Congaree National Park

February 15, 2025

Congaree National Park

I took a short trip from Charlotte southwards to Congaree National Park on New Year's Eve. The park has been on my 'To Do' list since we moved to Charlotte several years ago. It is one of the rare 'East of the Mississippi' National Parks, earning that status in 2003. From Metro Charlotte, it is only about an hour and a half drive south.

The park sits just southeast of Columbia, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it was better to go in the fall and winter because the bugs and mosquitos were not a problem. Outside of that, I knew the park was an excellent place for hiking.

Cypress knees can be found all along the Boardwalk Trail.

Congaree National Park preserves over 25,000 acres of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Congaree is home to the largest tract of this type of forest remaining in the United States.

The towering pines of Congaree.

I spent my time along the Boardwalk Trail. The trail, a 2.4-mile walkway through the wetlands, is the park's most popular - and it's easy to see why. Parts of the trail run just above the water line, allowing for closer views of the cypress knees - other sections are around eight feet above the waterline and make you feel like you are walking through the trees.

Along the Boardwalk Trail, there are 20 stops along a self-guided tour - this stop explains the importance of a low area called a gut.

The Boardwalk Trail is a self-guided trail with 20 points along the way. There is a free brochure that you can pick up at the visitor's center describing each viewpoint.

This loblolly pine stands over 150' tall and was once the tallest in the state.

The hike along the Boardwalk Trail is impressive as you walk through various landscapes and foliage. Cypress, palmettos, and towering loblolly pines are found throughout your trek. Some of the loblolly pines stand well over 150' in height.

The Sims Trail meanders through the old-growth hardwood forest.

A downed tree blocked the Boardwalk Trail - so I doubled back and cut across the Sims Trail to rejoin the Boardwalk Loop for the return to the visitor's center. The Firefly Trail begins nearby, and fireflies are a popular attraction at the park in the Spring.

The preservation of the floodplain and hardwood forests of Congaree National Park is thanks to the efforts of Harry Hampton. Hampton - a reporter, columnist, and later editor at The State - was an outdoorsman and conservationist. Throughout the 1950s and into the 70s, Hampton wrote and led efforts to preserve the Congaree Forest from deforestation and development.

Inside the Henry Hampton Visitor Center - a look at the grassroots preservation campaign that would eventually lead to Congaree National Park.

By 1963, the National Park Service recommended the establishment of Congaree Swamp National Monument. However, it would take another 13 years - and a lot of work by local activists - until the designation was gained. In 2003, Congaree Swamp National Monument became Congaree National Park - our 57th National Park. The Park's Visitors Center is named after Hampton.

I went to Congaree National Park unaware of its history and the efforts to preserve it. After visiting, I am very grateful for the efforts of Hampton and all of the others whose work has allowed me and countless others to enjoy the natural beauty of Congaree National Park for years to come.

All photos taken by post author - December 31, 2024.

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