Congaree National Park Guided Field Trip: Towering Giants in an Ancient Forest

Join Carrie Blair for a special field trip to Congaree National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in eastern North America and the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.

Located southeast of Columbia, South Carolina, Congaree protects nearly 27,000 acres of floodplain forest where towering bald cypress, water tupelo, loblolly pine, cherrybark oak, overcup oak, and many other species thrive. The park contains an extraordinary concentration of champion and near-champion trees, offering visitors a glimpse of what much of the southeastern landscape once looked like before widespread logging and development.

As we explore the boardwalk and selected trails, Carrie will help participants learn to recognize key tree species, understand the ecology of bottomland forests, and appreciate the unique adaptations that allow these trees to flourish in a seasonally flooded environment. Along the way, we'll discuss forest structure, biodiversity, conservation, and the natural history of one of America's most remarkable forests.

Whether you're a beginning plant enthusiast or a more experienced naturalist, this trip offers a rare opportunity to experience an ancient forest while building your plant identification skills in the field.

Trip Details

• Meeting Location: Harry Hampton Visitor Center, Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061

• Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours from Brevard, NC. Carpooling is encouraged.

• Please note that the program time (10 am - 2 pm) is the time spent exploring the park and does not include travel. Congaree is approximately three hours from Brevard, so participants should plan for a full-day outing of roughly 10 hours, depending on travel arrangements and stops.

What You'll Gain

• Learn to identify many of the signature trees of southeastern floodplain forests

• Develop observation skills that improve tree identification in any season

• Gain a deeper understanding of forest ecology and old-growth ecosystems

• Experience one of the most impressive forests in the eastern United States alongside fellow plant enthusiasts

What to Bring

• Water

• Lunch

• Binoculars

• Hiking poles or walking sticks (recommended)

• Footwear suitable for muddy or wet conditions

Some portions of the walk may leave the boardwalk and explore natural trails where footing can be uneven, muddy, or wet.