Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a relatively new national park. It was first protected from login in 1976 and upgraded to a national park in 2003. It is federally designated Wilderness Area.
It doesn't have the views that other parks have. Rather it protects a unique ecosystem - an ancient alluvial floodplain. It holds the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the U.S. The park contains some of the tallest trees in Eastern North America with one of the highest canopies in the world with broad bio-diversity.
We found the experience at Congaree National Park wonderful and different from that of other national parks.
We planned to visit Congaree National Park sevaral years ago, almost as soon as the park was established, but things kept getting in the way. One of the main things was we wanted to go there when the bugs weren't-- mainly early spring on late winter. Then covid hit and we didn't travel.In 2022 we finally made the trip.
There is no lodging or food at the park. There are two tent campground at the park and no RV camping. We stayed in Columbia SC which is about 25 minutes from the park.
We had originally palned to take our kayak on the trip but were advised that most of kayak trails were mostly blocked by down trees and low water. So we ended walking some of the trails in the park. We mostly stayed on the boardwalk trail through the park.
Boardwalk
Congaree National Park
The boardwalk takes you through much of the park and covers many different eco system in the park. There is information about the various eco systems. It's interesting how much a small change in elevation and water level can make in vegation.
According to the information as the park. For enslaved people seeking freedom from the oppressive plantation economy, this jungle-like wilderness served as a refuge. While a few made the long journey north, many instead ran to the woods to find freedom while remaining near family and supplies. Called maroons, these men and women made the decision to live a rough life, sometimes for years, in the wilderness rather than be subject to the cruelty of slavery. Facing threats from both slave catchers and the unpredictability of nature, they chose to resist their enslavers and live as free people in the wilderness, determining their own future rather than having it determined for them.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park