Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve

Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve

The DNR webpage describes this property as 201 acres containing steep, undisturbed bluffs bordering the Congaree River. Located in Calhoun County, the preserve harbors significant stands of American beech, oak-hickory and bottomland hardwood forest. The upland areas of the preserve are being restored to longleaf pine. No comparable sites exist in the coastal plain of South Carolina. There are several other sites nearby on private lands, but these areas, along with the preserve, are unique. Similar systems in and around the Florida Panhandle have been documented to have the greatest number of trees per unit area within the temperate forest of the eastern United States. More than 100 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines exist in the preserve from the ridge base to the crest of the bluffs. Woody plants may number 200 species.

Date: April 26, 2025

Location: Turkey Track Lane near Ft. Motte, Calhoun County

Directions: We'll meet at the lower Congaree Bluffs HP parking lot, the one closest to the river.  The coordinates are N33 45.280, W80 42.100.  Please contact Betsy Russell at 803-749-7986 if you are interested in carpooling.

What to Expect and What to Bring:

Wear boots and a hat.  Bring water, a snack, and sunscreen.

Space is limited to 20 people!  

Learn about Congaree Bluffs HP here.