Congaree and Katmai National Parks offer vastly different experiences for nature enthusiasts. While Congaree boasts one of the largest tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America, with towering trees and diverse plant and animal life, Katmai is famous for its large population of brown bears, who come to feast on the abundant salmon in Brooks River. Both parks offer unique opportunities for wilderness adventure, whether you’re hiking through massive trees or watching grizzlies catch fish in their jaws. So pack your bags and get ready for a wild ride at Congaree or Katmai!
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two popular hiking destinations in the United States. Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina and offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. The easiest hike is the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile trail that takes you through the forest and past several large trees. The hardest hike is the Weston Lake Loop, a strenuous 8.7-mile hike that takes you through the forest and past several large trees and scenic views.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. The easiest hike is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a relatively flat 2.5-mile trail that takes you through a volcanic valley filled with steam vents. The hardest hike is the Brooks Falls Trail, a challenging 12-mile hike that takes you through rugged terrain and past several waterfalls and bear viewing areas. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and are great destination for those who enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a swamp forest that is home to over 20 species of mammals including white-tailed deer, river otters, and black bears. A variety of birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and herons can be seen, along with reptiles like alligators and copperhead snakes. The park is also known for its diverse plant species including loblolly pines, bald cypress, and swamp tupelo.
Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska is famous for its large population of brown bears and is one of the best places to observe them fishing for salmon in Brooks River. Other wildlife in the park includes moose, caribou, and wolves. A variety of bird species can also be observed, including bald eagles, puffins and gulls. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including cottonwoods, willows, and berry-producing shrubs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| American Kestrel | Song Sparrow |
| Bald Eagle | European Starling |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Raccoon | Red Fox |
| Black Bear | Mink |
| Red Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Mink | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Common Gray Fox | Varying Hare |
| North American River Otter | Northern River Otter |
| White-Tailed Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Virginia Opossum | Red Squirrel |
| Eastern Red Bat | Montane Shrew |
| White-Footed Mouse | Lynx |
| Eastern Cottontail | Wolverine |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | American Marten |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Grizzly Bear |
| Feral Hog | Meadow Vole |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Moose |
| Least Shrew | Least Weasel |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Meadow Jumping Mouse | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Northern Pike |
| European Carp | Burbot |
| Yellow Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Graceful Catfish | King Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Slimy Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Threespine Stickleback |
| Brown Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is famous for its old-growth hardwood forest, including towering bald cypress trees and tupelo gum trees, and its diverse wildlife, including river otters, white-tailed deer, and over 20 species of bats.
Katmai National Park & Preserve is known for its brown bears, which gather at Brooks Falls to catch salmon during the summer months, as well as its rugged, volcanic landscapes. The park includes the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique landscape filled with steam vents and volcanic ash from the eruption of Novarupta in 1912.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve both offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Congaree National Park is famous for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and offers hiking, fishing, kayaking, and nature photography. Katmai National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its abundant brown bears and offers visitors opportunities for bear viewing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and flightseeing. Both parks offer unique experiences, with Congaree being a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in nature and Katmai being a destination for those seeking an up-close look at Alaska’s famous brown bears. Whether you prefer hiking through a lush forest or seeking adventure on the water, both Congaree and Katmai have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska have vastly different seasonal weather patterns. Congaree experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps, while Katmai has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The best time to visit Congaree is from fall to spring, when temperatures are mild and the park’s swamp ecosystem is at its most vibrant. The best time to visit Katmai is from June to September, when the bears are active and the salmon are running, providing visitors with the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Congaree National Park is more family-friendly than Katmai National Park & Preserve. Congaree has several hiking trails with boardwalks, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs for families. Katmai, on the other hand, is more remote and centered around brown bear viewing, with limited services and facilities. The park also has stricter regulations for visitors to maintain safe distances from the bears. If you’re traveling with children, Congaree National Park is the better option with its more accessible recreational activities and visitor services.