- Michael Dantzler
- Wednesday, October 13, 2021
"We have an amazing treasure sitting right here in our own backyard, the Congaree National Park!"
Thousands of people nationally and internationally come by the Congaree National Park. If you haven't stumbled across this treasure in your backyard, well now is time! Personally, I have had sighting of owls at this park a few times and even some skittish feral hogs along some of the longer trails. As a badge of honor, I have been to the Congaree National Park at least 50 times and every single time I notice something amazingly new and unique. Even more exciting, this is one of the few areas in the world where you can view the synchronous fireflies during a short time window each year. Here's a link with further details about those fireflies:
https://www.nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm
In preparation, bring bottles of water for hydration, trail mix or a granola bars while on the trail. Since mosquitoes love stagnant waters, I would suggest that you bring some insect repellent safe for your skin and clothing. For any further details please feel free to contact the park directly:
https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/index.htm
If this is your first time at the Congaree National Park, I would suggest the Boardwalk Loop Trail for starters. This trail is perfect for the whole family! It's only 2.6 miles that will take you on a variety of terrains and sceneries. As you start this boardwalk trail you will be descending from the bluff region where the visitor center resides into the wetlands and swamp, the core nature of the park full of cypress trees with knees. Here's the self-guided tour of trail here:
https://www.nps.gov/cong/upload/BTG.pdf
If you are more experienced with hiking and have more time, here's the full trail listing with each trail labeled as "easy", "moderate", and "difficult".
https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/trail-information.htm