Congaree National Park!

Whenever I travel I have tried to blog the same night. This weekend we are on a quest to do two National Parks and I couldn’t blog about our first day as I was tired and it was just a short half day.

This trip was planned last minute since this trip to the National Park cannot be planned in advance. Congaree National Park in South Carolina is very small, least visited and not known by many. Also many do not like this park because there isn’t much that can be done. Congaree river basically floods the park ten times a year.

We found out that the park was in flood stage but the boardwalk was open and safe. We decided to make a two in one trip since we had already planned for New River Gorge in West Virginia. On day one we stopped at New River Gorge and did a short overlook walk down 175 steps and made our mark in our 9th National Park.

New River Gorge Bridge at sunset

Today afternoon at 2 pm we touched Congaree and checked our 10th National Park. This really completes all the parks that we can do as a road trip. From now on our trips need to involve planes, cars and sea planes and even small private aircrafts. As my son had a mini meltdown at New River Gorge I told him we need to drive the Road to Hana in Hawaii and he needs to pull himself out of this.

Yes, today was a great day and inspite flood warnings and thunderstorms and our entire family getting drenched in rain we walked the two mile boardwalk and enjoyed Mother Nature flooding trees and creating a biodiverse environment. Four ponchos, two park shirts and snacks, we did spend a lot of time and money in the visitor center today.😊

Sharing pictures from Congaree National Park.

The park is famous for it’s mosquito meter and yes it was very mild today. My husband said he didn’t feel anything and I just had a small bump in my face.

Who would enjoy a park that has 70 percent trails flooded. But it was great for us since there was plenty of parking.

Just a forest
Reflection of tress in the forest

I did see some videos of the boardwalk also flooded so this really was good.

Of course we got passport stamping and my young man made multiple stampings. He is now a pro!

This is just a small National Park but it needs to be preserved and it had a reason. I do not know why people compare parks. Mother Nature needs to be preserved.

The story of this tree below.

10 responses to “Congaree National Park!”

  1. What a beautiful travel reflection! 🌿✨

    Your spontaneous decision to combine Congaree National Park with New River Gorge shows a true spirit of adventure. Even though Congaree is lesser-known and often overlooked due to flooding, the way you embraced it with curiosity is inspiring. The detail about the boardwalk being open despite the flood stage really paints the picture of nature’s resilience.

    And then, adding the magic of New River Gorge with those 175 steps leading to an overlook — what an achievement to mark your 9th National Park! 🏞️ The image of the New River Gorge Bridge at sunset must have been breathtaking, a perfect reward for your journey.

    Your travelogue captures not just the sights, but also the heart of exploration — embracing the unexpected, finding beauty in simplicity, and cherishing each step of the quest. 🌅💚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for such nice comment sir. Yes trying to enjoy whatever mother nature provides is my idea now. 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Yesm all national parks are beautiful in their own ways. Mosquito meter is something new 😊 Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes the mosquito meter is unique. With stagnant wayermosquitoes are common right ? So a fun way to express the same 😊.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Beautiful park.. Nice reflection of trees on water. Artistic sissy.. Super mosquito meter , firefly trail.. Nice log.. Super fresh sissy💐 Congratulations on completing 10 National Parks sissy💐 😍👌🥳

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much. 🙏

      Like

  4. Despite the flooding and mini meltdown, it looks like a wonderful and scenic outing. I love that you and your family prioritize time in the outdoors. Very healing for the mind, body and spirit! Love all the stamping too. Must be so fun to see your book fill up visit by visit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Right from the time my son was two we found he did good out in the open. Maybe we didn’t understand that properly and only now just got the hang of it.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Love the mosquito meter and the reflected trees in the water. Nice job on two in one weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! I think the mosquito meter is unique to this park.😊

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