles of boardwalk, and access to Cedar Creek, the lush Congaree wilderness offers exploration by foot or by water. Choose to trek the boardwalk loop trail to idyllic Weston Lake. Or opt for a Ranger-guided program led on Saturdays throughout the year. Travel through the backcountry by canoe or kayak for plentiful viewing of wildlife such as wading birds, river otters, turtles, deer and even the intermittent alligator.
Relax while engaging in recreational fishing to both encounter nature hands-on and preserve the fish population. Whether you’re hoping to disconnect, focus, strengthen relationships, or hone survival skills, Congaree campsites are ready. Congaree features two designated campgrounds: Longleaf and Bluff.
This extraordinary park offers us not only a lesson of what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity just like a champion tree, but also an opportunity to enjoy all of the many naturally occurring things the earth has to offer. Whether it’s on the other side of the planet or just a short road trip away, there’s always something new to learn or see.
