“Get ready to embark on a journey to explore two of the most diverse and contrasting national parks in the U.S, Congaree and Great Basin. From the towering old-growth trees of Congaree to the stunning night sky of Great Basin, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. With Congaree’s swampy landscape, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the primeval forest, while Great Basin’s rugged terrain will transport you to another world altogether. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or just seeking a peaceful escape, these two parks offer something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s dive in to discover the wonders of Congaree and Great Basin National Parks!”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park both offer unique and diverse hiking experiences. In Congaree, the boardwalk loop is an easy and popular trail that meanders through the old-growth hardwood forest and offers views of the towering trees and swamp ecosystem. On the other hand, the Weston Lake loop is a strenuous hike that rewards with scenic views of the park’s backcountry. In Great Basin, the Bristlecone Pine Trail is a must-do, easy hike that takes you through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines, some over 4,000 years old. For more challenging hikes, the Wheeler Peak trail offers a strenuous climb to the tallest point in Nevada, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert.
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 Great Basin National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park, South Carolina is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, river otters, and wood ducks. The park is also a great place to see a variety of bird species, such as pileated woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers, and Swainson’s Warblers. On the other hand, Great Basin National Park, Nevada is famous for its unique and varied wildlife, including pronghorns, mountain lions, and sage grouse. The park’s high elevation and isolated location also make it an ideal place to observe migratory bird species like the white-crowned sparrow and the Clark’s Nutcracker. Additionally, Congaree is known for its towering loblolly pines, while Great Basin is renowned for its ancient bristlecone pine forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Congaree National Park | Great Basin 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 | Great Basin 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 | Porcupine |
Common Gray Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
North American River Otter | Hoary Bat |
White-Tailed Deer | Red Fox |
Virginia Opossum | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Eastern Red Bat | House Mouse |
White-Footed Mouse | Lion |
Eastern Cottontail | Mink |
Eastern Fox Squirrel | Mule Deer |
Eastern Gray Squirrel | Gray Fox |
Feral Hog | Gray Wolf |
Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
Least Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
Badger | |
Ermine | |
Californis Myotis |
Reptiles
Congaree National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Racer | Racer |
Ringneck Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
Common Garter Snake | Rubber Boa |
Common Kingsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
Eastern Collared Lizard | |
Eastern Fence Lizard | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Desert Spiny Lizard | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Congaree National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Alfalfa Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
Monarch | Painted Lady |
American Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
Mourning Cloak | Red Admiral |
Cabbage Butterfly | Mourningcloak |
Checkered Skipper | Cabbage White |
Variegated Fritillary | Silvery Blue |
Buckeye | Common Checkered-Skipper |
Commom Wood Nymph | Clouded Sulphur |
Gray Hairstreak | Commom Wood Nymph |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail | |
Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
Congaree National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
Bluegill | Brown Trout |
Golden Shiner | Mottled Sculpin |
European Carp | Speckled Dace |
Yellow Bullhead | Cutthroat Trout |
Graceful Catfish | |
Black Crappie | |
Mosquitofish | |
Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
Congaree National Park | Great Basin National Park |
---|---|
Tiger Salamander | |
Woodhouse’s Toad | |
Red-Spotted Toad | |
Canyon Treefrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park is famous for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the park on elevated boardwalks and hiking trails to see towering trees, unique flora, and an array of wildlife.
Great Basin National Park is known for its stunning natural features, including the 13,063-foot high Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and the Lehman Caves. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Great Basin National Park in Nevada have unique features that attract visitors to each park. Congaree National Park is known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and is a popular destination for bird watching, camping, kayaking, and fishing. Great Basin National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its ancient bristlecone pines, scenic drives, and cave tours. Visitors also enjoy stargazing at Great Basin due to its remote location and lack of light pollution. Both parks offer ranger-led programs and a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to explore and connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina experiences warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F in the summer and 30°F to 60°F in the winter. Great Basin National Park in Nevada has a much drier climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and average temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F in the summer and 20°F to 40°F in the winter. The best time to visit Congaree is from late fall to early spring, when temperatures are mild and the swamp is filled with water, making it a beautiful place to explore. The best time to visit Great Basin is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the park’s famous dark skies are at their best for stargazing.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park
Congaree National Park and Great Basin National Park are both family-friendly, but offer different experiences. Congaree is known for its old-growth forest and boardwalk trails, which are easy to navigate and provide a unique perspective of the swamp ecosystem. Great Basin, on the other hand, boasts scenic hiking trails, groves of ancient bristlecone pines, and the opportunity to stargaze in some of the darkest skies in the country. If you’re traveling with children, Congaree might be the better option for its accessibility and unique environment, while Great Basin offers a more traditional park experience.