SO UT H C ARO L I N A
Congaree National Park Containing the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, Congaree National Park is a dynamic landscape where the Congaree and Wateree Rivers wash through a floodplain, bringing nutrients and sediments that nourish and replenish this ecosystem and support sustained growth. Recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and stately stands of bald cypress, humans have used its floodplain for many reasons over 13,000 years, including prehistoric natives and Spanish explorers, as well as patriots of the Revolutionary War, escaped slaves, loggers and conservationists.
THE FLORA A ND FAUNA
among the other species-in-residence.
pleasant temperatures in the 70 F
Congaree’s mysterious-looking —
While not common, alligators can be
range. Hottest from June to August,
found in the park as well.
daily temperatures hover in the 90s
some might say spooky — old-growth bottomland forest is a real draw. Of
F, often exceeding 100 F. Then there’s
particular note? The park’s many
T HE W EAT HER
the matter of rain, which averages 4.5
national and state champion trees.
Situated in South Carolina’s
inches per month at that time of year.
Midlands region, Congaree has a
Peak fall colors occur between
By contrast, an upland pine forest stretches across the northern edge of
humid subtropical climate, with mild
October and early November, with
the floodplain, one dominated by fire-
winters and hot, wet summers.
temperatures in the 70s F and monthly
resistant loblolly pines, which depend
Although rain and thunderstorms
precipitation around three inches.
on wildfires to eliminate competitors.
are also common in spring, so too are
Snow can occur in winter, but
The fires also help maintain
it is not common. Mild,
vast, grassy pine savannas
with average daytime
populated by creatures
temperatures in the mid
like the indigo snake and
50s F, November through
red-cockaded woodpecker,
February can see nighttime
threatened or endangered
temperatures that dip below
because of habitat loss.
freezing.
From its biodiverse
This is also when flooding
forested wetlands and
is most frequent, with little or
oxbow lakes to its sloughs
no warning. The prevalence
and meandering creeks,
of flooding is deceptive:
Congaree provides a rich
it doesn’t have to rain at
habitat for aquatic life,
Congaree for it to occur,
including a diversity of fish
being that the park resides
and amphibians.
in a watershed and rain in
Bobcats, wild pigs and
upstate South Carolina can
foxes — as well as opossums,
quickly raise water levels.
deer and river otters — are
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UNITED VAN LINES NATIONAL PARKS GUIDE
Arrive prepared for varying
SOUTHEAST
