Congaree National Park Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
| Congaree | |
| Designation | National Park |
| Location | South Carolina USA |
| Nearest City | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Latitude | 33° 47' N |
| Longitude | 80° 47' W |
| Area | 21,890 acres 8,859 ha |
| Date of Establishment | November 10, 2003 |
| Visitation | 98,197 (2003) |
| Governing Body | National Park Service |
| IUCN category | II (National Park) |
Located in South Carolina, the 34 mi² (89 km²) Congaree National Park is the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States but one of the smallest national parks. The lush trees growing in this floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the Eastern U.S., forming one of the highest natural canopies remaining in the world. Bald cypress is a common tree in the park. The Congaree River flows through the park.
While largely recognized as a sanctuary for animal and plant life, Congaree National Park features primitive campsites and offers hiking, canoeing, kayaking and bird watching. Primitive and backcountry camping is available. Hiking trails are found in the park as well as a 20-mile marked canoe trail on Cedar Creek.
Congaree was established as a National Monument on October 18, 1976 and became an International Biosphere Reserve on June 30, 1983. Over two-thirds of the park was designated a wilderness area on October 24, 1988 and it became a Globally Important Bird Area on July 26, 2001. It became a national park on November 10, 2003.
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