Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is home to the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent! Experience beauty and tranquility as you visit the national and state champion trees in the park, towering to a record size amidst astonishing biodiversity. Walk, paddle or just take it easy within this dynamic floodplain ecosystem.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Tracy SwartoutPhone Number: 803-776-4396
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Cattle Mounds; Weston Lake
Endangered Species: Red-cockaded Woodpecker; Bog Mint; Fox Squirrel
Important Dates
Established as Park: November 10, 2003By The Numbers
Acres: 26,546.00Highest Point: "Cedar Heights" (145 feet)
Annual Visitation: 134,045 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :33.783330 / -80.783330 (map it)
State: SC
Nearby Big City: Eastover, SC
Gateway Communities: Gadsden, SC; Hopkins, SC; Pinewood, SC; Eastover, SC; Columbia, SC
Nearby Airports: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Camping Camp in wilderness area of park at least 100 feet away from backcountry trails and water and 500 feet away from visitor center and boardwalk (see camping regulations). Camping is primitive style wi ... read more.
History The Early PastPrehistoric foragers hunted the area and fished its waters. The Congaree Indians claimed the floodplain and Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto recounted the intrigue of the area in his ... read more.
In A Nutshell Directions Congaree National Park is located about 20 miles from downtown Columbia, South Carolina in the Hopkins / Gadsden community. Directions to the park are as follows: From CAE - Columbia Metro ... read more.
Just For Kids Our children are our greatest natural & cultural resource. The park mission "â¦to preserve and protect forâ¦future generations." is aimed directly at our kids and their descendents. At Conga ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Camping Regulations CAMPING (primitive) is allowed in the park by permit only. Permits may be obtained at the Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Permits are available no more than one da ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Since most of the park is designated wilderness, you have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders on foot or by canoe. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk l ... read more.
Things To Do Congaree National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting amidst giant hardwoods and ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Boardwalks (pets not allowed) Length: 2.4 miles Time: 1.2 hours Elevated Raised nearly 6 feet above the forest floor, the Elevated Boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest. Use the ... read more.
Recent News
- Why you should Visit Congaree National Park May 14, 2008, 2:09 pm
Congaree In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
