The largest old growth floodplain forest in the United States, the Congaree National Park, can be found in South Carolina. This 22,000-acre forest park contains one of the highest natural canopies in the world. Flooded regularly by the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, the park is home to several thousands of species of flora and fauna.

The rich silt deposits from the annual flood encourage impressive tree growth found nowhere else in the United States. Bald cypresses, elms and 300-year old Loblolly pines tower over these wetlands, reaching imposing heights up to 169 feet. Several species of owls, woodpeckers, bats and panfish call this park home.

The park has designated areas for visitors. Outdoorsmen, adventurers and scientists can camp, hike, birdwatch, canoe, and kayak along designated campsites and hike trails such as King Snake Trail. Most visitors walk along the Boardwalk Loop, an elevated 2.4-mile walkway.