On the Congaree National Park

Often Listed As the Worst National Park in the Nation…Is this the Case?

A Pros and Cons overview of one of my favorite National Parks

I first visited Congaree national park in early 2020. I was warned not to go there by my father, who had visited the park prior to its designation of National Park in 2003.

He told me He wouldn’t bother going in there…too many snakes. So in the 30 to 40 ventures into the park since he made that comment, I may have seen 5 to 10 snakes, mostly when I’ve been doing some kayaking.

Now another thing I often see listed as the reason not to go to the park, Is bugs (mosquitos, and biting fly’s) and spiders. Well I will have to admit this comment has some teeth or probiscis ,if you’ll forgive the pun.

During the peak summer seasons I’ve practically been run off of the board walk trail, specifically by the biting fly’s. The mosquitoes aren’t as bad as you can wear bug spray to alleviate this issue. The flies conversely… not so much.

The spiders on the other hand are big i have to admit, but are relatively harmless unless provoked specially the golden silk orb weaver (Nephila clavipes) can be seen en mass during early fall.

Golden Silk Orbweaver (Nephila clavipes)

While these things may be detractors, there are myriad of reasons Why you should go to the Congaree.

And here are the reasons!

• Morning Light!

Congaree mourning light rays

• Wild life

• Flowers

A Cardinal flower in early fall

• Kayaking

• Last but not least, Easy hiking!

In conclusion

The main goal of my Blog, podcast, and YouTube channel , is t to give you the reasons to step out the door and to get out there in the world and soak it in!

Most of us here in the United States have beautiful hikes withing a few hours from our home. It is my job to remind you that all it takes is to step out of the door and GO!

As a photographer I am constantly saying “you must be exposed, to expose” and that is the gods honest truth..

Thanks for reading!

-Joey