After buying our parents and ourselves a National Park Wall Hang for Christmas, Daniel and I have made it a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible. As readers of this blog will know, we are off to a great start after visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and New River Gorge in the last couple of years together. For our next domestic trip, we set our sights on the closest national park to Raleigh – Congaree National Park.
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Congaree National Park stands as a testament to the raw beauty and biodiversity of the region. Our recent journey to this natural wonderland left us mesmerized, as we embarked on an adventure filled with captivating trails, abundant wildlife, and enriching experiences. Follow along for our recommendations on trails to try and things to do in the nearby town of Sumter.
Congaree National Park Hiking
Upon arriving at Congaree early on a crisp February Saturday morning, our expedition began with a stroll along the Boardwalk Loop Trail, leisurely immersing ourselves in the majestic cypress and tupelo forest. The raised boardwalk offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to marvel at the intricate ecosystem thriving beneath their feet; it also makes for a convenient way to view the lush vegetation without getting your feet muddy, which probably is why it is the park’s most popular trail.
Continuing our exploration, we ventured onto the Sims Trail, stepping away from the boardwalk and onto the soft, muddy South Carolina ground. The Sims Trail intersects the boardwalk around half a mile and lets you wander deeper into the wilderness, offering glimpses of towering cyprus and loblolly pine trees and a possible otter sighting at Wise Lake. I think the otters may have slept in the morning we were there, though we did hear some noises just around the lake’s bend, so we like to imagine they were nearby.
From Wise Lake, we continued our trek along the Weston Lake Trail, where the tranquil waters mirrored the beauty of the surrounding landscape until merging back onto the Boardwalk Trail about 2 miles later. Around this time, we heard the haunting sound of barn owls conversing with each other and decided to go hunting for the source. A few minutes later, we were treated to a sighting of the nearest conversant resting high in the bows of an ancient pine, kindly asking the park’s visitors to make sure to leave no trace in the owl’s pristine kingdom as we passed through. We admired the stately owl for a few minutes before leaving it to its discussion with its neighbors and made our way back to the Visitors’ Center. As we ambled back, the serene ambiance was the perfect way to conclude our 6-mile adventure, offering moments of reflection amidst the splendor of nature.
Visiting Sumter
After a day of exploration at Congaree, we highly recommend making the drive into Sumter, SC, and unwinding at the local favorite, Sumter Original Brewery. The staff are friendly, the beer offerings have something for everyone and, for a brewery, they maintain a solid menu of delectable bites. We had two flights that included most of the sours and wheat beers on tap and an enormous tray of chicken nachos. The cozy ambiance and friendly atmosphere made for the perfect end to our day’s adventure, allowing us to reminisce about our Congaree hiking over good company and great brews.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Sumter’s Palmetto Park to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sunset. The park was alive with many softball games and dog walkers enjoying the vibrant hues painted across the sky. Check out the brief highlights video linked above for some drone footage taken from the park!
A Last Adventure at Swan Lake
The following morning, we ventured to Swan Lake Iris Gardens, where the tranquil waters and vibrant blooms provided a serene start to the day. Wandering through the picturesque gardens, we were captivated by the beauty of the irises and the peaceful ambiance that enveloped us. The gardens have a multitude of trails, including an over-the-road bridge that connects the two sides of the Gardens, and many audio stations are scattered along the trails to provide insight into the flora and fauna that call the gardens home. We recommend checking out the gardens and are even considering a return trip to one of the many annual festivals held at this location.
Conclusion
Our odyssey through the depths of Congaree National Park was an expedition into the heart of nature’s uncharted marvels, a journey that transcended mere exploration to become a profound communion with the wilderness. Every trail whispered ancient secrets, and each wildlife encounter was a testament to the park’s vibrant ecosystem.
What sets Congaree apart, however, is its status as one of the most underrated gems in the national park system. Its sprawling landscapes, teeming with majestic trees and rare wildlife, offer an unparalleled refuge from the hustle of modern life. Yet, it remains a quiet sanctuary, untouched by the crowds that flock to more renowned parks. It’s clear that Congaree’s charm lies not only in its scenic beauty and biodiversity but also in the solitude and tranquility it offers, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature on a deeper level. The park invites us all to become advocates for its protection and to share its stories, ensuring that future generations can also experience its untouched beauty. And finally, our journey through Congaree was a reminder of the countless undiscovered stories awaiting us in the rest of the national park system. We’ll look forward to seeing you all there!