Sep-2024
THE JEWEL OF SOUTH CAROLINA :: CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK
Tucked away in the inter coastal plains of South Carolina, is one of the lesser known National Parks, Congaree National Park. It encompasses nearly 26,000 acres and is the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland forest in North America. The park, a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, is characterized by giant hardwoods and towering pines and comprises one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States. We try and visit national parks during our travels and Congaree happened to be along our route from Asheville to Charleston. It’s definitely a unique park and considered one of the most underrated.
The 26,476-acre park sits inside the floodplain of the Congaree River, which means some of the trails are often flooded. Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the park on over 25 miles of hiking trails and nearly 3 miles of boardwalks—except when it floods.
The flooded boardwalks sure did make for a unique experience and we had our eyes peered for river otters and alligators. Thankfully, we did’t spot any alligators.
*Note: Congaree doesn’t have an entrance fee.
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