Congaree National Park protects the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern US.Spring wildflowers blooming made the boardwalk part of the trail extra special.In 2003, it gained National Park status and has since been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a National Natural Landmark and Globally Important Bird Area. It is named after the local Native American tribe and was been preserved since1976 as a National Monument.Unique tall trees included bald cypress with the knobby knees above as well as Tupelo trees, Loblolly pines, and giant oaks.This is really beautiful with all the reflections.We enjoyed a 6 mile hike and a picnic lunch to absorb the enormity of this park. Perfect day.Ninety Six National Historic Site we learned more about the Revolutionary War. This was a nice park to walk around but the VC was not open.Lake Greenwood SP is one of 16 S Carolina State Parks built by the CCC. They had an amazing exhibit in their VC. The previous night we were at Givens Ferry SP on the Edisto River also built by the CCC .Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefieldwe learned more of our Revolutionary War history. Both had walking trails to contemplate the enormity of this war.A walk through the woods and rolling hills brings to life the fighting conditions that the armies faced.We enjoyed a stroll to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site just across the border in North Carolina. He enjoyed life here from 1945 until his death in 1967. This was the only interpretation available about “America’s Voice” (January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) an American poet, biographer, journalist, and editor. He won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln
