Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a magnificent testament to the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, one of the last remnants of its kind in the southeastern United States. This park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the country, offering an unrivaled ecosystem rich in biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The Congaree River flows through the park, feeding the floodplain that cycles through periods of flood and drought, creating a dynamic and complex habitat.

The park is renowned for its majestic canopy of towering trees, including some of the tallest in the Eastern United States. Among these are record-size specimens of oak, cypress, and pine, creating an awe-inspiring natural cathedral and supporting a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors to Congaree National Park can explore over 25 miles of hiking trails and a 2.4-mile boardwalk loop that meanders through the floodplain, offering immersive experiences in the rich biodiversity of the park. For those looking to see the park from a different perspective, paddling on the Congaree River provides a serene way to witness the beauty of the forest and its wildlife.

Aside from its natural wonders, Congaree National Park serves as a valuable research site for scientists studying forest ecosystems, floodplains, and the complex interactions within them. The park's role in conservation and education is pivotal, offering programs and events designed to teach visitors about the importance of preserving natural habitats and the roles they play in our world.

Whether through hiking, paddling, bird watching, or participating in one of the park's many ranger-led programs, Congaree National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the profound tranquility of the forest. It is a place of incredible beauty and ecological importance, inviting all who visit to explore, learn, and be inspired by the wonders of the natural world.

Biome at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park, located in South Carolina, is a unique and diverse ecosystem that spans multiple biomes. The park's vast territory encompasses a range of elevations, from 100 to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) above sea level, which supports a variety of biomes. Keep on reading to learn more about the biomes at Congaree

Airports Near Congaree National Park

This is a list of the closest airports to the park, if you plan on flying into Congaree click here to read our recommendations.

Distance to Park Drive Time
Mc Entire Jngb Airport 15.8 miles 16 mins Get Directions
Jim Hamilton L B Owens Airport 24.2 miles 22 mins Get Directions
Columbia Metro Airport 37.8 miles 31 mins Get Directions
Shaw Afb Airport 42.7 miles 37 mins Get Directions
Sumter Airport 55.2 miles 46 mins Get Directions
Orangeburg Municipal Airport 67.9 miles 56 mins Get Directions
Woodward Field 95.6 miles 1 hour 13 mins Get Directions
Aiken Regional Airport 113.1 miles 1 hour 9 mins Get Directions
Hartsville Regional Airport 117.1 miles 1 hour 29 mins Get Directions
Barnwell Regional Airport 117.6 miles 1 hour 28 mins Get Directions
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Cities Near Congaree National Park

Here are some of the closest cities and towns near the park, take a look at our recommendations for where to stay when visiting Congaree.

Distance to Park
Saint Matthews 12.8 miles Get Directions
Orangeburg 32.8 miles Get Directions
Columbia 33.9 miles Get Directions
Cayce 34.1 miles Get Directions
West Columbia 36.1 miles Get Directions
Sumter 43.4 miles Get Directions
Elgin 43.5 miles Get Directions
Lexington 47.7 miles Get Directions
Lugoff 50.4 miles Get Directions
Manning 53.5 miles Get Directions

Congaree National Park TimeZone

The timezone at Congaree is America/New_York, the current time here is:

Sunrise and Sunset Times at Congaree National Park

This table shows the sunrise and sunset times at Congaree for the next 10 days, use it to plan your day around Congaree stunning displays.

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December 22, 2024 07:23 17:20
December 23, 2024 07:23 17:21
December 24, 2024 07:24 17:21
December 25, 2024 07:24 17:22
December 26, 2024 07:25 17:22
December 27, 2024 07:25 17:23
December 28, 2024 07:25 17:24
December 29, 2024 07:25 17:24
December 30, 2024 07:26 17:25
December 31, 2024 07:26 17:26

Weather at Congaree National Park

This table shows weather averages around the year at Congaree National Park, it provides information on average rainfall, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures. Be sure to consult it when planning your trip.

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January 1.1 °C / 13.4 °C 77.5mm Bad Weather
February 4.8 °C / 17.6 °C 130.2mm Tolerable Weather
April 9.9 °C / 24.7 °C 118.0mm Good Weather
May 14.8 °C / 27.7 °C 70.5mm Good Weather
June 19.5 °C / 31.1 °C 166.9mm Good Weather
July 22.1 °C / 32.4 °C 189.0mm Good Weather
August 21.6 °C / 32.2 °C 160.2mm Good Weather
September 17.5 °C / 28.7 °C 73.6mm Good Weather
October 11.5 °C / 24.8 °C 46.5mm Perfect Weather
November 5.6 °C / 19.4 °C 29.5mm Good Weather
December 4.5 °C / 16.1 °C 89.8mm Tolerable Weather