“Two of America’s most stunning National Parks, Congaree and Yosemite, offer vastly different landscapes, yet both leave visitors in awe. While Congaree boasts the tallest trees in the Eastern US, Yosemite flaunts its iconic granite cliffs, including the famous Half Dome. Take a stroll through Congaree’s swampy bottomlands, or hike Yosemite’s backcountry to the top of a waterfall- the choice is yours. Whether you’re seeking serenity in the heart of a swamp or the rush of adrenaline from a challenging climb, these two parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready for an adventure through two of America’s most breathtaking National Parks!”
Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Congaree and Yosemite National Parks both offer scenic hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of different skill levels. Congaree is known for its Swamp Loop Trail, a 2.4-mile boardwalk through the forest that provides a peaceful and easy hike suitable for families and beginners. The tallest trees in the Eastern US can be found here, and the boardwalk offers a dry and accessible route to see them. On the other hand, Yosemite is famous for its challenging hikes like Half Dome and Clouds Rest, which are strenuous and require a high level of fitness and experience. Half Dome is a 14-16 mile round trip hike with over 4,800 feet of elevation gain and requires permits. Clouds Rest is a 9.5-mile hike with breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains. Both parks offer a range of trails to suit different interests and abilities, making them popular destinations for hiking 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 Yosemite National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail | 10299.776 | 667.8168 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Upper Yosemite Falls Trail | 11587.248 | 967.74 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Half Dome Trail | 23818.232 | 1573.9872 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1609.34 | 15.8496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Clouds Rest Trail via Tenaya Lake | 19794.882 | 948.8424 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Four Mile Trail | 12070.05 | 998.8296 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sentinel Dome Trail | 3379.614 | 138.9888 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Glacier Point Trail | 965.604 | 71.9328 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Vernal Falls | 5954.558 | 406.908 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail | 9012.304 | 101.8032 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Congaree and Yosemite National Parks offer different wildlife experiences. Congaree is a bottomland hardwood forest with a diverse array of species, including deer, feral hogs, river otters, and alligators. Over 80 species of reptiles and amphibians call the park home, along with 200 species of birds, including the pileated woodpecker and the prothonotary warbler. Yosemite, on the other hand, is known for its large mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Yosemite is also a prime location for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds, including the California Condor and the Steller’s Jay. Additionally, Yosemite is home to over 1,400 plant species, including giant sequoias and Yosemite Falls.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Congaree National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Big Brown Bat |
| Big Brown Bat | Bobcat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Common Gray Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| North American River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| White-Tailed Deer | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Virginia Opossum | House Mouse |
| Eastern Red Bat | Mountain Lion |
| White-Footed Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Eastern Cottontail | Gray Fox |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | Wolf |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Feral Hog | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Badger |
| Least Shrew | Ermine |
| California Myotis | |
| River Otter | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Reptiles
| Congaree National Park | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Ringneck Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | Northern Rubber Boa |
| Common Kingsnake | Western Skink |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Congaree National Park | Yosemite 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 | Yosemite National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Brown Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Smallmouth Bass |
| European Carp | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Beautiful Landscapes in Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Congaree National Park is famous for its towering old-growth hardwood trees, including Cedar, Bald Cypress and Tupelo, that reach heights of up to 140ft creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
Yosemite National Park boasts beautiful landscapes including the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan rock formations, as well as Yosemite Valley which showcases the stunning Merced River, waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and stunning views of the park’s high country.
Things To-Do and Activities in Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Congaree National Park in South Carolina is mostly known for its diverse ecosystem of old-growth hardwood forests and river swamps. Visitors love kayaking and canoeing in Cedar Creek, as well as exploring the boardwalks and trails throughout the park. Yosemite National Park in California attracts millions of visitors each year for its stunning granite cliffs, including Half Dome and El Capitan, and iconic landmarks such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are popular activities, as well as scenic drives to get a glimpse of the park’s breathtaking views. Both parks offer ranger-led tours, campfire programs, and educational opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Congaree and Yosemite are both unique national parks with varying weather patterns. Congaree, located in South Carolina, experiences hot and humid summers and mild winters, with average summer temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s and winter temperatures in the 40s and 50s. On the other hand, Yosemite, located in California, has four distinct seasons with hot summers, cool springs and falls, and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures in Yosemite average in the high 70s to low 80s and can dip into the 30s in winter.
Both parks offer different opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty depending on the season. The best time to visit Congaree for hiking and kayaking is during the mild winter and spring months, while the summer months are best for bird watching. Yosemite is a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and spring offers ideal conditions for hiking and rock climbing. The summer months are the busiest and most crowded, but also provide the best weather for camping and visiting the park’s famous waterfalls.
Family Friendliness of Congaree National Park and Yosemite National Park
Both Congaree and Yosemite are family-friendly national parks, but each has its own unique features. Yosemite has more well-developed infrastructure and a larger variety of activities, including camping, hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Congaree offers a more serene environment with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and nature walks. Both parks offer ranger programs for children, but Yosemite’s programs are more extensive. When traveling with children, Yosemite may be a better choice due to its wider range of activities.