Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, about 20 miles southeast of Columbia. The floodplain forest contains some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States, with several loblolly pines and champion bald cypresses that rival trees in temperate rainforests for height. The park's Cedar Creek canoe trail winds 15 miles through the swamp, passing under cathedral arches of cypress and tupelo.