Are you eager to escape from the juggling lifestyle and searching wilderness space for fresh outdoor activities? Then, come out to the southeastern region of the USA in “Congaree National Park”. This is a great place for outdoor recreation whose land area sometimes feels soggy and sometimes feels dry and covered with deep lush greenery. Around the year, visitors can enjoy many things of their own interest. Most of the activity on site is hiking trails, striking camps, Kayaking or Canoeing in Congaree river and Nature Excursion.
Congaree National Park consists of around 26000 acre area which is the home of flood plain wildlife. Beside that it is a protected old-growth bald cypress tree. This tree is seem two long which only remain hardwood forests in America for celebrating biodiversity.
In this blog, we will be covering the best things to do and see in Congaree National Park. Additionally you are also going to know what is the best time to visit or nearby eating options, where to stay if you plan for a long stay.
Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park
If you are already determined to visit Congaree National Park. There are some of the things that provide you the best peaceful nature experience while you are kicked off:
Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail
Boardwalk Loop Trail stands out as one of the best trail routes compared to others in Congaree. The trail is 2.6 miles long but anybody can complete it very easily. Because the route is conveniently flat, good for exploring with family and friends. During the trail you will see many turns between deep hardwood forest and in the middle, a past Weston lake will get to see. For making the trail more interesting, carry a self guide map from the visitor center which navigates you properly and helps you to far away from prohibited areas. Additionally, don’t forget to bring a camera with yourself because there are many spots that are craving you for photography.
Camp Under the Stars
Congaree National Park has a sufficient area for camp stay under the sky. Mainly two types of camping are provided by the park. The first one is frontcountry and second one is backcountry camping, However both have different experiences. Frontcountry camping serves a charge facility approx $10 for night rest and including fire ring and picnic table by each. On the other hand, backcountry camping allows visitors to spend solitude at night in a peaceful wildlife environment, yet permission is required. It is really worth it if you spend a night in a tent. Because at night the park offers a breathtaking view of shiner stars. And moonlight reflects the tree shades on the ground. In short, it’s the best thing to do for a long stargazing and for a stress free night.
Spot Wildlife
Watching wildlife is very predictable in this park. Actually this park has a big flood plain ecosystem that is the reason you can see plenty of water and wild species. In the park, a bunch of birds are easily spotted everywhere. The best view point is Kingslayer Trail for birdwatching, as you have a chance to see owls, woodpeckers, Ibises and more. And also you have a lot of opportunities to watch wild animals throughout the trails. Most common are like deers, foxes,wild pigs and sometimes sudden glimpses of beer are not shocking for a reason. The best time when there is a high possibility of creature movement, come in morning and evening too. When we are in there our favorite moment are to watch otters playing in the cader creek.
Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Enjoying paddling over Cedar Creek is a unique experience. Cedar Creek is flowing with less current. So it becomes easy to drift through kayaking, while you are going downstream or upstream. Cedar Creek is quite winding and offers a lot of opportunities for dining, cafes. The best part of the experience is old long trees standing along Cedar Creek and seeing sometimes branches obstruct the route completely. It is an engaging visitor to accept the challenge of passing the hindrance by kayaking. Actually this activity takes your whole day but it depends on you how much you want to be.
Celebrating Firefly Festival
Firefly Festival is the biggest festival in Congaree National Park. It is held every year in the beginning of spring and lasts for 7 to 10 days. Nowadays in the world the count of firefall is drastically going down. It is really becoming a serious concern. In such, this park shows the value of firefall by arranging a careful environment over the year. This park regulated some steps toward welfare of firefly healthy growth which are like less usage of flashlight, avoiding cell phones as much as possible and no insect repellent. That all small steps are helping to provide a harmless environment of synchronous fireflies so eventually they freely spread the magic by their own shinings. Watching this event is actually an iconic moment for us. Don’t miss participating with your family. If you are in there in mid of may and june.
Best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park
Hiking trail is one of most prominent activities in Congaree National park. There are two ideal hikes that reveal the best version of wildlife.
Weston Lake Loop Trail
Behind the Boardwalk Loop trail, if any one is best for hiking, is Weston Lake Loop Trail. This trail takes a slight effort regarding time and the 4.7-mile length route offers a peaceful vibe during the trail. Your hike will take you through towering ancient forests, alongside tranquil lakes, and across vibrant floodplain rivers. But be aware with wild hogs there is a great chance they suddenly bump with you.
Kingsnake Trail
Kingsnake Trail is less crowded than other hikes that make it perfect for solitude lovers. This hike is the best spot for wild birdwatching and water exhibits like an otter are playing in the river. This trail is terminating on another hiking route which takes you to a camping point and visitor center. For immersion in wildlife give a shot in evening yet carry a map guide for not losing the way.
Where to Eat in Congaree National Park
Inside Congaree National Park it is hard to spot food options. But roughly 10 to 15 minutes away from the park. There you see various options of a variety of eating. If you are foodie or feel an appetite while in the park, you can find out your taste in these following restaurants outside.
D’s Place and Big T Bar-B-Q
They both are situated in Gadsden Town (South Carolina) and hardly demand 15 min drive from the parks. The specialty of these restaurants is that they serve the traditional food of South Carolina. Come there to fill your hunger by eating- hash and rice, macaroni and cheese, Pulled pork, ribs, and their legendary housemade lemonade. They are typically open from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Mr Bunky’s Restaurant & Market
Mr Bunky’s Restaurant & Market is a mix of retail shop, three meal dining and southern style food speciality. It is located in Eastcover( South Carolina) and it is also 15 min away from the park. If you like a homestyle dinner of America, go there to taste a menu list like- marinated ribeyes, cheese burger and grilled quai. This restaurant provides you with a fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is open daily, usually at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park
Spring is for the Firefly festival, Fall is for hiking trails, winter is for less crowd and summer is too hot and miserable.
(March – April): Spring is a little bit difficult for walking routes because it is a rainy time so paths are soaring. Also there chances are higher of flooding. But from some point of view it is looking like heaven, firefly festivals holding that time. If you plan spring, do not forget to check weather conditions.
(June – August): Summer is the worst season around the year for visiting. It experiences the highest temperature which surges around (80F to 90F) in sun time. Also rain is at its peak, which is why the park area is full of mosquitoes and harmful insects. It is not comfortable, maybe, humidity makes your journey unpleasant.
(September to November): This time temperatures are mild and a little bit cool. It is the perfect time for things to do in Congaree National Park. In fall, trees release all leaves to make the wildlife atmosphere colourful and less crowded. No mosquitos bothering you throughout the journey, even eating & resting facilities also at a down rate that tend to fill your budget.
(December to February): December to February is winter time. However the temperature is an average of 52F a day and goes down in the evening. You can consider winter as your comfortable journey too.
Travel Tips for Visiting Congaree National Park
Don’t forget to read these travel tips before visiting the Congaree national park. These tips will help make your trip safe, smooth, and unforgettable.
- Carry insect resistant bugs spray with you. Due to moisture in the park many unfamiliar poisonous insects may disturb your journey most especially mosquitoes.
- Stay aware from dangerous animals like beer, wild hogs and in water many snakes and alligator is a natural part. As much as you will be far from the edge of water and deep forest, it ensures your safety. These instructions are not meant to sacred you rather for safety.
- Check water conditions via local weather apps. It informs you that the level is ok for water activities like boat ride and kayaking? And also prepare you in advance for rain.
- In the morning and evening when the temperature becomes lite and slightly cool. You have a high chance to experience creatures up close.
- Make travel guide your friend during trail for being on track, map instructions showing you every route point for selfguiding. So you are going to save your quality time by engaging in the right direction.
- If you are planning summer days for a trip. So don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sunscreen with you. It constantly saves you from the sun’s attack.
Conclusion
Our words are in the stopping phase but your journey is waiting till now for Congaree National Park. Go with your family-friends and enjoy a day with things to do in a park by hiking trails along old-growth hardwood trees, paddling with otters in Cedar Creek. This National Park gives you the peaceful experience of floodplain wildlife. And not forget to stay in camp for the best stargazing moments. It is one of the finest hidden gems in the Southeastern region of the USA.