Congaree National Park

We arrived at Congaree National Park around 3:00. After seeing the exhibits in the visitor center and getting a hiking trail map, we set out on a hike. Congaree has a boardwalk that is an easy hike and gives you a great feel for the nature of the park. Part of it is closed for reconstruction. We took the boardwalk trail for a bit and then got on the Weston lake trail, taking a little detour to Wise Lake, a very beautiful, peaceful place. Back on the Weston trail we hiked as far as we could go before we had to turn around and go back. Normally this trail would connect with the boardwalk again making a loop. All in all we went about 6 miles. Congaree is a park that's will look different every time one visits depending on rain. Being a lowland, the area floods easily from the Congaree river. It floods 8 - 10 times a year mostly in the winter season and the water can rise up to 10 feet. Because of all of the water, the ground if very fertile for the trees that are there. The most notable trees are cypress, tupelo, loblolly pines, and sweetgum. The average height of these trees is 130 ft high. They are very impressive. The cypress and tupelo trees have massive bases and the cypress have 'knees" surrounding the tree. These are roots from the trees that grow up out of the ground. They look like trees that have been cut down. No one really knows their purpose but it is believed that they add extra support for the trees. The fox squirrels like these trees and the area as there are a lot of them! We headed to the campground in the park. There are only 12 walk-in tent sites here with no camping in your cars. We set up our tent and made some grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner.Lue lisää