I moved to South Carolina in 2001 when my husband made a career change. I enjoyed spending a few years in Charleston while he completed the Culinary Arts program at Johnson and Wales University. If you've never experienced America's favorite city, voted best city in the world in 2016, it's even more beautiful than in photos. I've lived in two other areas of the state and have visited much of the rest. But one South Carolina destination I have not been to is Congaree National Park. And I'm not an anomaly since it's one of the least visited national parks!
When I told my husband I'd like to visit Congaree National Park, he informed me that it's known for an abundance of wild boars that can rush you and take your feet out from under you. Not my idea of a great time!
And how about this well-known fun fact about South Carolina? The presence of a mosquito meter leaves me less than enthusiastic about visiting during most of the year, just sayin'.
Congaree National Park is also known for flooding after heavy rains, just further contributing to perfect conditions for mosquito breeding, if you ask me.
On a positive note, the park has an incredible backstory of how it came to be designated as a national treasure. An avid outdoorsman named Harry Hampton realized how unique the area is with it's huge champion trees and biodiversity.
An editor and columnist for The State newspaper, he began an effort to inspire others, resulting in Congress establishing in 1976 the Congaree Swamp National Monument "to preserve and protect for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of present and future generations an outstanding example of a near-virgin southern hardwood forest..." Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in America, with more than 15 species of champion trees – the tallest known examples in the world.
I would love to see those massive trees and to enjoy a hike through the forest, as long as it's not after a lot of rain, that is!
For me, the absolute best time to visit would be during the synchronous fireflies event in the spring. It's so popular that tickets are sold by lottery each year.
I think exploring the Visitor's Center would be fun. It offers exhibits, a film about the history of the park, and a gift shop.
Check the Congaree National Park website for more information including hours of operation for the visitor center. The park is open 24 hours.
Have you been to Congaree National Park before?
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