Hike Congaree National Park

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Published 2023-09-16
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Before visiting Conagree National Park, I researched and noticed more bad reviews than usual. Some people even called Congaree National Park the worst National Park. In this video, I'll take you on a hike on the Boardwalk Trail, revealing some of the secrets of Congaree and giving you a better appreciation of what's around you. The Boardwalk Trail is easy and a great way to see the best of Congaree National Park.

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Congaree National Park, nestled in the heart of South Carolina, stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and resilience. Home to one of the largest tracts of old-growth floodplain forest remaining in North America, this unique park showcases a rich ecosystem vibrant with towering bald cypresses, ancient loblolly pines, and diverse wildlife. As visitors wander along the iconic Boardwalk Trail or paddle through its meandering waterways, they are treated to a symphony of birdsong and the sight of fireflies illuminating the dense canopy during certain seasons. Designated as a national park in 2003, Congaree serves as a sanctuary for both nature enthusiasts and the rare species that call it home, reminding us of the importance of conservation and the boundless beauty of the natural world.

The Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park is a captivating journey through one of the East Coast's most unique landscapes. Elevated above the forest floor, this 2.4-mile loop provides an intimate perspective of Congaree's ancient floodplain forest, allowing visitors to traverse between colossal bald cypresses and meandering waterways without disturbing the fragile ecosystem beneath. Informative plaques dot the path, offering insights into the park's diverse flora and fauna. As the sun filters through the dense canopy overhead, hikers can often spot various wildlife, from playful otters in the waters below to birds flitting amongst the treetops. Wheelchair accessible and gently graded, the Boardwalk Trail is an invitation for all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Congaree National

All Comments (21)
  • @echo6echo419
    People who hate on this park have forgotten why some people hike. It's not always about packing on miles. Some of us do it to see nature as it was intended. This place is a great area to do that. You'll see some of the largest pine trees in the world here. Put on some bug spray, forget about the mud and take a look around. There is a TON of things going on in that place.
  • @mickeybrumfield764
    I don't think there is a worst National Park. Every National Park I have been to has been worthwhile and interesting. If I go to South Carolina will have to try to find some time to visit this park.
  • @user-eb1ix3gj8m
    My husband and I stopped here on the way back from Charleston for a hike. We heard that its not the best national park, so expectations weren't high. We were pleasantly surprised how unique and interesting the park is. We even had a chance to see a gator swimming in Weston lake! We definitely recommend the park, but also try detouring off the boardwalk to see more of what the park has to offer. Also, glad to see you on the east coast! Hopefully we see you do more hikes over here in the future šŸ˜€
  • @silvagto
    I live 15 minutes away in Columbia. Havenā€™t been to Congaree Park in a while but my wife and I used to walk there with our dog about every other weekend. Beautiful place - and yes, lots of critters, but they were part of the scenery and never a problem. Plus, thereā€™s a raised boardwalk to separate you from the wild stuff. Again, beautiful place, and worth a visit. Great video, by the way.
  • @kuukan4
    My husband and I spent 2 days doing all the trails there. It was so much fun and very different from CA. The flora and fauna was amazing and getting to explore the park without crowds (and without permits!) was so nice. So happy to see a YouTuber I love rave about the park!
  • We are planning a trip to Congaree down the line. So excited! Such a cool ecosystem and we're looking forward to seeing it!
  • @dreamformula
    i enjoyed the facts, especially the height of the flood levels! insane. really cool to see you witness the amount of wildlife out there
  • @backkat9475
    Thank you. I visited many years ago in November (no bugs, but wet). Loved it. Boardwalk section could be very slick in places. We hiked miles of off boardwalk and did encounter flooding in places (which made it longer when we had to turn around and find another connection). Very worthwhile. Selfishly, I liked that it was not as popular as other NP. Appreciate your vids!
  • @BookMama72
    No mosquitoes in February! We went to Congaree yesterday, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!
  • @stevendavis1940
    Great video and narration. It looks like a wonderful place. Thanks!
  • @CJspitz
    I didnā€™t know you also go to East Coast parks. Good to see that! This park, I visited three times and personally, the best way to experience this park is to either canoe or kayak on the river and feel the serenity of the area. The worst park is Gateway Arch so no other park can claim that title. That park shouldā€™ve stayed as the national memorial.
  • @ClydeNut
    Great vid, hope to make it here one day. Something has always rubbed me the wrong way about national park ranking lists because it seems like some people go to national parks in a checklist sort of way and not in a way that actually appreciates why the parks are there and what theyā€™re here to protect, which leads to the disrespect places like these are subject to.
  • @roninatlanta
    Good video! We hiked Congaree last November (2022) when the mosquito meter was low. We did the boardwalk and enjoyed every moment of our visit. We highly recommend Congaree.
  • @sierraseb3311
    Awesome! Never heard of this national park before. I love broadwalk hikes. Best, most interesting video I've watched today. Thanks for taking us with you.
  • @ervinslens
    If you ask me, this is a perfect park for solo hiking, it looks so soothing and actually alluring. Gorgeous presentation bud!
  • @jerrywitt4707
    You do a great job on all your content, thank you for all of your hard work
  • @christyperkins8985
    Thank you for this video Hiking Guy! I live and have backpacked most of the Upstate SC trails since relocating to SC ten months ago. I have very little interest in hiking the low country but you've change that with this magical National Park!
  • @marisacherry
    Great to see an accessible trail highlighted here as you mentioned! I would be very interested to visit South Carolina and this park. I learned on the National Park Foundation website, "African American slaves used the floodplain as a refuge and place to find liberty. After emancipation they fished Cedar Creek, hunted along its banks, and baptized children in its waters."
  • @LinusTan94
    It looks lovely! I look forward to visit this place in the future, just to see all of my spider friends ;)