Located in South Carolina, Congaree National Park is one of the parks in the United States known for its unique biodiversity and impressive landscape. Besides, being home to some of the largest redwood trees in the world, which shed their leaves during Fall and transform the entire forest into a rustling carpet of yellow leaves. The park covers an area of 26,696 acres, and while the numerous towering trees are important sights to see, there are lots of other things that will make adventurers gasp in the park. Without further ado, here are some beautiful sights in Congaree National Park that prove seeing is believing.
10 Boardwalk Loop Trail
The Boardwalk Loop Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the country, and it is located right in Congaree National Park. For starters, this boardwalk trail is 2.4 miles long and is considered an easy walk but what makes it popular is the amount of scenery one can witness during the short walk. During fall, this trail is carpeted with rusty leaves and surrounded by tall trees covered with yellow and orange leaves. Such unique scenery is what makes this boardwalk a must-do in Congaree National Park.
9 Congaree River Blue Trail
Congaree River Blue Trail is a 50-mile scenic waterbody that flows through Congaree National Park and offers the opportunity to see the park in a unique way. The river offers great opportunities for activities such as canoeing and kayaking, which will have adventurers floating peacefully through the forest and getting up close to the fauna and flora of the area.
8 Synchronous Fireflies
The synchronous fireflies in Congaree National Park are so beautiful that people often visit the park just to see them. These species are generally available to see during certain periods of the year, specifically between mid-May and mid-June. During this period, the fireflies light up the park in green and white colors as they search for mates. Nighttime is the best time to see this, and the sight is so gorgeous that it makes one feel like Alice in Wonderland. Due to limited time and to protect nature, people will only be allowed to witness this sight after passing through the lottery system.
7 Weston Lake Trail
Weston Lake Trail is perfect for those who want to walk amid the giants of Congaree. The trail is 4.7 miles long and is characterized by plenty of tall trees with leaves that transform into beautiful sights during fall. Hiking the trail is an opportunity to see a scenic lake and also watch some birds.
6 Kingsnake Trail
Kingsnake Trail is the longest hiking trail in Congaree National Park and also one of the most beautiful, which is why it is worth exploring. The trail stretches for 11.1 miles and offers adventurers the opportunity to explore the remote parts of the park and see the park’s unique species, such as Herons, otters, and Kingsnakes.
5 Oakridge Trail
Oakridge Trail offers beautiful sights of oak trees and some of the oldest parts of the park. The trail is a great place for adventurers who want to hike and see the towering trees and the birds that make up the park. With the trail stretching for 6.6 miles, adventurers will have all the opportunities to see the Wise Lake, barred owls, woodpeckers, and some other unique birds.
4 Longleaf Campground
Camping in Congaree is an opportunity to spend the night at the foot of the giant trees that make up the forest. Longleaf Campground, one of the park’s front country campgrounds (the second being Bluff campground), offers a picturesque environment that is even more beautiful when the leaves change their colors, particularly during fall. The campground is tent-only, and its facilities include - pit toilets, picnic tables, fire ring; and there are up to 10 sites available for camping.
3 Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is one of the numerous water bodies that run through Congaree National Park, and it offers great opportunities to explore the park by kayak or canoe. The trail marked on the creek runs for approximately 15 miles and presents unique sights of tall trees, some of which have either fallen or are about to fall into the water. The clearness of the water also makes the sights more charming as the images of the giant structures can be seen in it. While floating, one can keep an eye out for alligators, birds, and some other unique wildlife that make up the fauna of the park.
2 Wise Lake
Wiser Lake is a peaceful and scenic waterbody in Congaree surrounded by tall trees leafy trees. Nature lovers and photographers will love this place as it is always beautiful, especially during fall when the leaves turn yellow and the reflections of the clear water even add more beauty to the lake. This lake is located close to Bluff Trail and Kingsnake Trail, and hikers often come to the lake to enjoy the scenery
and serenity.
1 Bluff Campground
Bluff Campground is one of only two campgrounds in Congaree National Park. The park offers visitors an intimate experience with the surrounding tall trees and the rivers and also offers lots of opportunities for adventures. Bluff Campground accommodates only tents, and its facilities include - water, picnic tables, and fire rings.