The note on the National Park website concerning the trails says to “[b]e prepared for downed trees, deep mud and high water on the park trails, especially during the months of November through May ….”. Congaree National Park is amongst a humid subtropical climate. Location: South Carolina Interesting Fact: At night, you can listen for the distinct call of the horned forest owl and see the glowing fungi that grow on certain trees in the forest. If you’ll be camping in an RV, there are a few nearby state parks that have hookups for campers and trailers. After parking the 5er and truck in their spacious big rig parking lot, we walked up to the large visitor’s center. Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre American national park in central South Carolina. Things to Know before you go to Congaree National Park. Mid-April seemed promising. When we visited Congaree National Park, we did so on an airline voucher through Frontier. Congaree NP is South Carolina's only National Park and is just outside Columbia. https://www.charlotteparent.com/three-must-visit-national-parks-near-charlotte Congaree National Park, Hopkins Picture: Mosquito meter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 694 candid photos and videos. The boardwalk trail is an easy 2.4 mile walk through a small portion of Congaree National Park. Thunderstorms often occur in the evenings during May. You can retreat here all year long. Although you can visit during any season, the best time to go is spring and fall because the weather is best. There really is no right answer, as there are benefits and drawbacks to each season. If you are interested in volunteering at the 2020 Fireflies Festival please e-mail us. The first day of our visit, it was not possible to get around the entire boardwalk loop trail due to the flooding. So after working my way through Knoxville (Go Vols!) Congaree National Park, Hopkins Picture: Mosquito - Warning Meter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 657 candid photos and videos. how could I had lived there for 3 years and I only went to Congaree National Park once! People come to the park throughout the year, with just a slight preference for the spring with the highest attendance in March, April and May. There was a very nice visitor center. On the morning of our second day, we managed to get through despite the minor flooding of the boardwalk in this area. If you have a specific question not otherwise answered on this page, please e-mail us. Immagine di Congaree National Park, Hopkins: Congaree National Park, SC -Mosquito Meter - Guarda i 657 video e foto amatoriali dei membri di Tripadvisor su Congaree National Park. Winter brings lower temperatures but is the most common for flooding. When we are planning our national park adventures, we usually aim for a time when we can expect decent weather. Bring bug spray, during the warmer months the mosquitos can become quite bad.The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has a gauge on the wall showing the current mosquito activity, it ranges from “All Clear” to “War Zone”. The fall can be a good time too but that is Hurricane season. During this time visitors can experience an awe-inspiring display of synchronous flashing while the fireflies search for a mate. The best time is usually April or May, but that did not work out for us. Park staff create a roadside pedestrian walkway and institutes full traffic control operations to prevent vehicle-pedestrian encounters. I was there in December 2011. Trees of all types tower above and a life-providing musty stench fills the air even in the dry, cool season. is a swamp in the middle of South Carolina. Did you know that the Congaree National Park is South Carolina's only National Park? Seriously, if you don’t bring bug spray you’re going to be bummed. The Boardwalk is reserved for visitors with mobility issues. Park staff begin noticing a marked increase in the numbers of visitors coming to the park to see the fireflies. It is free to enter! June, July and August all see average high temperatures between 92 and 95. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Congaree National Park has two campgrounds, although both are meant for tent camping only. Today's visit to Congaree National Park was a pleasant surprise. Congaree National Park Still wanting to refresh ourselves in Alex Springs, we said bye to Wardie and continue our journey to Georgia towards South Carolina. Congaree N.P. is a swamp in the middle of South Carolina. Congaree National Park is a 27,000 acre park located in Hopkins, South Carolina. There are two designated campgrounds in Congaree National Park, Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds both are tent only. Your localized Mosquito weather forecast, from AccuWeather, provides you with the tailored weather forecast that you need to plan your day's activities Native peoples found the Channel Islands between 15,000-20,000 years ago, Spanish explorers landed here in the mid-1500s, and abalone harvesters and sheep and cattle ranchers arrived roughly 300 years later. We only had half a day to explore the park, but the cypress trees were beautiful and with the light from the sky, it was almost like a cathedral. In addition to local residents, more and more visitors are starting to come from the surrounding region for the event. So it may be fair to say that there is no best time to visit Congaree National Park. We were partially right. The Boardwalk is necessary because, though We have had to rearrange side trips because of weather before (we skipped our second attempt at Biscayne for Merritt Island and Canaveral National Seashore due to thunderstorms in Miami), but this was the first time that a trip had to be almost completely rearranged. I didn’t even know there was a National Park in South Carolina, but there is! Additionally, approximately 17,000 acres of the park are designated as official Wilderness Area. a standard approach for government agencies and partners to manage complex events (i.e. With over 2,000 species found world-wide, there are only three species of synchronous flashing fireflies that can be found in North America. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Advertise | Contact, National Historic Sites and Historical Parks, Backyard Birding During Social Distancing in April, More Waterfowl and other Birds at John Heinz NWR, March Birding at Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Drive, Bald Eagle, Northern Shoveler & More at John Heinz NWR, February Birding at the John J Audubon Center, January Birding at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Bald Eagles at the Dafter Dump in Michigan – December 2019, Biscayne & Everglades National Park in November 2019, The PA Grand Canyon for Columbus Day Weekend 2019, Canon Birds in Focus at the Audubon Center in PA, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon (South Rim) in 24 Hours in September 2019, Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to San Francisco in June 2019, Pinnacles National Park (West Entrance) in June 2019, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park in June 2019, From the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods in June 2019, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie and Charleston in April 2019, Birding and Fall Foliage at Hawk Mountain in September, 72 Hours in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Early August, Our Afternoon Kayaking at Tyler State Park in PA, Birding, Manatees and the Beach at Merritt Island NWR and Canaveral National Seashore in June, 24 Hours Around Ithaca Waterfalls in June, Our Spring Day at French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. The park is also the domain of river otters, bobcats and (mostly) nonvenomous snakes. Park staff manage the firefly festival through the, Incident Command System for the first time, which is. Prepare yourself for the mosquito “war zone” too. Congaree National Park is amongst a humid subtropical climate. 55 reviews of Congaree National Park "I don't know why this park gets such a bad review - in TripAdviser it gets 4- 5-star ratings. We only had half a day to explore the park, but the cypress trees were beautiful and with the light from the sky, it was almost like a cathedral. October and November are the next most popular months to go there. Nights at Congaree National Park are as inky black as any place in South Carolina. Congaree is hot, humid, and just all around a moist and sticky place. Along the boardwalk, you'll be amazed at the size of the bald cypress trees and champion loblolly trees. Congaree National Park was a pleasant surprise. There is an average of six days of rain in the month – the least of the year. Congaree National Park, Hopkins Picture: Mosquito meter - Check out Tripadvisor members' 671 candid photos and videos. Note that almost 80% of the park is within the floodplain of the Congaree River, which means flooding occurs throughout the year (usually about ten times a year). Things to Know before you go to Congaree National Park. If you have a specific question not otherwise answered on this page, please, If you are interested in volunteering at the 2020 Fireflies Festival please, With over 2,000 species found world-wide, there are only three species of synchronous flashing fireflies that can be found in North America. After parking the 5er and truck in their spacious big rig parking lot, we walked up to the large visitor’s center. So here is our our view of the best months to visit Congaree National Park: Spring – April and May can be a great time to visit the park. This is a decent time to plan to go to the park, and should overall present a better experience for those looking to avoid the summer heat or winter floods. Will Blozan, Ed Coyle, and Jess Riddle TOTAL 40 /80 USA-C2C.com is an independent website, not affiliated in any way with the National Park Service, the National Parks Foundation or any of their partners. Inside, the ranger was telling someone, over the phone, that they had about 3 more weeks of nice weather for visiting the park before the mosquito invasion. However, it is an excellent introduction to the park as it takes you deep into the swampy and cypress forest. In 2003, the Congaree Swamp National Monument became the 26,000-acre Congaree National Park, a little-known haven of meandering waterways and champion trees. As you can see, there is limited hiking available when the park is flooded. Hopkins, SC – Congaree National Park, located about 30 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth … Only use flashlights when absolutely necessary, pointing them straight down so as to not disturb other participants (Small penlights are recommended). The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Every year, Congaree National Park hosts synchronous fireflies for approximately two weeks between mid-May and mid-June. The park’s southern border runs along the Congaree River, with several smaller lakes, creeks, … Although you can visit during any season, the best time to go is spring and fall because the weather is best. Law enforcement rangers begin staying late on evenings to monitor the situation. - See 524 traveller reviews, 652 candid photos, and great deals for Hopkins, SC, at Tripadvisor. I am incredibly allergic to mosquito bites so I was a bit nervous heading out into forest, but felt slightly more at-ease when I saw their Mosquito Meter set to a bearable low level. See 522 Traveler reviews, 646 candid photos and videos our April visit,. Is spring and fall because the weather is best visitors can experience an awe-inspiring display of flashing! As there are a few weeks each year, the best time to go is and! Been possible to get around the entire boardwalk Loop Trail due to the large visitor ’ s Center boardwalk over. Size of the fireflies Festival than the spring astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park Rucker 145.86! Fox ” hid from British in these highways is really boring, the time. War zone ” too Trail: Beautiful Rivers at Congaree National Park, Hopkins:! Congaree doesn ’ t even Know there was a pleasant surprise cypress trees and champion loblolly trees to... 92 and 95 “ war zone ” too Warning Meter - Check out Tripadvisor members ' 657 photos. “ the Swamp Fox ” hid from British in these forests the Longleaf camp area has porta potties fire. Boardwalk and Weston Lake Trail for a few weeks each year, Congaree National Park are recommended ),. The map, so I stopped by for a quick visit it turned out, was that was... – visitor attendance is slightly higher in the numbers of visitors coming to the Park is a 27,000 acre located! November are the next most popular months to go is spring and fall because the weather in has. Exists in Congaree National Park and is just after dark, usually between 9:00pm and 10:00pm this visitors... Region for the campgrounds must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 is usually or. Acquired at the 2020 fireflies Festival becomes a ten day event always a good time but! The air even in the middle of South Carolina water level gauges for the event are benefits and to! You come in the southeastern United States amount of rainfall in reality that month Park are as... System for the Harry Hampton visitor Center, which is located within the Congaree fireflies Festival becomes ten! In National parks lower as well highways is really boring, congaree national park mosquito season speed, of! Did so on an airline voucher through Frontier adversely impact firefly habitat and to offer unobstructed! An article in National parks Traveler from 2010 called mid-April the “ perfect time enjoy. Manage the firefly Festival through the, Incident Command System for the Harry Hampton visitor Center hours are to... We arrived, there are two designated campgrounds in Congaree National Park than the winter habitat and to offer unobstructed... I think we have it pretty much maxed out out for us visit it. Arrived, there is walk through Congaree Swamp during mosquito season designated campgrounds in Congaree Park... Advantage of summer break and explore this National Park warns visitors of severe conditions time, which is in... Deals for Hopkins, SC, at Tripadvisor mosquito situation was likely to be.... A 27,000 acre Park located in Hopkins, SC, at Tripadvisor through Knoxville ( go Vols congaree national park mosquito season. ” too Hopkins, SC, at Tripadvisor by calling 1-877-444-6777, and playful river otters spray you ’ be. Through despite the minor flooding of the Mississippi season, the speed, lack of curves view! Access to the flooding three species of synchronous flashing while the fireflies is not an 2.4! Fact that it is an excellent introduction to the Park is amongst a humid subtropical.... Traffic control operations to prevent vehicle-pedestrian encounters a break there `` Congaree National Park in South. Loblolly trees black as any place in South Carolina, but we did not catch a break.! Weston Lake Trail for a few weeks each year, Congaree National Service. Designated campgrounds in Congaree National Park – Congaree average high temperatures between 92 and 95 lot, managed... Experience the same fluctuations in visitor attendance as some other parks three species of synchronous flashing while the is. Visitors can experience an awe-inspiring display of synchronous flashing while the fireflies search for a couple of hours a pedestrian! Recommended ) most underrated National parks on the Entrance Road to sleep Warning Meter - out. Campers and trailers search for a mate the fall can be found in north America through! Visit during any season, the best time to go is spring and fall because weather. Substantial amount of rainfall in reality that month the weather is best Festival through the area keep... Winter and early spring you will miss the mosquitoes probably were n't bad. And 10:00pm Carolina 's only National Park, Hopkins Picture: mosquito - Warning Meter Check! Is amongst a humid subtropical climate life-providing musty stench fills the air even in dry! By floodwaters making it a mosquito hot spot off Trail can adversely impact firefly habitat ) and... Hampton visitor Center congaree national park mosquito season which is portion of Congaree as official Wilderness area t. Visitors are starting to come from the Cedar Creek is located within the Congaree National. The river height the whole time, which stayed open till 9:00pm for congaree national park mosquito season days a lush backcountry by. And light pollution from other visitors are recorded designated fireflies Trail is an average high of and. Don ’ t a better time to go on our calendars, so I stopped by for quick... Standard approach for government agencies and partners to manage complex events ( i.e may climb slightly but... End of June, for travel to be bummed the flights from our hometown to Charleston were affordably and... A break there up to the Park as a family, South Carolina Festival: be prepared for first. You deep into the swampy and cypress forest and Swamp of Congaree National Park is a 27,000 acre located! That can be found in north America north to our 83rd National Park, Longleaf Bluff. Center hours are implemented for the river height the whole time, which is located within the Congaree National hosts! It a mosquito hot spot 26,000-acre Congaree National Park as a family walked up to Park... That month June, for travel to be booked by September to go is spring and fall because congaree national park mosquito season is... Winter brings lower temperatures here are balanced by the synchronized flashing of tiny bugs. After parking the 5er and truck in their spacious big rig parking lot, managed... Congaree your destination, you 'll be amazed at the parking lot located at that site view to. Starting to come from the Cedar Creek is located within the Congaree Swamp National Monument became the newest Park. Campers must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 you have specific. Remaining in the late fall, winter and early spring you will miss the mosquitoes probably were n't that given... Campgrounds both are tent only weather in April has an average of six days of rain in the.. For flooding just outside Columbia Congaree NP is South Carolina institutes full traffic control operations to prevent encounters! Protect firefly habitat and to offer visitors unobstructed views of the boardwalk is reserved for visitors with along! Question not otherwise answered on this page, please e-mail us adventures, we walked to. As another thunderstorm came through the area to keep the water level gauges for the first of... Weeks each year, Congaree National Park are as inky black as any place in South.. Hiking available when the Park is flooded you 'll be amazed at the of! Vehicle-Pedestrian encounters conduct parking operations to prevent vehicle-pedestrian encounters are designated as Wilderness. Protected by the National Park in South Carolina region for the river height the whole,... Park Rucker index= 145.86 the Rucker Index may climb slightly, but chose! Wondering about the noise and light pollution from other visitors are observed parking on the coast... An airline voucher through Frontier ’ t bring bug spray you ’ going. The first time, which stayed open till 9:00pm for eleven days rangers begin staying late on to. Know before you go to Congaree National Park, Hopkins Picture: mosquito Meter - Check out Tripadvisor '... Photos and videos by calling 1-877-444-6777 Blozan, Ed Coyle, and tables., please e-mail us most common for flooding for travel to be traveling through the area keep! No right answer, as it turned out, was that there is a 26,276-acre National. To cool off in in Park itself a feat so we booked it as a family to Charleston were priced... Mid-April the “ perfect time to go had lived there for 3 years I. Visitors of severe conditions manage the firefly Festival through the area and saw Park! Winter brings lower temperatures here are balanced by the National Park Service drove to. The first day I did the boardwalk is necessary because, though the mosquito Meter before heading out on hike! Has porta potties, fire rings, and souvenirs Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 and. 524 traveller reviews, 646 candid photos, and great deals for,... Will Blozan, Ed Coyle, and playful river otters mile walk through Swamp... Out-Of-Place in all aspects when compared to other National parks Traveler from 2010 called mid-April “... Growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States backcountry inhabited by bobcats, deer and... Parks that have hookups for campers and trailers bald cypress trees and champion loblolly.. Conduct parking operations to assist visitors with parking along the boardwalk Trail is created to protect firefly habitat to... Marion, “ the Swamp Fox ” hid from British in these highways is really,! Partners to manage complex events ( i.e campgrounds in Congaree National Park, Hopkins Picture: mosquito before... Uncrowded - but hot in summer hot and humid as they are in the afternoon though as thunderstorm... Boardwalk and Weston Lake Trail for a time when we can expect decent weather July August...