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 |
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.
Date |
Sunrise |
Sunset |
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 |