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Another side of South Carolina: The coast is a popular playground, but nature and nurture await inland, too
A kayak trip through Congaree National Park shows how inland South Carolina’s floodplain forests and wildlife offer a quieter alternative to the coast.
- Paddling through Congaree National Park reveals the country's largest remaining swatch of old-growth floodplain forest. The expedition along Cedar Creek involves navigating heavy South Carolina humidity and the buzz of cicadas.
- Towering bald cypresses and tupelos flank the serene route along Cedar Creek, creating a dense natural canopy. This unique ecosystem preserves a massive floodplain, offering stark contrast to nearby urban environments.
- Kayak guide Alan Kelso identified a football-sized turtle basking on a fallen tree as a "yellow-bellied slider." Kelso noted the area feels "so peaceful and quiet" despite its proximity to the city.
- Congaree offers 20-plus miles of trails and waterways for hiking and paddling, providing nature access just a short distance from urban centers. This accessibility attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational pursuits in the protected floodplain.
- As one of the largest remaining tracts of its kind, Congaree serves as a vital sanctuary for old-growth floodplain ecosystems. Protecting this area remains essential for maintaining ecological health and supporting future conservation efforts.
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17 Articles
17 Articles
Star-Herald+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Another side of South Carolina: The coast is a popular playground, but nature and nurture await inland, too
The buzz of cicadas and a hefty dose of South Carolina humidity filled the air as I paddled a kayak through Congaree National Park. Towering bald cypresses and tupelos flanked my route along serene Cedar Creek, where a football-sized turtle…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
12%
C 70%
R 18%
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