I Found Myself Miles Deep in the Congaree Wetlands in South Carolina for an Epic Adventure

Congaree National Park has been on my list for a while now, and on one warm summer day, I was finally able to mark it off. Having only a few hours within the park, I wanted to make sure I made the most of it, so I hiked around seven miles within the wetlands. Despite all the circumstances that could have easily made this an unpleasant experience, I loved every single minute of it. If you are up for an adventure then dare to wander the remote lands of this swamp-like national park. 

When I pulled up to the park the thermometer in my vehicle declared the temperature to be a scorching 91 degrees outside. Despite it being hot enough to melt my temperature-measuring device, I parked the car, grabbed my backpack, and started the trail. I was beyond excited to be in the park and it seemed like a dream to finally be setting foot on the boardwalk. I noted the famous mosquito meter along the wall to prepare myself for what was to come. The meter spans from 1 to 6, and it was sitting at a comfortable 3, so I figured I would be alright. 

As I made my way around what is simply known as the Boardwalk Loop I could easily see why this would be one of the most visited parts of the park. It is super accessible and offers some of the best views in the park. You can really get a great feel for what to expect on the elevated wooden path, but I wanted to make the most of my time in Congaree, so I was also excited to get off the boardwalk and back onto solid ground again. 

One of the things I was most excited to see was the cypress trees scattered throughout the park. This is one of my favorite trees and I find the swampy nature of the knees to be one of the coolest sights whenever I stumble upon them in my travels. I love the otherworldly qualities of the roots as they stick up out of the water or muddy ground with fuzzy moss. I kept stopping every time I would come across the trees (Which was a alot) and scan the flat landscape like my eyes were wandering around a swampy graveyard.

Soon I stepped off the boardwalk and took off down the dirt path further into the wetlands of the national park. The mosquitoes were barely noticeable on the boardwalk, but once I stepped off, it was like I tripped an alarm for the bugs to put on a full-force assault. I must have slapped, brushed, or blown away hundreds of flying insects while I hiked. I didn’t let this deter me in the slightest as I pressed on further down the trail. I weaved in and out of some swampy wetlands and rivers along the walk in search of alligators, but it must have been too hot for them because I didn’t see one reptile the whole time I was out. 

What I did find, however, was an outstanding national park that didn’t disappoint. I know that many people are scared away by flooded trails (Something that often happens in the park), alligators, snakes, and millions of flying annoyances, but among all of it, I found value. The inherent danger found in a swamp-like environment holds within itself a different type of beauty to behold. The only way you will be able to truly appreciate this is to travel deep into the park and look for the amazing opportunities that are all around you. 

Congaree National Park was an adventurous trip and I am elated that I was able to experience it. I used my AllTrails app to help me navigate through the seven miles I traveled and it helped me stay on the right trail. I would easily go back if given the opportunity. I would love to take a Kayak through the deep rivers of the park, stay after dark when the synchronous fireflies come out, or search for bioluminescent fungus. Until I get the chance to go back, I have the loving memories of my time in the park, and this Adventuring in the Moment video to revisit my time in Congaree.