Congaree received the National Park status in 2003, and I think it’s well deserved. With an average mature tree height of over 130 feet, and many trees like the Bald Cypress and Loblolly Pine reaching North of 150 feet, it’s hard to keep from falling off the boardwalk as you strain your neck upward. It’s the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood in the Southeastern United States, and is one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world. It has 25 champion trees, more than anywhere else in the United States. A champion tree is the tallest single tree yet found of it’s species. The Loblolly Champion Tree in Congaree is 167 feet tall.

Champion trees aren’t marked. If they were, people would go vandalize them. I generally dislike people.

The trees are so tall that they have their own little plants growing on them – entire ecosystems suspended one hundred feet in the air.

Abbey and I kayaked Cedar Creek, which was shockingly peaceful and quiet. There are supposedly Alligators in here, but it was unusually cold and I think they were all burrowed away somewhere.

We saw much wildlife as well, including a Barred Owl who swooped down to catch and eat a crawdad. Afterward he appeared very satiated and happy.

Cheers!