Congaree

Canceled August 7, 2010

Congaree National Park is located in the middle of South Carolina. This is a strange world of forest landscape, champion trees, diverse plant and animal life, and peaceful tranquility. This 24,000-acre park protects the largest contiguous area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Congaree is a silent sanctuary filled with Loblolly pines, Bald Cypress trees, and a unique ecosystem that you can only experience here.

The following weekend after our first National Park family vacation, we researched and discovered there was a National Park only 90 minutes from our home. Therefore, we packed our car on a warm Saturday morning and arrived at Congaree mid-morning. We hiked the Kingsnake trail, River trail, and the most popular, the Boardwalk trail.

Actually, we were so confident in our hiking capability, we embarked upon a 14 mile loop. However, what we did not realize was the tremendous amount of large spiders and spider webs along the trail. Also, there were many bugs in this creepy swamp environment. It took us until sunset to finish the hike. We saw a wild boar running in the distance and snakes swimming in the Congaree River. This day has become the most difficult and most memorable hike of all our quests.

We have since visited Congaree several times to take advantage of a ranger led canoe tour, day hikes, and just exploring in the wilderness. Don’t be discouraged and avoid this place. The best part of life are those times and places that will never be forgotten.