Best trails in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is about %{20_miles} from Columbia, South Carolina. Before Congaree became a national park in 2003, it was called Congaree Swamp. While Congaree is prone to flooding from the Congaree River, it isn't wet all year, which makes it a floodplain rather than a swamp. The water promotes the growth of the largest old-growth floodplain forest in North America — more than %{26000_acres}! The forest is home to several champion trees (trees that are the largest of their species) and wildlife like alligators, river otters, wild hogs, snakes, turtles, and many species of birds.
The best seasons to visit are fall and spring. Summer can be hot, humid, and buggy, and the park is especially prone to flooding in early spring and winter. We recommend taking a full day to explore the park's boardwalk and trails, and we've included the best day hikes in the park in our guide. It's worth the trip to explore this unique, magical landscape!
There is no fee to visit Congaree National Park.
Top trails
- (3637)•Easy•2.3 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Boardwalk Loop is elevated almost 6 feet above the forest floor and meanders through a diverse old-growth forest. You can use the self-guided brochure (available at the visitor center) to learn more about the area's natural resources. Keep an ear out for the sound of woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. The boardwalk will take you past Weston Lake, which is an old channel of the Congaree River. Accessibility: Equipment This trail is likely accessible for visitors...
- (1754)•Easy•4.7 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail begins by following an elevated boardwalk through a diverse, old growth forest. Eventually, you will leave the boardwalk to continue on the Weston Lake Trail, which passes Weston Lake and Cedar Creek. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife along this trail! There are many benches along the way to stop for a snack and to take in the scenery.
- (748)•Easy•6.7 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis trail gives you a taste of everything that Congaree National Park has to offer, from raised and low boardwalks above swamp, to remote sections of the park, plus a couple of forest lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including many species of birds, wild hogs, and deer. There are also many species of trees along this route, including huge uprooted trees, enormous deciduous and pine trees. The trail is almost completely shaded. Be sure to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are common along...
- (395)•Easy•3.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail leaves from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and follows the Bluff Trail and Caroline Sims Trail to Wise Lake and back. The trail takes you through a dense forest. Depending on the time of year, the trail can get very muddy, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended. Be sure to bring bug spray, because mosquitoes are common on this trail. This is a great trail for viewing wildlife.
- (442)•Easy•2.1 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail leaves from the Longleaf Campground, and follows the longleaf trail to the Bluff Trail. Follow the Bluff Trail as it loops through dense forest. The trail follows a wooden boardwalk most of the way is well-maintained and well-marked. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife. Be sure to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are common in this area.
- (455)•Moderate•10.9 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThis trail leads to the Congaree River, which is considered the lifeblood of the national park's great diversity. Wildlife is abundant in this area and the chances you will observe an alligator or two are high. Approximately ten times a year (mostly in winter), floodwaters from the river cover nearly 80% of the park. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible.
- (95)•Easy•0.6 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Firefly Trail winds through an old-growth bottomland swamp on a wooden boardwalk at Congaree National Park. During late spring and early summer, visitors can experience a mesmerizing synchronous firefly display along this trail, creating an unforgettable experience. To protect the fireflies' habitat, a lottery system requires tickets for entry during the firefly viewing period. For more information about the event details and the lottery process, please visit the National Park Service...
- (261)•Easy•7.6 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThe Kingsnake Trail delves into a remote section of Congaree National Park, offering a glimpse into a unique ecosystem. The trail frequently experiences washouts and blow-downs due to flooding rivers, so it's important to be prepared for challenging conditions. Along the way, hikers may spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, opossums, and even bobcat tracks. Birdwatching is also excellent along this trail. The trail passes a large cypress-tupelo slough that seems to go on...
Visitor info
No entrance fee or pass is required.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Congaree National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on other park amenities, such as camping.
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
A braille brochure, one standard-sized wheelchair, two large wheelchairs, and three Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Kayak adaptations, including a back-of-hand adaptation, a wrist slide adaptation, and a paddle pivot, are also available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please call ahead or ask at the visitor center to make a reservation for equipment. If you are scheduled for a canoe tour and need an adaptation, please let the park know 24 hours before your tour.
Additional information about accessibility at Congaree National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
The picnic area near the first parking area has 4 wheelchair accessible tables with packed, level paths and surfaces.
Longleaf Campground Campground has 1 individual wheelchair accessible camping site ( #1) and wheelchair accessible vault toilets.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
