Nobody Likes Congaree National Park, So I Went There and Had a Less Than Glamorous Time

Рет қаралды 2,710

5 ай бұрын

Congaree is one of the least popular national parks in the US, and honestly, one I had never heard of until a few years ago. Most of the year it seems the area is plagued by mosquitos, so I thought I could avoid that by coming during the cooler months. Was it worth it?
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Watch from the Beginning: • Vantage Point
00:00: Intro
01:19: Buc-ee's
02:45: Arriving in Congaree
03:27: River Trail
07:18: A Shower?
08:39: A Decision
10:15: An Ending
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8,231

Пікірлер: 26

@Mr.South-sh3xc Ай бұрын

I Love It, I Went There At Two Different Times. This Time, I'll Be Going Over There Perhaps Five Times In A Single Year!

@sherrieallen0514 9 күн бұрын

Congaree is a fairly new park and it seems each year something is added or gets better. I live about 25 minutes from the park and admit I don't visit there often - I do NOT like mosquitoes. I agree with Kat Jones, some parks are more about their significance or preserving the natural setting. About 20 or so years ago land developers started buying up land in the area of Congaree and I-77 was built with much of the South Columbia portions going through wetlands. A lot of very dedicated people worked very hard to preserve and set aside as much of the wetlands as they could. At least Congaree NP will ensure their wetlands stay protected. Most of the area, not just Congaree NP has significant historical value as archeologists have documented humans living in the area for at least the last 10,000 years. There's a little known museum in Cayce that strives to tell the story about different people who have lived in the area. This museum is fantastic and the staff are very knowledgeable. Definitely worth a side trip when visiting Congaree NP. The Cayce Riverwalk lot you mention sounds like Old State Rd. and you are very brave if you stayed anywhere near there. I'm talking lots of snakes, alligators, bobcats and some people even say panthers. Until a few years ago you could drive the entirety of the road but now most of it is closed to traffic due to dangerous conditions and situations. Even the trails can be dangerous. About 5 years ago one of my sons took a visiting relative on one of the trails. I don't know how to explain it but since you've been to the Everglades perhaps you will understand. There is so much green - the trees, the land, even the blue sky is blocked out because of tree limbs. It's easy to get turned around and confused. The relative was walking along having a good hike and not paying attention when all of a sudden the boys caught a slight bit of motion and before they could react a 7 ft. alligator jumped out at them. Yes, Congaree NP and the trails in Cayce are beautiful but you've got to respect the wildness of the area. I think perhaps October or November would be best - less "skeeters". I hope you get to come back. We'd sure like to have you visit again.

@Deannerzz 3 ай бұрын

I found this video while looking for info about Congaree and wanted to say I really like your video/editing style! Subscribed

@LindsayDaly 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@HappyFlareon1 5 ай бұрын

It might be purely my outsider perspective as someone who doesn't live in the states but I'd not mind spending a day taking a walk around Congaree, though scenery in Northern Ireland doesn't really vary anywhere near as much, it's mostly hills, farmland and the occassional forest, we don't have many mountains here either (though if you keep your eyes peeled on travel you do see the odd abandoned farms and the odd castle ruins which are cool) Great work as always on your vids, I'm just terrible at remembering to leave comments when I should

@Victory1981 3 ай бұрын

Cool! I haven’t been to Congaree NP, but I plan on going one day. I recommend Santee SP as well.

@1905flyer3 5 ай бұрын

I work about 5 minutes from Congaree so I’ve spent a good bit of time there... A slow quiet walk on the boardwalk will usually present you with so much wildlife from Barred Owls to white tailed deer. I’ve seen otter in Weston Lake along with feral pigs along most of the trails. Let me know if you’d like to give it another chance when you have more time to spend there.

@1905flyer3 5 ай бұрын

Oh, and I soloed for my private pilots license from right next to that brewery/hanger long before it was ever restored...😊

@squirrelysquirrel5332 4 ай бұрын

Which boardwalk?

@LindsayDaly 2 ай бұрын

@@1905flyer3 That is so cool! Wish I'd gotten the chance to go on Cedar Creek for sure, but I knew I had limited time (and daylight in winter!). I'm thinking of eventually doing a series on parks I should revisit, and Congaree will certainly be on that list!

@katjones2781 2 ай бұрын

Parks aren't always for people's enjoyment it's for the wildlife and nature for it to be preserved and not just for you to have a good time

@LindsayDaly 2 ай бұрын

Ah, but I had a good time!

@RhymingMime 5 ай бұрын

Very impressed with the CamelBak rinse hahaha Enjoy seeing the fam!

@LindsayDaly 5 ай бұрын

lol I just was thinking 'Am I doing this? I'm doing this.'

@MyVanMonty 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the honest review. I'm looking to stop at Congaree in September, to check the box on the National Parks list. I didn't have high hopes(still don't) but at least I have someone's honest perspective. Thanks!

@LindsayDaly 2 ай бұрын

It should be quite nice in September! I was there in late December, which is a little less leafy and beautiful, but also less buggy, so there’s that haha. I definitely regret not kayaking on Cedar Creek!

@TheRealProtagonistic 3 ай бұрын

Wow your video was great! Glad you got to visit our NP here in South Carolina. You would have been in love if you did the kayaking. Ive had the luxury of living next to this park all my life. So i understand the hate on Congaree. If the stars align, its a sight to behold. Hit and miss is hard to deal with. But when it hits, it hits. Late spring we have synchronized fireflies that come out and make this place feel like magic

@LindsayDaly 3 ай бұрын

I’ve heard about the fireflies! So wish I could have gone at a more ideal time but I’m always facing the challenge of balancing going to different parks efficiently. I almost went last spring, but ran out of time!

@ribotadesajambre7061 4 ай бұрын

Leaving South Florida wanted to visit congaree Monday night w my destination Paris Mountain. Where should I camp for 1 night Advice appreciated

@LindsayDaly 4 ай бұрын

Cayce Riverwalk Battlefield Connection is where I spent the night, it’s slightly north of Congaree by about 20 minutes. It’s a spacious lot meant for launching boats and walking trail access. No bathrooms or anything but you won’t be bothered or made to move your vehicle!