Congaree National Park is a short 4.5 hour drive from Jacksonville just outside Columbia, SC. It is one of the newest national parks in the USA, since it was just designated in 2003. The reason for it's being is it is the largest contiguous tract of old growth bottomland hardwoods in the United States. The park provides 20+ miles of short backcountry hiking, including about 2.3 miles of boardwalk. There are also many paddling trails (one 20 miles long) and is supposed to be one of the best ways to see the park wildlife, including otters, bobcats, and monster old growth trees. Some of the trees are up to 25 feet in circumference. There is also supposed to be a lot of good fishing.
There are FREE ranger guided canoe trips on most Saturdays and Sundays. There is also both developed campsites as well as free back country camping.
Here are some links to check out:
http://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm
http://usparks.about.com/od/congaree/p/Congaree-Overview.htm
http://www.sciway.net/city/congaree.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congaree_National_Park
Here is a youtube video showing the park:
http://youtubevideo.isgoodness.com/watch/video/id/_gSDsc35xt8
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