Congaree National Park

Congaree protects the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in America, a flooded cathedral of champion bald cypress and loblolly pines forming one of the world's tallest temperate canopies; when the Congaree River rises, the whole forest becomes a watery wilderness.

Walk the elevated boardwalk loop and watch for owls and fireflies; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, paddle Cedar Creek's blackwater under the giant trees or hike the floodplain trails after a rain.