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State Bucket List
Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States -- a cathedral of champion trees, some of the tallest in the eastern US, rising from a floodplain that floods regularly and drains slowly. The park is best explored by canoe, paddling the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail through a landscape of bald cypress, water tupelo, and loblolly pine while wood ducks and barred owls call overhead.
Congaree is one of the most underrated national parks in America. The combination of old-growth forest, wildlife, and paddling access makes it a complete outdoor destination that rewards the traveler who makes the detour from the interstate. The park's firefly synchronization event in late May -- when thousands of fireflies flash in unison -- is one of the most spectacular natural events in the Southeast.
This South Carolina adventure is drawn from Outdoor Taste + Tour's reporting on the Southeast's most compelling national parks.
America's largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest is best explored by canoe. Paddle beneath champion trees - some of the tallest in the eastern US - while wood ducks and barred owls call overhead.
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