Blue Trails and National Parks

Posted on December 18, 2008 | Filed Under: Blue Trails

Matt Rice
Associate Director of Southeast Conservation

Congaree National Park is a unique and beautiful place.  It is home to the largest contiguous tract of old growth bottom-land hardwood forest in the United States.  It is also home to more than 90 species of trees several of which are National Champions including the loblolly pine, cherry bark oak, and bald cypress.  Because Congaree National Park is relatively new, it was designated in 2003, park staff and visitors have opportunities to discover new national champion trees every time they head into the forest for a hike.  A few weeks ago while hiking the oakridge trail our group discovered what we believe to be the national champion possumhaw tree.  We measured the tree, took some leaves for identification and marked the deciduous hollys location with a GPS.  We are still waiting on confirmation from the park.

Congaree National Park also serves as the highlight of the Congaree River Blue Trail and the Wateree River Blue Trail.  As far as I can tell, the Congaree River Blue Trail is one of the only water trails designated a National Recreation Trail that runs through the entirety of a National Park.

If you are a paddler and are planning a trip to South Carolina you have to visit Congaree National Park.  You can paddle, hike, camp, fish and discover state and national champion trees.  Just remember to bring a GPS and a tape measure. For more information on the Congaree River Blue Trail and Congaree National Park check out their webpage at: http://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/bluetrail.htm.

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