“Discover two tropical paradises in the heart of the United States: Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. While one boasts the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S and a diverse ecosystem of towering hardwoods and wetlands, the other offers serene beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush green hills that rise above the Caribbean Sea. Both parks offer unique experiences for nature lovers, adventurers and anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ready to explore these hidden gems and find out which one is perfect for your next getaway? Let’s dive in!”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Virgin Islands National Park in the US Virgin Islands are two popular parks for hiking. Congaree has 11 trails, ranging from easy boardwalk walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The most popular and easy trail is the Boardwalk Loop, a 2.4-mile trail that takes you through the park’s old-growth forest and towering trees. The most challenging hike is the Kingsnake Trail, a 7.5-mile trail that takes you through backcountry wilderness and over creeks.
On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park has over 20 trails, ranging from easy beach walks to strenuous mountainous hikes. The easiest hike is the Annaberg Plantation Trail, a 1-mile trail that takes you through the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation. The hardest hike is the Reef Bay Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that takes you down a steep hill and through dense tropical forest to the reef bay beach. Both parks offer a variety of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels and are great destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree National Park (South Carolina) and Virgin Islands National Park (US Virgin Islands) showcase a distinct difference in wildlife due to their vastly different ecosystems. Congaree is home to diverse hardwood forests and swamplands, attracting species such as the American alligator, river otter, deer, and various species of birds like the pileated woodpecker and prothonotary warbler. The park also has a diverse array of plants including cypress trees, tupelos, and orchids. On the other hand, Virgin Islands National Park is located on the tropical island of St. John and is comprised of a mix of lush rainforests and sandy beaches. Wildlife here includes species like the green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and the endangered leatherback turtle, as well as exotic birds like the bananaquit and the green-throated Carib. The park also boasts a rich variety of vegetation including mangroves, cacti, and orchids.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Congaree National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Mountain Lion |
| Eastern Cottontail | Mink |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Mule Deer |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Gray Wolf |
| Feral Hog | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Shrew | Badger |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Bullsnake |
| Ringneck Snake | Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Rattlesnake |
| Common Kingsnake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Golden Shiner | Flathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | Carp/European Carp |
| Graceful Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Black Crappie | Burbot |
| Mosquitofish | Longnose Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Channel Catfish |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Congaree National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree National Park: Towering old-growth hardwood trees, particularly bald cypress & tupelo gum, form lush bottomland forest in the park. Visitors can walk the boardwalk trail through the forest or paddle the Congaree River.
Virgin Islands National Park: The park is known for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters, as well as lush green hills and tropical forests. Snorkeling and kayaking are popular activities, and visitors can also hike trails to historic ruins.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree and Virgin Islands National Parks offer vastly different experiences. Congaree is known for its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, hiking trails, and canoeing on Cedar Creek. Visitors also enjoy exploring the park’s diverse wildlife and stargazing. On the other hand, Virgin Islands NP features pristine white sand beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear waters, and exploring its cultural history with the ruins of sugar plantations and slave settlements. Both parks offer camping opportunities but Congaree has backcountry camping while Virgin Islands NP has beachfront camping. Overall, Congaree appeals to nature enthusiasts, hikers, and paddlers, while Virgin Islands NP attracts beach-goers, snorkelers, and history buffs.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The park experiences heavy rainfall from May to September, with the wettest months being June and July. Winter months can be cool and dry, with occasional cold snaps. The best time to visit the park is in the fall when temperatures are mild and the leaves are changing color.
Virgin Islands National Park in the U.S. Virgin Islands has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The park experiences the most rainfall from September to November, with occasional hurricanes and tropical storms. The best time to visit the park is from December to April when the weather is warm and dry, and the water is calm for swimming and snorkeling.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Virgin Islands National Park in US Virgin Islands are both family-friendly parks with different offerings. Congaree boasts a 2.4-mile boardwalk trail through its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, while Virgin Islands offers snorkeling and swimming opportunities in calm waters in addition to hiking trails. If traveling with children, Virgin Islands National Park may be the better option with its clear waters and beach activities, but both parks offer unique and educational experiences for families.