America’s Great Outdoors Tumblr updates.Called “America’s Best Idea,” our national parks protect some of the most spectacular places in the U.S. From Alaska to Florida — and every state in between — the more than 400 national parks help preserve local history and provide visitors a chance to explore America’s great outdoors. We think all of them are pretty special and worth preserving

The Department of Interiors says “A hidden gem on the East Coast, Congaree National Park in South Carolina preserves the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Congaree provides a sanctuary for plants and animals (including otters), a research site for scientists and a place for visitors to explore wilderness amidst giant hardwoods and towering pines. Photo courtesy of Jacob Frank.”

We love this park!  It has champion trees – one pine that takes four people to hug.  Kayaking is a great way to see the sights but don’t expect to race through it is a swamp with dark haunting waters and life abounding.