Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Congaree National Park stands as a living testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of a diverse and pristine bottomland hardwood forest. Established in 2003, this park preserves the largest tract of old growth floodplain forest left in North America, giving visitors a glimpse into the natural landscapes that once stretched across the southeastern United States. The Congaree River flows through the park, nourishing the rich ecosystem that inhabits its floodplain.
The park’s defining feature is its ancient trees, some towering to heights of over 160 feet. Bald cypress, water tupelo, and towering loblolly pines dominate the canopy, while various species of hardwoods, like oaks and maples, thrive in the understory. These trees play a vital role in the park’s ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life.
In addition to its remarkable trees, Congaree National Park is a haven for wildlife. It’s a prime destination for birdwatching, with over 200 bird species recorded within the park. Visitors may spot barred owls, prothonotary warblers, and the elusive swallow-tailed kite soaring through the sky. White-tailed deer, river otters, and bobcats also call this lush forest home.
The park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. The boardwalk loop trail allows visitors to explore the floodplain up close, giving a sense of the majestic trees and the unique ecosystem they support. Canoeing or kayaking along the marked canoe trail is a fantastic way to experience the park’s waterways, immersing oneself in the peaceful ambiance of the forest.
Congaree National Park is not only a natural wonder but also a living laboratory. Researchers flock to the park to study its complex ecosystem, contributing to our understanding of floodplain forests and the vital role they play in maintaining the balance of nature. The park stands as an invitation to all to appreciate and protect the invaluable treasures of our natural world.

Congaree National Park in South Carolina
Let’s take a look at these 30 interesting facts about Congaree National Park to know more about it.
- Ancient Trees: Congaree National Park preserves some of the tallest known trees in the eastern United States, reaching heights of over 160 feet.
- Largest Old Growth Bottomland Hardwood Forest: It protects the largest tract of old growth floodplain forest in the country.
- Biodiversity: The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including 75 species of trees, over 200 species of birds, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.
- Designation as a National Park: Congaree was designated a national park in 2003, changing its status from a national monument established in 1976.
- Congaree River: The park is bisected by the Congaree River, which provides the water necessary to sustain its unique ecosystem.
- Seasonal Flooding: The park experiences seasonal flooding, which is essential for nutrient renewal and supports its diverse plant life.
- Champion Trees: The park is home to several national champion trees, including the Loblolly Pine, the state tree of South Carolina.
- Largest Loblolly Pine: The largest loblolly pine in the park, named the “Tompkins Pine,” is estimated to be over 500 years old.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddling is a popular activity in the park, and the marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail offers a unique way to explore its beauty.
- International Biosphere Reserve: Congaree National Park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
- Hiking Trails: The park features various hiking trails, including the Boardwalk Loop Trail, Weston Lake Loop Trail, and Oakridge Trail, providing different perspectives of the park’s ecosystem.
- Cypress-Tupelo Swamp: One of the main habitats within the park is the cypress-tupelo swamp, showcasing the iconic cypress trees and tupelo gum trees.
- Historical Significance: The park has historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 12,000 years.
- Fireflies: Congaree National Park is famous for its synchronous fireflies, a spectacular natural display that occurs during a specific period each year.
- Camping: The park offers camping options for visitors, allowing them to experience the beauty of the forest at different times of the day.
- Record Rainfall: The park receives one of the highest average rainfall amounts in the United States, contributing to its lush ecosystem.
- Wildlife: Wildlife in the park includes white-tailed deer, river otters, bobcats, armadillos, and a variety of bird species.
- Insect Life: The park is home to numerous insect species, including a variety of butterflies and beetles.
- Species at Risk: Congaree National Park is crucial for conserving endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Carolina northern flying squirrel.
- Wildflower Display: Spring and summer bring vibrant displays of wildflowers throughout the park, adding to its natural beauty.
- Swamp Forest Nature Trail: The Swamp Forest Nature Trail provides an informative self-guided experience through the park’s unique ecosystems.
- Beaver Pond: A beaver pond within the park showcases the industriousness of these animals and their impact on the ecosystem.
- Geology: The park’s geological features include bluffs, terraces, and natural levees, illustrating the dynamic geological processes that shaped the landscape.
- Congaree Land Trust: The Congaree Land Trust has been instrumental in preserving critical lands surrounding the park, enhancing its overall conservation efforts.
- Congaree National Park Association: The Congaree National Park Association supports the park through educational programs, volunteer efforts, and funding for important projects.
- Accessibility: The park strives to be accessible to all visitors, with boardwalks and trails designed for people with varying mobility levels.
- Photography: The park is a haven for photographers, offering opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, unique trees, and diverse wildlife.
- BioBlitz: Congaree National Park hosts a BioBlitz event, where scientists and the public collaborate to identify as many species as possible within a specified timeframe.
- Dark Sky Site: The park has been designated as a Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities.
- Educational Programs: The park offers various educational programs, including guided tours, workshops, and ranger-led talks, to enhance visitors’ understanding of its ecology and conservation efforts.
Congaree National Park is a sanctuary of nature’s resilience and beauty, offering a glimpse into a thriving and intricate ecosystem. Its ancient trees, expansive floodplain, and diverse wildlife stand as a testament to the importance of conservation and preservation. As visitors wander through the lush trails and paddle along the meandering waters, they are given the opportunity to reconnect with the wild, to immerse themselves in a world that has stood for centuries, and to gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that sustains our planet.
This park is not merely a designated area on a map but a living, breathing testimony to the intricate tapestry of life. It invites us to appreciate the natural wonders that have endured through time and to reflect on our responsibility to safeguard these treasures for generations to come. Congaree National Park beckons us to become stewards of this delicate ecosystem, to advocate for its preservation, and to let its profound beauty inspire a collective commitment to the conservation of our irreplaceable natural heritage.