“Take a walk on the wild side with two of America’s most unique national parks: Congaree and Hot Springs. While both offer breathtaking landscapes, they couldn’t be more different in what they have to offer. Congaree is a swamp wonderland, where towering trees and vibrant wildlife reign supreme, while Hot Springs is a soothing oasis, where visitors can soak in natural hot springs and rejuvenate their senses. Whether you’re in the mood for a heart-pumping adventure or a relaxing escape, these two parks have you covered. So come along with us as we explore the contrasts and similarities of Congaree and Hot Springs National Parks!”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree and Hot Springs National Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore diverse landscapes and terrain through hiking trails. Congaree National Park is known for its towering old-growth forest and swamp which provide trails that range from easy boardwalk walks to challenging off-trail adventures. Easier trails include the Bluff Trail and the Oakridge Trail, both offering a gentle walk through the forest with minimal elevation change. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Congaree Creek Trail takes hikers through the heart of the swamp and offers a challenging workout with steep inclines and uneven terrain.
Hot Springs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its thermal springs and offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The park’s trails range from easy walks along the Grand Promenade, to challenging hikes up Hot Springs Mountain. The easiest hike in the park is the Gulpha Gorge Trail, a flat walk along a creek with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. For a more strenuous hike, the Hot Springs Mountain Trail is a steep, challenging climb to the top of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina and is known for its diverse array of hardwood trees, including the tallest loblolly pine trees in the world. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, river otters, bobcats, and over 200 species of birds such as barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and prothonotary warblers. The park is also home to rare species like the American alligator and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, is known for its thermal springs and unique geology. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and over 200 species of birds such as the pileated woodpecker and the red-tailed hawk. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including oak-hickory forests and prairies.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Black Bear |
| 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 | Mink |
| Eastern Cottontail | Gray Fox |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | North American River Otter |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Feral Hog | White-Tailed Deer |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Least Shrew | Eastern Red Bat |
| White-Footed Mouse | |
| Norway Rat | |
| Eastern Cottontail |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Golden Shiner | Fathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | European Carp |
| Graceful Catfish | Yellow Bullhead |
| Black Crappie | Graceful Catfish |
| Mosquitofish | Black Crappie |
| Brown Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree NP: Old-growth hardwood forest w/ tallest trees in Eastern US, Congaree River, Cedar Creek & Weston Lake.
Hot Springs NP: 47 thermal springs, Grand Promenade, Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree National Park is popular for its vast old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, which is home to diverse wildlife and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and kayaking. In contrast, Hot Springs National Park is known for its thermal baths and is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition, Hot Springs National Park is located in the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and offers easy access to urban amenities, making it a popular destination for city-dwellers seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. People visiting Congaree National Park enjoy exploring its many hiking trails, kayaking on the Congaree River, and camping in the park’s backcountry. Meanwhile, those visiting Hot Springs National Park enjoy soaking in the thermal baths, taking scenic drives through the park, and visiting the historic bathhouses and museums that highlight the park’s rich cultural history.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park receives the most rainfall from May to September, with an average of 50 inches per year. In contrast, Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate but with a more moderate climate due to its location further from the Gulf of Mexico. The park receives rainfall throughout the year, with the highest amount from April to September. Winter temperatures are mild and summer temperatures are warm but not as hot as Congaree. Both parks experience high humidity levels. The best time to visit Congaree is from late fall to early spring, as it offers mild weather for outdoor activities and less chance of flooding or mosquitos. The best time to visit Hot Springs is also from late fall to early spring, as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Congaree and Hot Springs National Parks both offer unique experiences and are family-friendly, but in different ways. Congaree, with its towering trees and diverse wildlife, is ideal for families who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. Hot Springs, on the other hand, offers relaxing hot springs and historic bathhouses, making it a better choice for families who prefer a more relaxed and educational experience. Additionally, Hot Springs has a developed downtown area with restaurants and shopping nearby. Overall, Hot Springs may be a better choice for families with younger children who want a mix of activities, while Congaree may be better for families with older children who are interested in nature and exploring.