May 2022, Richland County, South Carolina
Congaree National Park is a 26K acre park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia. Here, the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States is preserved. I had to look up the meaning of a bottomland forest!! “Bottomland hardwood forests are seasonally flooded forests located along waterways. These unique forests contain many plant species, structurally complex vegetation, great cover, and a deep litter layer.”
It is known for its giant hardwoods, towering pines, and a floodplain forest that includes one of the highest canopies in the world. The tallest trees east of the Mississippi are here, with more than 20 “champion trees,” meaning they are the largest of their species. It is a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a tranquil wilderness setting for walking and relaxing….which is what we did after our 7-hour drive from The Villages.
March to May is one of the best times of the year to visit. And for us, the weather was perfect. We took the elevated 2.5-mile walk along the boardwalk, raised 6 ft. above the forest floor. It winds through a diverse old-growth forest full of the sounds of birds!
This dark-colored mud pictured below is called 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐤, a mixture of clay and old leaves. It is 8 ft. thick and plays a vital role in the health of the floodplain because it filters water, traps pollution, and turns pollutants into harmless compounds.
The bald cypress trees produce “knees” that rise from the tree’s roots. Their function is not entirely understood, but it is believed they provide extra support during floods and high winds. These trees, which are rot and water-resistant, can live to be over 1,000 years old!
The 18th Amendment (1919) prohibited selling and consuming alcohol in the US. So moonshiners and bootleggers found refuge in terrains like this, which made getting around….very difficult! This iron box is an old still that was used to make moonshine.
These hardy plants are dwarf palmettos, relatives of the South Carolina state tree, the cabbage palmetto.
Loblolly Pines are the tallest trees in South Carolina. This tree below on the left, a former ‘state champion,’ is over 150 ft. tall! The impressive height of this forest (Congaree is one of the most towering deciduous forests in the world) results from rich soil, frequent flooding, and a long growing season. The trees here average 130 ft. tall.
Congaree is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing and enjoying the beauty of the night sky. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to appreciate this….hopefully we will return! Our time here, however, was a chance to experience a relatively untouched and awe-inspiring natural environment….a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of the American wilderness.