Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Congaree protects the largest stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the Southeast, with some of the tallest trees east of the Rockies. Bald cypress knees poke from dark water, loblolly pines tower overhead, and the Congaree River floods the forest several times a year. It is a quiet, shady park best seen on foot along the boardwalk or by canoe on Cedar Creek. Bring bug spray from spring through fall.
TRAILS
1 OF 5
Boardwalk Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2.6 mi loop
Elevation gain
Flat
Visitor center · Harry Hampton Visitor Center — The must-do walk, raised above the swampy floor on boardwalk through giant cypress, tupelo and loblolly pines. You pass Weston Lake, a dark oxbow slough where turtles sun on logs. Benches along the way invite you to sit and listen to woodpeckers. Part of the loop runs at ground level and can flood after heavy rain.
⚠︎ Floods can close parts of the boardwalk. Check trail conditions before you go.
Photo: Runner1928, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 5
Weston Lake Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
4.5 mi loop
Elevation gain
Flat
Visitor center · via the Boardwalk — Leave the boardwalk and follow Cedar Creek through deeper forest, past huge old trees and quiet water. Look for river otters and wading birds along the creek. The path is flat but can be muddy and is easy to lose after floods, so follow the trail markers. A good next step after the boardwalk.
⚠︎ Subject to flooding.
Photo: Congaree National Park from Hopkins, SC, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 5
Cedar Creek Canoe Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2–6 mi paddle
Elevation gain
Flat water
South Cedar Creek Landing — Paddling Cedar Creek is the best way to feel this forest, gliding under cypress and past wildlife you would never see from a trail. From South Cedar Creek Landing, paddle upstream or downstream and come back the same way. With two cars, you can run the 6-mile stretch from Bannister's Bridge. Watch for fallen trees, and check water levels before you launch.
⚠︎ Bring your own boat or join a ranger-led canoe tour when offered. Low or high water can make the creek hard to paddle.
Photo: NPS Natural Resources, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 5
Oakridge Trail
Difficulty
Hard
Length
7.1 mi
Elevation gain
Flat
Visitor center · via Weston Lake Loop — A longer day through the heart of the old-growth forest, passing some of the park's biggest trees and wide sloughs. It is flat but long, often muddy, and feels remote once you leave the boardwalk crowds behind. Carry plenty of water and plan around the bugs. Best in cool, dry weather.
⚠︎ Subject to flooding.
Photo: Andrew Parlette from Elkridge,MD, US, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 5
Bluff Trail
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
Flat
Visitor center · north of the parking lot — A short loop on higher ground through longleaf pine woods along the edge of the floodplain. It stays dry when the swamp floods, which makes it a good backup on wet days. It also passes the Bluff campground. A calm walk for an evening or early morning.
Photo: Direwolf73, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Congaree trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.