Congaree National Park - day 2

After breakfast we set out for another hike, this one starting at another point in the park. We followed the Kingsnake trail. This trail is known for birdwatching and while we weren't looking for them, we heard plenty of them. This is not as popular a trail so it was very quiet and peaceful. We walked past groves of the same trees with intermittent areas of standing water and crossing over the Cedar Creek. In one of those holes of water we saw as raccoon swimming from tree to tree. We also got a glimpse of a snake, lizards, a frog, beautiful white bird flying, as well as other birds. One can only imagine the number of insects and critters that live in this habitat. If this area was flooded, there would not be a path and the giant bases of the trees and the knee would not be seen giving it a completely different view. The water rises about 10 feet when it floods. We hiked to the Weston lake and then back, a total of about 10 miles. It is possible to canoe or kayak the creek that runs through the park or the river that runs on the edge of the park. You need to bring your own, rent them outside of the park, or plan on taking a tour with a third party outfitter. Definitely something we would do next time, especially if there was some flooding.Read more