“Step into the wilderness and immerse yourself in two of the most contrasting national parks in the country: Congaree and Dry Tortugas. One boasts the tallest deciduous trees in the Eastern U.S, while the other is home to a cluster of picturesque islands and a rich history dating back to the Civil War. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, these parks have something for everyone. So buckle up and join us on a journey to compare the unique wonders of Congaree and Dry Tortugas.”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree and Dry Tortugas National Parks offer scenic hikes for nature lovers. Congaree has the Boardwalk Loop, a leisurely elevated trail in the park’s old-growth forest, and the Oak Ridge Trail, a 1.4-mile loop through oak and pine forests. For more advanced hikes, try the Weston Lake Loop (5.2 mi) or Kingsnake Trail (7 mi) through the park’s interior. Dry Tortugas features the Garden Key Trail, a 0.6-mile loop around Fort Jefferson, and the Loggerhead Key Trail, a 2-mile hike through subtropical vegetation. For a more strenuous experience, the Bush Key Trail (2.2 mi) leads to a bird sanctuary, and the Long Key Trail (4 mi) takes visitors through the park’s remote wilderness.
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 Dry Tortugas National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Dry Tortugas National Park off the coast of Florida offer contrasting wildlife viewing experiences. Congaree is known for its variety of large mammals like white-tailed deer, bobcats, and river otters, as well as a range of bird species including herons, warblers, and woodpeckers. The park boasts diverse vegetation such as bald cypresses, tupelos, and loblolly pines. Dry Tortugas, on the other hand, is a premier bird-watching destination, with over 300 bird species sighted, including frigatebirds, ospreys, and pelicans. The park is surrounded by waters teeming with marine life like dolphins, barracudas, and sea turtles, and boasts coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Congaree National Park | Dry Tortugas 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 | 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 | Song Sparrow |
Bald Eagle | European Starling |
Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
European Starling | Green-Winged Teal |
American Wigeon | American Pipit |
Green-Winged Teal | Swainson’s Thrush |
American Pipit | Killdeer |
Mammals
Congaree National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | House Rat |
American Beaver | |
Muskrat | |
Big Brown Bat | |
Bobcat | |
Striped Skunk | |
Raccoon | |
Black Bear | |
Red Fox | |
Mink | |
Common Gray Fox | |
North American River Otter | |
White-Tailed Deer | |
Virginia Opossum | |
Eastern Red Bat | |
White-Footed Mouse | |
Eastern Cottontail | |
Eastern Fox Squirrel | |
Eastern Gray Squirrel | |
Feral Hog | |
Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | |
Least Shrew |
Reptiles
Congaree National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
---|---|
Racer | |
Ringneck Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Common Kingsnake |
Insects
Congaree National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
---|---|
Alfalfa Sulphur | |
Monarch | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Mourning Cloak | |
Cabbage Butterfly | |
Checkered Skipper | |
Variegated Fritillary | |
Buckeye | |
Commom Wood Nymph | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
Congaree National Park | Dry Tortugas National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | |
Green Sunfish | |
Bluegill | |
Golden Shiner | |
European Carp | |
Yellow Bullhead | |
Graceful Catfish | |
Black Crappie | |
Mosquitofish | |
Brown Bullhead |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree NP: Old-growth hardwood forest w/ towering trees, Congaree River for kayaking/canoeing.
Dry Tortugas NP: Clear waters, coral reefs, marine life, Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas islands for snorkeling/fishing/birdwatching.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree National Park (South Carolina) offers a diverse range of activities. The park is famous for its old-growth hardwood forest, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing. Visitors can also go kayaking, canoeing, and tubing down the park’s waterways. In addition, there are several boardwalks and trails that offer scenic views of the park’s landscape.
Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida) is known for its stunning crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. The park is also home to Fort Jefferson, an historic 19th-century military fort that visitors can explore. Additionally, birdwatching and wildlife viewing are popular activities, with over 250 species of birds and numerous species of sea turtles.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Congaree is best visited during spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the park’s famous swamp is at its most vibrant with blooming flowers and active wildlife. In contrast, Dry Tortugas is best visited from December to April when water temperatures are warm and visibility is excellent for snorkeling and diving, although it is also popular during summer for its beautiful beaches and calm waters. Both parks have unique weather patterns, and the best time to visit depends on what activities you plan to enjoy.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park
Congaree National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park are both family-friendly, however, they offer different experiences. Congaree offers a chance for families to explore the swamp and learn about the unique ecosystem, with boardwalk trails and ranger-led programs. Dry Tortugas offers a more adventurous and historical experience, with crystal clear waters for snorkeling and the historic Fort Jefferson. If traveling with children, Congaree might be a more suitable choice as it offers a variety of educational and immersive experiences in a less remote location.