Hike The Boardwalk To Nowhere At Congaree National Park In South Carolina For A Magical Woodland Adventure
Newcomers to South Carolina may not be aware the Palmetto State is home to one of the 61 protected National Parks in the U.S. Just 16 short years ago, in 2003, the area now known as Congaree National Park was officially named part of the National Park Service. With 26,276 acres that includes the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country, Congaree has some enormous trees that are worthy of seeking out.
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Hiking trails have been carved into the natural flora of this low-lying park and they're all relatively flat, so hiking here allows for an easy stride as you wander the forest in awe of all it offers.
Any visit to Congaree National Park (which is always free admission, by they way) should begin at the Visitor Center where you'll find a small museum, restroom facilities, and 24/7 access to trail maps.
Grab one designated for the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail, check the mosquito meter (it's a real thing) for the expected nuisance level and then apply insect repellent as needed before heading out on the fully-accessible boardwalk trail.
This magical woodland adventure includes a look at some of the largest trees in the world, including the tallest among 15 species. Loblolly pines, bald cypress, tupelo trees and more will dazzle your senses with their sheer size.
In the fall, the landscape here gets painted with the rusty hues of autumn; and a spring hike is filled with the joyfully bright greens of new leaves sprouting all around. The boardwalk trail has plenty of benches along the 2.4-mile loop through the forest. Sit a while and enjoy the scenery.
You can expect the fauna here to be delightfully fun as well. From barn owls to an occasional feral hog, you may be surprised at what you'll encounter at Congaree.
...may raise an occasional eyebrow. The nine-banded armadillo has been spotted here, as have snakes. The latter will make you want to stay on the boardwalk!
Have you discovered South Carolina's only national park yet? The 2.4-mile boardwalk trail is a perfect way to become acquainted with this incredible resource found in the heart of the state.
Congaree National Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is always free. For more information on the boardwalk trail, see this link on the official website of the National Park Service.
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
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