Hopkins, SC – Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees. We spent several days visiting Congaree in December, while staying at the Barnyard RV Park in Lexington. This is a beautiful setting worth the trip to this out of the way National Park.
Entrance sign
A tree top in Congaree
Congaree’s Tupelos flourish in areas known as guts that hold water
Congaree is home to a wide range of hardwood and pine trees including: American Elm, Butternut Hickory, Boxelder, Cherrybark Oak, Deciduous Holly, Green Ash, Laurel Oak, Loblolly Pine, Overcup Oak, Pawpaw, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Sugarberry, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Swamp Tupelo, Sweetgum, Water Hickory, Water Tupelo, and Water Elm. As of 2009, Congaree was home to the champion tree of 25 species. No other area of North America has a larger concentration of champion trees. A champion tree is one that is judged to be the largest of its species according to a standard formula. The formula is a point based system based on trunk circumference, height, and crown spread. Congaree has a recipe for growing big trees which includes a long and warm growing season, moisture and nutrients provided annually by the flooding from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, and little human disturbance over the past hundred years. The park boasts 11,000 acres of old-growth forest. Loblolly pines can grow to be as tall as a 17 story building. Sweetgum trees may be 15 stories high.
Loblolly Pines grow to be giants
Cypress trees have knees, which protrude out of the ground above the roots
Boardwalk in an area with switch cane known as a cane break
Woodpecker holes
During our visit we toured the trees by hiking the Self-Guided Boardwalk tour which is a little under 2.5 miles. There are numbered stops that correspond with an informational brochure. Parts of this trail can be under water during periods of flooding. To see more of the park we also hiked a loop combining the Weston Lake and Oakridge Trail Loops which take off from the Boardwalk trail and add about another 5 miles. These other trails had large trees down in multiple spots. Some of the downed trees had existing go-arounds, some we scrambled over. This loop provides more of a wilderness experience.
Mike walks on a boardwalk of the Nature Trail
Along the Weston Lake loop which felt more like a wilderness trail
A fallen giant with 5’6″ Karla for scale
The Weston Lake ox bow
When is the best time to visit? Congaree National Park is open 24 hours a day year round. The Visitor Center is open 9-5 daily except for all federal holidays. Flooding can happen with little or no warning, so make sure to check water levels for Cedar Creek and the Congaree River. During the summer, insects such as mosquitoes can be quite bothersome. Remember to bring insect repellent to avoid being bit. Per the Congaree National Park website:
“November through February are mild, with average daytime temperatures reaching the mid 50’s. Flooding is most frequent at this time of the year, and can happen with little or no warning. It does not have to rain at Congaree for flooding to take place. Lying in watershed the size of the state of Maryland, any significant rain in the upstate of South Carolina can cause a rise in water levels. March through May can be one of the best times to visit the park. Temperatures are generally warm, with average daily highs reaching the mid to upper 70’s. Rain can be a common occurrence, and thunderstorms are not out of the question. Rainfall at this time of year averages around 3 inches per month. Insects are generally not a problem during this time.
Fungi growing on a tree
June to August is normally the hottest time of the year, with daily temperatures reaching the low 90’s with high humidity. Thunderstorms are common and can pop up with little or no warning. Precipitation is highest at this time of year with monthly average rainfall of approximately 4.5 inches. September through November is also a wonderful time to visit Congaree. At this time of the year average daily temperatures are in the 70’s with low humidity. Fall colors peak between the end of October and early November. Average monthly precipitation is around 3 inches. Water levels are ideal at this time of year for taking a paddling trip on Cedar Creek.”
Tupleo trees show the high water mark
