Nature enthusiasts, buckle up! Congaree and Cuyahoga Valley National Parks are two of the most diverse and stunning protected areas in the United States, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. While Congaree is home to the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America, Cuyahoga Valley showcases breathtaking rolling hills, winding rivers, and historic landmarks. Whether you prefer to kayak through swampy waters or hike along scenic trails, these two parks offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So get ready to discover why Congaree and Cuyahoga Valley are must-visit destinations for nature lovers everywhere!
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Congaree and Cuyahoga Valley National Parks offer a range of hiking experiences. Congaree highlights towering trees, swampy bottomlands and easy trails like Boardwalk Loop and Oakridge. For more challenging hikes, take on the Congaree River Blue Trail through remote swamp areas. Cuyahoga Valley, with its rolling hills and scenic countryside, offers peaceful walks on trails like Ledges and Towpath, while also challenging experienced hikers with strenuous trails like Everett Covered Bridge and Buckeye. Both parks provide options for all types of hikers, from leisurely walks to demanding hikes.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Loop Trail | 3862.416 | 3.9624 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Weston Lake Loop Trail | 7402.964 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Oakridge Trail | 10138.842 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Congaree River Trail | 15932.466 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Kingsnake Trail | 11909.116 | 6.7056 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Congaree Bluff Trail | 3379.614 | 5.7912 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Congaree River Blue Trail | 75317.112 | 1.8288 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledges Trail | 4184.284 | 46.9392 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Brandywine Gorge Trail | 2735.878 | 65.8368 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 162.7632 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Blue Hen Falls Trail | 804.67 | 23.7744 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Salt Run Trail | 6759.228 | 123.7488 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Plateau Trail | 7081.096 | 96.9264 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake | 6115.492 | 98.7552 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop | 5471.756 | 119.7864 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wetmore Bridle Trail | 7563.898 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station | 7081.096 | 20.7264 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Congaree NP in SC and Cuyahoga NP in OH both offer diverse wildlife habitats. Congaree is known for its old-growth bottomland forests and its wildlife such as alligators, deer, river otters, and over 200 bird species like the swallow-tailed kite and wood duck. Cuyahoga also has deer, beaver, river otters, but boasts a wider range of birds at over 300 species, including the great blue heron, bald eagle and cerulean warbler. CVNP is also home to various plants such as Wild Columbine, Trillium, and Mayapple and has significant wetlands and marshes.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Raccoon | Little Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Deer Mouse |
| Red Fox | Raccoon |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| North American River Otter | Red Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Virginia Opossum | House Mouse |
| Eastern Red Bat | Mink |
| White-Footed Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Eastern Cottontail | Badger |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Masked Shrew |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Red Squirrel |
| Feral Hog | White-Tailed Deer |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Least Shrew | Meadow Vole |
| Red Bat | |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Racer |
| Ringneck Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Kingsnake | Eastern Milk Snake |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Alfalfa Sulphur | Orange Sulfur |
| Monarch | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Mourning Cloak | European Cabbage White |
| Cabbage Butterfly | Buckeye |
| Checkered Skipper | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Northern Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Northern Bluegill Sunfish |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Fathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | European Carp |
| Graceful Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Black Crappie | Eastern Burbot |
| Mosquitofish | Central Mottled Sculpin |
| Brown Bullhead | Graceful Catfish |
| Black Crappie | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Eastern Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Congaree NP boasts a unique old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, with towering trees and diverse wildlife. Boardwalk Loop provides a 2.4-mile elevated tour. Cuyahoga Valley NP features rolling hills, lush forests, and the Cuyahoga River. It offers popular sights such as Brandywine Falls (65 ft waterfall) and Ledges Overlook (panoramic valley views).
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Congaree and Cuyahoga Valley NP offer a range of outdoor activities. Congaree is known for its swamp environment and visitors enjoy canoe tours, boardwalk trails, fishing, and kayaking. Cuyahoga Valley offers scenic waterfalls, rolling hills, hikes, bike trails, and horseback riding. Both have ranger-led programs and campgrounds, but Congaree has a designated wilderness area. Choice of activities depends on personal preference and desired experience.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Congaree NP in SC has a warm, humid subtropical climate with hot summers (avg. high 90°F in July) and mild winters (avg. low 40°F in Jan). Rain is common year-round, with the wettest months Apr-Sep. Cuyahoga Valley NP in Ohio has a temperate climate with cool summers (avg. high 70°F in July) and cold winters (avg. low 20°F in Jan). Snow is common in winter, rain frequent throughout the year.
Best time to visit Congaree NP is winter/fall, with mild temps and less rain. Spring is also a good option for greenery. Best time to visit Cuyahoga Valley NP is summer/fall for mild temps and foliage, or winter for scenic snow views.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Both Congaree and Cuyahoga Valley National Parks offer family-friendly activities, but Cuyahoga Valley offers more options for families with children. Congaree has hiking trails, including the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, and serene waterways, while Cuyahoga Valley offers scenic railroads, canal boats, bike rentals, and hiking trails. Cuyahoga Valley is a better option for families with children due to its range of activities.