Congaree National Park – South Carolina

After a week of driving from South Dakota, we finally arrived in South Carolina. This did include three days of visiting family along the way. The dramatic weather change has been so lovely.  Our week before the trip it was in the negative temperatures for three days. Now I’m swimming in 60-degree temperatures, even the rain has not put a damper on spirits. Birdy and I both love our National Parks so it was a no-brainer to stop and visit South Carolinas only National Park.

What is the Congaree National Park?

Located in central South Carolina just south of the capitol city of Columbia. Congaree NP is the largest old forest floodplain forest in the United States. Home to massive trees, hiking and canoeing trails, flora, fauna, and history.

Our hike was contained to the boardwalk which was a 2.6-mile loop.  You can grab a self guided tour pamphlet that coordinated numbers to 20 different facts about the Park. We were allowed to bring our aging pup along with us, just keep on a leash. The terrain is so foreign to me it seemed such an exotic place. (The grasslands of South Dakota are nothing like this). My most intriguing part of the Park were those massive trees, some as tall as 130 feet.

Birdy and I definitely want to come back and explore the backcountry with an overnight backcountry camping permit.

Update on Trail Plans

Palmetto Trails starts tomorrow with rain expected for the morning.  Will include slackpacking since I have Birdy here with me for one more day.  I will complete two Passages that do not connect with other Passages.  I am excited to get this hiking year started.

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Comments 2

  • Sara : Mar 10th

    Thank you! I am so thrilled to read about someone hiking the Palmetto Trail! I’ve been planning on hiking it myself starting next month. I can’t wait to read more about your adventure.

    Reply
    • MAV : Mar 10th

      Thanks Sara. So far it has been a blast. If you are on trail be sure to say Hi.

      Reply

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