Congaree National Park

Visiting the Congaree National Park on a sunny day after heavy April showers is a treat!

Boardwalks lead you through the old growth bottomland hardwood forest. These floodplains may not be completely walkable as we encountered!

I suppose with the proper footwear, one could venture further. We did spot a water moccasin have the time of its life and who knows what else may be lurking in the water here.

When the water is still and the reflection is just right, this is what it looks like gazing down into the water (that is my reflection at the bottom).

It appears like the forest goes on forever (above, below and as far as we could see) with the reflection even though there is probably only 2 feet of water here. Of course the photos do not do this justice. It is really something to see in person.

I have a fondness for perky saw palmettos. They just look happy.

There are lovely reflections of these cuties too.

Some parts are very grassy.

When the sun hits just right, it is dreamy.

Other stars of the park are the incredibly tall trees.

Waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers pass through these floodplains. They carry nutrients and sediments to feed the national and state trees that grow here.

Loblolly pine trees grow particularly tall here.

All the upper boardwalks were passable. 

They meander throughout the forest creating a peaceful walk.

If you go, the park is located at:

100 National Park Rd

Hopkins, SC 29061

open 24 hours, free of charge (this walk must be really cool during a full moon!)

Website - It is a good idea to refer to the website before venturing here as there may be trail closures.

 

The park looks quite different during drier times.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val