Exploring Congaree's Untouched Beauty
March 2022
Getting Soaked in Congaree National Park
Despite the anticipated rain and thunderstorms, we explored Congaree National Park on our last day in the Windsor area. At the Harry Hampton Visitor Center – the name pays tribute to the man who helped save Congaree – we learned that South Carolina’s Congaree National Park was established as a National Monument in 1976 and designated a National Park in 2003. The 26,000 acres have a diverse ecosystem; the park is a sanctuary for wildlife such as deer, otters, and numerous bird species. Congaree also has a rich cultural history. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans called this area home for thousands of years.
The park has about 20 miles of trails of trails to explore. We hiked a little more than 5 miles. We started our hike with a bit of sunshine. However, dark clouds appeared quickly, followed by heavy rain pouring down a few miles in. The towering trees (over 100 feet tall), forming an impressive green canopy, did not protect us. While wearing protective rain gear, we still got soaked.
.
This wet adventure, however, added to the park’s unique experience of wandering in muddy swamps underneath giant hardwoods and pines. Although this park is not a frequently visited national park, I was glad we saw it. The park’s beauty, with its old-growth hardwood forest, the largest in the United States, is truly untouched!
Date
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Distances
5.12 miles
Moving Time
1:50:33 hours
Weather
68 °F, fresh breeze