132: 5 Fascinating Fun Facts about Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park feels alive in every direction, thriving with creatures, towering trees, and raw, wild energy. Step inside this primordial world with us and experience the Southeast as it once was through five fun facts!
In this episode, we cover:
Why Congaree National Park feels like stepping into a primordial world
Record-breaking floods, champion trees, and the raw power of a living landscape
A Revolutionary War swamp fox and a daring fight for freedom near the McCord Ferry
The hidden history of maroon camps and survival in the Congaree wilderness
Your task for today: Watch The Patriot and notice how the swampy, river-filled landscape mirrors the real environments around Congaree. Then start dreaming about your own visit to this wild place! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think.
Planning your own Congaree adventure?
Episode 130: Exploring Congaree National Park: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/5-fascinating-fun-facts-about-congaree-national-park/
--------
1:00:57
--------
1:00:57
131: Acadia Trip Report
Acadia National Park in July was a whirlwind of foggy mornings, lobster feasts, and sweaty summit hikes! From heated parking lot showdowns at Jordan Pond to the peaceful waves of Schoodic Point, this trip was full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments.
In this episode, we cover:
The absolute chaos of the Jordan Pond parking lot (and how to avoid it)
Why fog and humidity made this one of our trickiest trips yet
Where to find the best lobster rolls outside of Bar Harbor
Mountain summits, hidden gems, and Acadia adventures beyond the crowds
Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that Acadia is still worth the trip, even with its challenges! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know what you think. Have you ever witnessed a parking lot brawl or cried over the fog in a National Park? We'd love to hear your story!
Planning your own Acadia adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Acadia Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-itinerary/
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/acadia-trip-report/
--------
42:28
--------
42:28
130: Exploring Congaree National Park: Best Tips + Activities
The swamp lights up like a galaxy, and the forest hums with life you can hear before you see. Congaree surprised us in the best way, and we left with our socks knocked clean off!
In this episode, we cover:
Where Congaree National Park is, how close it is to Columbia and Charleston, and why it’s still one of the least visited parks
When to go, including mosquitoes, water levels, and why late March worked so well for us
The boardwalk loop trail from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, side trails, and what you’ll see along the way
How to experience Cedar Creek by kayak or canoe and why we chose a guided tour
Congaree’s synchronous fireflies, plus the lottery and timing compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Your task for today: Make sure to head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know if you’re more excited to see the spiders or the snakes. Bonus points if you have been to Congaree and have stories to share!
Planning your own Congaree adventure?
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/exploring-congaree-national-park-best-tips-activities/
--------
51:10
--------
51:10
129: Haunted National Parks (Vol. 3)
Ghostly holiday parties, dancing desert lights, and a low‑tide cave with a mind of its own. Ready to let curiosity win for one spooky night?
In this episode, we cover:
Halloween traditions in and around the parks!
El Tovar at Grand Canyon and the friendly specter of Fred Harvey
Big Bend by night, unexplained lights, and why it can feel like the loneliest park in the lower 48
Acadia’s Devil’s Oven sea cave, low tide, and why the NPS wants you to give it space
Your task for today: We hope we've convinced you that there's a lot more to our national parks than meets the eye! Head over to the @DirtInMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and let us know what you think. What's your favorite spooky story from a national park?
Planning your own spooky adventures?
Dirt In My Shoes National Parks Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/haunted-national-parks-vol-3/
--------
1:17:31
--------
1:17:31
128: Yosemite Trip Report
Yosemite National Park never fails to surprise! This summer, we came for waterfalls and ended up with falling trees, surprise bear encounters, and a lot of laughs along the way. From Yosemite Valley to the High Sierra, every turn revealed the beauty of Yosemite and the persistence of life thriving in every corner of the park.
In this episode, we cover:
The highs and lows of our 2025 trip to Yosemite National Park!
Timing your visit and the best time to explore Yosemite
Iconic sights like Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan
Six lessons we learned from unexpected events, including weather and wildlife encounters
Your task for today: Head over to the @DirtinMyShoes Facebook or Instagram pages and share your Yosemite plans for 2026! Are you chasing waterfalls, hiking near Half Dome, or exploring the High Sierra? Tell us your dream spots and what you’re most excited to see.
Planning your own Yosemite adventure?
Dirt In My Shoes Yosemite Itineraries: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yosemite-itinerary/
Master Reservation List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/list/
National Park Checklist: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-parks-checklist/
Trip Packing List: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/pack/
Don’t miss the full show notes packed with all the links we mentioned so you can plan your adventures like a pro: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/yosemite-trip-report/
Join Ash and John from Dirt In My Shoes as we explore America’s National Parks!
We’re taking you around the national parks and talking about our favorite things, fun facts, adventures, and trip planning. Expect big laughs and fantastic information as we tour the parks together. Let’s start exploring!
USA