Prepare for unexpected vet bills
The Congaree National Park is a national park located in central South Carolina that boasts over 26,000 acres. The park is known for its astounding biodiversity; it protects the biggest and last remaining undamaged stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the entire southeastern United States. It is also home to the Congaree and Wateree rivers, which flows through the park to keep the ecosystem healthy. It also has some of the tallest and highest trees and canopies in the country. But what most pet lovers appreciated about the Congaree National Park is that it is completely dog-friendly. Yes, dogs are allowed in virtually every part of the park, except the buildings. It’s the perfect place to visit with your four-legged friend during your vacation.
One of the reasons why pet-loving visitors avoid national parks is because of the restrictions that they have when it comes to bringing dogs. Some national parks promote that they are “dog-friendly” but, in reality, dogs are only allowed in a select few places. This is not the case with Congaree National Park. In fact, dogs are allowed in all the trails of the park, which means you and your pooch can go walking and trekking to your heart’s content. Select the trails that interest you and head out for a few hours of free and easy fun!
Congaree National Park offers plenty of recreational and outdoor activities for its visitors. For those who bring their dogs along, a unique and exciting activity that you can do is the Congaree Swamp Canoe Tour. The park’s floodplain forest features one of the tallest canopies not just in the country, but the whole world. The huge pines and hardwoods are not only the highest, they also have an abundance of wildlife and birds. What’s more, dogs are completely free to join the owners in this tour, which is held every other Sunday, so long as weather permits. Tours may cost a bit but the enjoyment you and your dog will get out of it is priceless.Â
When visiting the Congaree National Park, you will probably need more than one day to see the park in all its glory. You will also need a place to stay in case you are coming from another city or state. While hotels are an option, camping provides a cheaper alternative. In addition, camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors and the wilderness. Your dog will also love being stimulated by all the flora and fauna in the campgrounds. Congaree National Park allows dogs within the campgrounds as long as they are well-behaved and not a nuisance to the other campers. Moreover, they should always be supervised by their owners and not left unattended.Â
If you are visiting the Congaree National Park, there’s a chance that you might want to spend some time in the area, especially if you are coming from another city or state. If this is the case, you might want to check in at a pet-friendly hotel near the park premises. There are lots of options available, including the Red Roof Inn and Aloft Columbia Downtown.
One of the highlights of the Congaree National Park is the Boardwalk Loop. This 2.4-mile boardwalk is a great way to start your journey throughout the park. It has a flat surface that is accessible to all and allows you to see and experience the park’s wilderness. Self-guided brochures are available in the visitor center.Â