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
Gettysburg Address to Return for Visitor Center Grand Opening
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
August 21, 2008 - 5:04pm
There are only five known manuscripts of the famous Gettysburg Address, penned by President Abraham Lincoln — one of those original documents is scheduled to appear in Gettysburg, during the grand opening celebration of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
Anglers Wary of North Cascades Plan to Limit Fishing
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
Bison Advocates Go for Space
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
Rapid Climate Change Threatens to Thaw Icy Wonderland of Alaska
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
Park Seeks Construction Comment
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
