SC has one of the 5 most family-friendly national parks in the US. Here’s why it’s great

Sarah Claire McDonald

Are you a fan of spending summers exploring outdoors?

A national park in South Carolina has recently been ranked among the top five in the country to visit for families.

Some hikes or visits to national parks can be hazardous and not the most child-friendly environment. However KURU Footwear, a pain-relief comfort-focused footwear manufacturer, conducted enough research based on metrics such as the ease of hiking trails, low elevation gain, ability to be considered ‘kid-friendly’, and length of trails to determine the 10 most family-friendly national parks in the nation.

The Palmetto State is home to seven national park destinations and the U.S. acts as a host for 424 national park sites through the National Park System. Yet, only 63 of these sites actually include “national park” as part of their proper name in the system and are recognized as such.

For those looking to visit and explore this summer, the seven national park destinations within the state include:

Of these, only 10 were selected throughout the country and one within the state of South Carolina as being the most family-friendly.

In South Carolina, Congaree National Park in Hopkins was ranked as the fifth best park in the U.S. for families this year.

Congaree National Park near Columbia File photo, The State
Congaree National Park near Columbia File photo, The State

The National Park Service details that Congaree National Park is home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. This is because waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers both carry nutrients and sediments that nourish the surrounding ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.

William Conner stands in front of the fluted trunk of a Bald Cypress in the lower section of the Congaree National Park.
William Conner stands in front of the fluted trunk of a Bald Cypress in the lower section of the Congaree National Park.

At Congaree, visitors can hike trails, kayak or canoe, fish, go camping, view local flora and wildlife and spot champion trees. If you’re looking for a more involved experience this summer, kids have the opportunity to become a junior ranger and adults can become a volunteer.

Kayaker Tim Brown of Savannah navigates the flooded forest of Bates Old River. This oxbow lake is an old channel of the Congaree River and is an excellent place to view wildlife. Matt Richardson/Special to The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette
Kayaker Tim Brown of Savannah navigates the flooded forest of Bates Old River. This oxbow lake is an old channel of the Congaree River and is an excellent place to view wildlife. Matt Richardson/Special to The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette

As for being family-friendly, the ranking reported that for those exploring the forest on foot, 75% of the hiking trails are kid-friendly.

Luckily for families looking to spend their days in nature, an entrance pass is not required to access Congaree National Park and admission is free.

However, before making your plans to go and explore, check out the park’s permits and reservation page for more information.

Pools of explosive color that only appear in the right light and at the right temperature are appearing in the murky brown swamp water at Congaree National Park. National Park Service photo
Pools of explosive color that only appear in the right light and at the right temperature are appearing in the murky brown swamp water at Congaree National Park. National Park Service photo

Are you curious about what other national parks made the list?

Here are KURU Footwear’s ranking for the 10 best national parks for families within the country this year.

  1. Biscayne National Park, Florida

  2. Fort Hunt Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Virginia

  3. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

  4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

  5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

  6. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

  7. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

  8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

  9. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

  10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

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