Congaree National Park

Yes it is.

There is a boardwalk. I'm not sure about approximate length, but it spans the majority of the larger trails in this park!

They are done with their synchronous blinking. It is only for a couple of weeks a year. It was May16 - the first week of June.

Yes. There are. They have specifically put more lights during the firefly festival

There's an information desk that explains everything at the gate

Very much

Yes

It might be a little muddy, we may get some rain this week too but that's it I don't believe they have had any major flooding.

They do slow take plenty of mosquito repellent.

No, but there are plenty of hotels in Columbia.

Yes

Yes dogs may go on the trails!

Yes! Camping area is pretty cool 😁

Unfortunately, no

Yes, check with Park Rangers for more details.

Is this a question?

Access is free regardless of age

When the moon is full.

Always open.

Only tent camping.. no RV camping in the park..

Did not see any but we walked on the boardwalk the whole time.

RV s can't park at CNP overnight.

The board walk 2 handicap parking as well

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Xpress in Columbia, SC.

Only at the visitor center

Yes

Well spaced benches as well as about a dozen numbered stops for interactive educational opportunities. Very effective setup.

No

Didn't notice any rentals near the park, might have to check by Lake Murry

I visitited there mid August. But I would like to go back there in mid October for the fall foliage. I have read several articles and seen tons of pictures about the fall foliage in Congaree. Its rated one of the best drives in Convertible during fall in the south.. with a full spectrum of colors, I bet it will be a treat to the eyes and soul..

I can't, but maybe someone else can

Check the website

Yes! There are two walk-in campgrounds, and you can also do backcountry camping. You must book online in advance. Try Recreation.gov

Things to see during the winter?

You could probably wheel a stroller on the boardwalk. You can definitely walk with a baby on a body carrier.

You can stay for up to 14 days consecutively. With the proper permit.

Yes at the visitor's center.

Columbia’s average February temperatures are 63F for highs and 39F for lows. If you’re concerned about it getting below 40F, it can certainly get below that on a normal February night, but it varies. It can be in the 20s if a cold front has come through.

Yes

Yes ,,,,15 and over must have licenses

There is a picnic area by the visitor's center and parking lot

Absolutely no hunting in the National Parks!

Yes, you can although there are some rules and regulations one needs to follow.

"high powered" lol

Take bug spray and check mosquito meter lol. Yes fun and trees are huge

No. I don't think so

I was there last fall and seen people with dogs walking trails.

There are primitive campgrounds prior to enter the park.

Cell signal was spotty and so there was weak internet. I think the main area had portals, but checking the online portal map is the best bet

No, it is a protected area.

No

Yes the boardwalk is!

Give them a call and ask to make sure, but I don't believe there was any damage. I would also recommend calling about the boating. Enjoy!

I have seen wild pigs but from quite a distance. They're very wary of us but you will see evidence of them everywhere.

No

According to the congaree website the synchronized firefly season is over. Put it in your calendar for next year!

Free admission. Very enjoyable to walk boardwalk.

Congaree Website said" The Synchronous Fireflies became active on the evening of May 16. The fireflies were once again very active last night (Saturday, May 19) from around 8:30pm till around 9:30pm. Many visitors came out to see the event last night, with cars parked along the road all the way to Longleaf Campground (about a 2-mile roundtrip walk to the Fireflies Trail). We are expecting that the crowd sizes will be the same or larger over the next week or two as more and more people find out about this unique event."

According to their trail guide bicycles are NOT allowed on boardwalks or any trails.

Very Little ! It will definitely wake up Mosquitoes. As the sign state Mosquitoes may be Ruthless to War Zone.

That's perfectly fine they have a oversized lot i see people do this and they also park full size campers there also so enjoy your hiking

SC just outside Columbia

Not really

There are 2 camping sites 1 is $ 10 per night and another for$5, but that is a mile hike into the park.

Yes, it would have to be heavy rain to cover them

I think it depends on what you want to do. If your focus is just the park, camping is available and relatively cheap. If you are looking for hotels, they are all over but not in walking distance to the park. If you are thinking about making it a trip, I would recommend booking a hotel closer to Columbia. There are many nice hotels in the city close to restaurants and shops. My kids love the zoo and as a family we enjoy walking along the river walk.

Your best, and up to date, answers will be obtained directly from the Park Rangers. Are you really to trust the general public for information about bears and other things that bite?

The alligators stay active until the temps stay at our below 60°F. They can't digest food when it gets that cold. They are in the area. I would recommend the saluda river from the zoo to gervais street.

Leave one car at 601 Landing (Bates Bridge). Start your trip at the Cayce Landing 47 miles upstream or Rosewood Landing (but not when USC has a home football game) about 48 miles upstream. There are no public landings between Cayce Landing and 601. There are alligators on the Congaree River, but I have seen only one in about 10 to 12 trips down the river. They shouldn't present a problem. If you do the trip from Columbia to 601 make sure you call Congaree National Park for a backcountry camping permit and have them mail you a Congaree Blue Trail map. The map is also available at River Runner Outdoor Center. Probably elsewhere. The river is usually not swift.