“Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore two of the most remarkable natural wonders in the United States, Congaree National Park, and Haleakalā National Park. Both parks offer a unique and diverse range of landscapes and experiences, from the towering old-growth hardwood trees at Congaree to the captivating views of the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking peace and solitude, these two parks have something to offer for everyone. So, pack your bags and let’s embark on a journey to discover the beauty and mystery of Congaree and Haleakalā National Parks.”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree and Haleakalā National Parks offer unique hiking experiences. Congaree, located in South Carolina, features old-growth hardwood forests with elevated boardwalks and trails for easy access to the swampy lowlands. The boardwalk loop is an easy 2.4-mile hike and the Weston Lake Loop is a moderate 5.2-mile hike. On the other hand, Haleakalā on Maui, Hawaii offers a more challenging hiking experience with its backcountry trails leading to the summit of a 10,023-foot volcanic mountain. The Sliding Sands trail is a strenuous 11-mile hike to the summit, while the Halemau’u trail is a strenuous 8-mile hike to the crater floor. Both parks offer diverse landscapes and a range of hiking difficulties, providing something for every type of hiker.
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 Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, where visitors can see a variety of animals such as deer, raccoons, otters, and foxes. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, and several species of warblers. The park is also home to a variety of plants, including cypress and tupelo trees, as well as wildflowers that bloom in the spring.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii is home to a unique ecosystem, with species found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can see nene geese, the state bird of Hawaii, as well as mouflon sheep and Hawaiian hoary bats. The park’s high elevation also boasts a diverse array of plants, including the rare native silversword plant and other endemic species of flora. Additionally, visitors may spot whales and dolphins off the coast during migration season.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
| Osprey | House Sparrow |
| Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
| Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| American Robin | Chukar |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
| Northern Flicker | California Quail |
| Merlin | |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | Black Rat |
| Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
| Bobcat | Feral Hog |
| 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 | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Alfalfa Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Monarch | Monarch Butterfly |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Cabbage White |
| Mourning Cloak | Honey Bee |
| Cabbage Butterfly | |
| Checkered Skipper | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Congaree National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| European Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree National Park is known for its towering old-growth hardwood trees, creating a lush and varied forest landscape. The park’s namesake river, the Congaree, winds through the forest, providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can explore the park on elevated boardwalks, offering views of the forest canopy and diverse wildlife.
Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii is known for its towering, dormant volcanic mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. The park’s landscape also includes the colorful and unique volcanic landscapes of the crater and the diverse ecosystems of the park’s slopes, from Haleakalā’s rainforest to its high-altitude desert. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, stargazing and scenic drives.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two very different parks that offer a range of activities to visitors. Congaree National Park is known for its towering trees and diverse forest ecosystem, which makes it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and canoeing. On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is known for its towering volcano and unique landscapes, which makes it a popular destination for hiking, stargazing, and wildlife watching. Both parks offer scenic drives, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs for visitors to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when temperatures are pleasant and the chances of rainfall are lower. On the other hand, Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has a tropical climate with little temperature variation throughout the year. The park can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is in the summer when there is less rainfall and better viewing conditions for the stars and sunrise at the summit. The trade winds also make summer the more comfortable time to hike in the park.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Congaree and Haleakalā National Parks both offer unique outdoor experiences, but in terms of family-friendliness, Congaree is considered the better option. With its boardwalk trails, camping and picnic areas, and ranger programs, Congaree provides easy access to the park’s natural beauty for families with children. On the other hand, Haleakalā requires a steep hike to reach its main attraction, the summit, and may not be suitable for young children. Additionally, camping is only allowed in designated backcountry sites, making it a more challenging trip for families.