National Park
South Carolina
Southeast
Congaree National Park
Photo: NPS
Congaree National Park in South Carolina protects 26,546 acres of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1983. Established in 2003, the park holds more national and state champion trees than any other area in the eastern US and draws about 249,000 visitors a year.
About Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park sits in the central coastal plain of South Carolina, about 20 miles southeast of Columbia on the Congaree River floodplain. The park protects 26,546 acres of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest — the largest intact tract of this forest type remaining in the southeastern United States and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1983. Despite its name in popular use, Congaree is a floodplain forest, not a swamp; the Congaree and Wateree rivers flood the park roughly ten times a year on average, depositing nutrients that drive the extraordinary tree growth. The park ranks 57th among the 63 U.S. national parks by annual visitation, drawing about 249,000 visitors in 2023. Entrance is free and no reservation is required to visit, though the annual synchronous firefly event in late May and early June requires a timed-entry ticket.
USASymbol Score
64
/100
Personality
38/60
Beauty
9/15
Recreation
8/15
Privacy
9/10
Weather
5/10
Wildlife
7/10
Practicality
26/40
Accessibility
9/15
Amenities
5/10
Lodging
3/5
Affordability
5/5
Family
4/5
Privacy: higher score = less crowded
What Is Congaree Known For?
The highest concentration of national and state champion trees in the eastern United States, with individual loblolly pines, bald cypresses, cherrybark oaks, and American elms that hold records for size — some more than 500 years old and never logged.
The synchronous firefly (Photinus carolinus) display in late May and early June, one of only a few places in the eastern US where thousands of fireflies flash in coordinated pulses, drawing visitors from across the country to a timed-entry viewing program.
Cedar Creek, a blackwater stream that winds 15 miles through the old-growth forest and is the park's main paddling route, accessible by canoe or kayak for multi-hour trips through the forest interior.
The Boardwalk Loop, an elevated wooden walkway that puts visitors among ancient trees — some exceeding 150 feet tall — in a forest that has never been industrially logged, offering a rare view of what much of the southeastern US looked like before European settlement.
The synchronous firefly (Photinus carolinus) display in late May and early June, one of only a few places in the eastern US where thousands of fireflies flash in coordinated pulses, drawing visitors from across the country to a timed-entry viewing program.
Cedar Creek, a blackwater stream that winds 15 miles through the old-growth forest and is the park's main paddling route, accessible by canoe or kayak for multi-hour trips through the forest interior.
The Boardwalk Loop, an elevated wooden walkway that puts visitors among ancient trees — some exceeding 150 feet tall — in a forest that has never been industrially logged, offering a rare view of what much of the southeastern US looked like before European settlement.
Best Things to See in Congaree
NPS Photo
Ancient Trees and Champion Grove
Congaree holds more national and state champion trees than any other area of comparable size in the eastern United States. Loblolly pines reach 169 feet; cherrybark oaks and water tupelos exceed national records. Many individuals are 300 to 500 years old. The Boardwalk Loop passes several of the largest trees within 0.2 miles of the visitor center, with identification plaques marking species and dimensions.
NPS Photo
Boardwalk Loop Trail
The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop is an elevated wooden walkway that passes through the heart of the old-growth forest at canopy-base height. The boardwalk crosses several creek channels and Weston Lake, putting visitors above the floodplain and among trees that dwarf the walkway. The route is fully accessible, free, and open year-round; it can be walked in under an hour and is the most efficient introduction to the forest.
NPS Photo
Synchronous Firefly Display
Each year in late May and early June, thousands of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) flash in coordinated pulses across the forest floor and understory, creating one of the most unusual natural spectacles in the eastern United States. The NPS runs a timed-entry lottery for parking access during the event; walk-in and bike-in visitors do not need a ticket. The display lasts roughly two hours after dark on peak nights.
NPS photo / SECN staff
Cedar Creek Canoe Trail
Cedar Creek is a 15-mile blackwater paddling route that threads through the old-growth forest interior, passing under the canopy of bald cypress and water tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss. The water is tea-colored from tannins — clean but dark. Put-in and take-out points are at the Cedar Creek Landing. The route takes 4 to 6 hours to paddle; canoes and kayaks are available for rental from a concessionaire at the landing.
Weston Lake
Weston Lake is an oxbow lake formed from an old bend in Cedar Creek, visible from the 4.4-mile Weston Lake Loop trail. The still, dark water reflects the canopy overhead and is a reliable spot for wood ducks, river otters, and the prothonotary warbler — a brilliant orange-yellow bird that nests in tree cavities over water and is one of the most sought species by birdwatchers visiting the park.
Birding the Floodplain
Congaree is one of the best birding sites in South Carolina. The prothonotary warbler, sometimes called the swamp canary for its bright color and loud song, nests throughout the floodplain from April through July. Wood storks, threatened at the national level, roost and nest in the park. Barred owls are so common that their calls overlap at dawn. The park lies within the Atlantic Flyway; peak warbler migration occurs in April and early May.
Best Time to Visit Congaree
spring
March – May
Moderate
Rim: 60–80 °F (16–27 °C)
Best birding of the year with migrating warblers; water levels recede through April and May, opening more of the forest floor.
summer
June – August
Moderate
Rim: 88–97 °F (31–36 °C)
Firefly display peaks in late May and early June; intense heat, humidity, and mosquitoes make summer the most demanding season for hiking.
fall
September – November
Low crowds
Rim: 60–82 °F (16–28 °C)
Most comfortable hiking weather; fall foliage in October and November; lower water levels and fewer insects than summer.
winter
December – February
Low crowds
Rim: 38–58 °F (3–14 °C)
Coldest and quietest season; excellent for birding without leaves blocking sight lines; some trails may flood after heavy rain.
Spring (March through May) is the best season for birding and wildflowers. Migrating warblers, including the brilliant prothonotary warbler, move through from late March through May. Water levels typically recede after winter flooding, making more of the interior accessible on foot. Temperatures are comfortable in March and April, though humidity rises through May. The synchronous firefly display begins in late May; book the timed-entry parking lottery as soon as it opens, typically six to eight weeks before the event.
Summer (June through August) brings peak heat and humidity — temperatures regularly reach 95–97 °F with high moisture in the canopy. Mosquitoes are intense from June through September and insect repellent is essential on any walk outside the immediate visitor center area. The boardwalk and shorter loop trails remain accessible, but backcountry hiking is uncomfortable and flooding can close interior trails after thunderstorms. The firefly event runs into early June before tapering off.
Fall (September through November) is the most comfortable season for extended hiking. Temperatures drop to 60–82 °F, mosquitoes thin out after the first cold nights in October, and bald cypress trees turn rusty orange in late October and November before dropping their needles. Water levels are typically at their annual low in October and November, allowing the most complete access to backcountry trails. Crowds are the smallest of any season.
Winter (December through February) offers bare canopy views, the easiest wildlife spotting, and the park's most reliable birding for resident species like barred owl and pileated woodpecker. Temperatures drop to 38–58 °F and some mornings produce frost. Flooding is more common after winter rain events and can close portions of the trail system for days; check the park website for current conditions before visiting.
Summer (June through August) brings peak heat and humidity — temperatures regularly reach 95–97 °F with high moisture in the canopy. Mosquitoes are intense from June through September and insect repellent is essential on any walk outside the immediate visitor center area. The boardwalk and shorter loop trails remain accessible, but backcountry hiking is uncomfortable and flooding can close interior trails after thunderstorms. The firefly event runs into early June before tapering off.
Fall (September through November) is the most comfortable season for extended hiking. Temperatures drop to 60–82 °F, mosquitoes thin out after the first cold nights in October, and bald cypress trees turn rusty orange in late October and November before dropping their needles. Water levels are typically at their annual low in October and November, allowing the most complete access to backcountry trails. Crowds are the smallest of any season.
Winter (December through February) offers bare canopy views, the easiest wildlife spotting, and the park's most reliable birding for resident species like barred owl and pileated woodpecker. Temperatures drop to 38–58 °F and some mornings produce frost. Flooding is more common after winter rain events and can close portions of the trail system for days; check the park website for current conditions before visiting.
Location
The interactive map is temporarily unavailable. Use the links below to open this park in Google Maps.
Nearest city: Hopkins, South Carolina Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), ~20 miles
Hiking in Congaree
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Loop | Easy | 2.4 mi (3.9 km) loop | Minimal |
| Elevated wooden walkway through old-growth forest from the visitor center. Fully accessible. Can be done in under an hour; best early morning for birding and cool temperatures. | |||
| Weston Lake Loop | Easy | 4.4 mi (7.1 km) loop | Minimal |
| Extends the Boardwalk Loop to circle Weston Lake. Mostly flat ground trail with short boardwalk sections. Reliable for wood ducks and river otters at the lake overlook. | |||
| Oak Ridge Trail | Moderate | 7.0 mi (11.3 km) round trip | ~50 ft (15 m) |
| Leads into the forest interior past several champion tree species. Trail surface is soft and subject to flooding after rain; check conditions at the visitor center before starting. | |||
| Kingsnake Trail | Strenuous | 11.7 mi (18.8 km) round trip | ~100 ft (30 m) |
| Long backcountry route through the forest interior and near the Congaree River floodplain edge. Carry at least 2 liters of water and a trail map; portions flood regularly and require rerouting. | |||
Easy trails start at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and require no advance preparation. Boardwalk Loop (2.4-mile loop) is a fully accessible elevated wooden walkway that passes through the core of the old-growth forest, crossing creek channels and reaching Weston Lake — the most efficient route to the largest trees. Weston Lake Loop (4.4-mile loop) extends the boardwalk route to circle the oxbow lake, adding a ground trail section that is reliable for wood duck and river otter sightings.
Moderate trails take visitors deeper into the forest interior. Oak Ridge Trail (7.0 miles round trip) follows flat ground through stands of loblolly pine, cherrybark oak, and bald cypress that include several national champion trees. The trail surface is soft and floods readily after rain; check the park website or ask rangers for current conditions at the visitor center before committing to the full distance.
Strenuous routes require navigational attention and flood awareness. Kingsnake Trail (11.7 miles round trip) penetrates the southern section of the park and approaches the Congaree River floodplain edge. Portions flood regularly, rerouting around standing water, and the full distance means at least five to six hours of walking. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person and pick up a paper trail map at the visitor center; GPS signal can be unreliable under the dense canopy.
Moderate trails take visitors deeper into the forest interior. Oak Ridge Trail (7.0 miles round trip) follows flat ground through stands of loblolly pine, cherrybark oak, and bald cypress that include several national champion trees. The trail surface is soft and floods readily after rain; check the park website or ask rangers for current conditions at the visitor center before committing to the full distance.
Strenuous routes require navigational attention and flood awareness. Kingsnake Trail (11.7 miles round trip) penetrates the southern section of the park and approaches the Congaree River floodplain edge. Portions flood regularly, rerouting around standing water, and the full distance means at least five to six hours of walking. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person and pick up a paper trail map at the visitor center; GPS signal can be unreliable under the dense canopy.
Camping & Lodging
| Campground | Sites | Season |
|---|---|---|
|
Longleaf Campground
Drive-up sites near the park entrance off National Park Road. No hookups, no showers, no dump station. Pit toilets available. Sites may flood after heavy rain.
|
10 | Year-round |
| First-come, first-served; no advance reservations. Free. | ||
|
Backcountry Primitive Sites
No designated sites; dispersed camping throughout the park interior. No water, no facilities. Carry a wag bag; camping stoves allowed but no open fires in the forest.
|
— | Year-round |
| Free permit required; self-issued at the visitor center or trailhead registration boxes. | ||
Congaree has two camping options, both free. Longleaf Campground near the park entrance has 10 drive-up sites with no hookups, no showers, and no reservation system — arrive and take a site if one is available. The campground is open year-round and rarely fills except on firefly event weekends in late May and early June. Flooding after heavy rain can briefly close individual sites; the campground host or park website will note closures.
Backcountry primitive camping is allowed throughout the park interior with a free self-issued permit from the visitor center or trailhead registration boxes. There are no designated backcountry sites; campers choose their own spot at least 50 feet from water. No open fires are permitted in the forest interior; camp stoves are allowed. Carry all water or treat water from Cedar Creek; the tannin-stained water is cleaner than it looks but requires filtration.
The nearest hotels and full-service campgrounds are in Columbia, about 20 miles north. For the firefly event, the park operates a shuttle from a remote parking area; camping at Longleaf avoids the shuttle entirely.
Backcountry primitive camping is allowed throughout the park interior with a free self-issued permit from the visitor center or trailhead registration boxes. There are no designated backcountry sites; campers choose their own spot at least 50 feet from water. No open fires are permitted in the forest interior; camp stoves are allowed. Carry all water or treat water from Cedar Creek; the tannin-stained water is cleaner than it looks but requires filtration.
The nearest hotels and full-service campgrounds are in Columbia, about 20 miles north. For the firefly event, the park operates a shuttle from a remote parking area; camping at Longleaf avoids the shuttle entirely.
Entrance Fees & Reservations
Park entrance
Free
No entrance fee. The park is open year-round at no charge.
Longleaf Campground
Free
First-come, first-served; no reservation or fee.
Firefly timed-entry parking
Varies
A timed-entry parking reservation is required during the firefly event in late May and early June. Book through Recreation.gov when the lottery opens, typically 6 to 8 weeks before the event.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
$80/year
Covers entrance to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation areas for 12 months. Not required here as entrance is free.
Congaree National Park charges no entrance fee and no camping fee. The park is open every day of the year and most activities — hiking, wildlife watching, paddling, and camping — require no advance booking.
The one exception is the annual synchronous firefly event. During the roughly two-week display in late May and early June, the park limits vehicle access to protect the event experience; a timed-entry parking reservation is required. The NPS opens a lottery on Recreation.gov approximately six to eight weeks before the first viewing night; demand far exceeds supply and spots typically sell out within minutes of release. Walk-in and bicycle access to the park does not require a reservation during the event.
Canoe and kayak rentals from the Cedar Creek concessionaire require advance booking, particularly on spring and fall weekends. Confirm current availability and rates at the official park page before your visit.
Confirm current fees and rules at the official park page before your visit.
The one exception is the annual synchronous firefly event. During the roughly two-week display in late May and early June, the park limits vehicle access to protect the event experience; a timed-entry parking reservation is required. The NPS opens a lottery on Recreation.gov approximately six to eight weeks before the first viewing night; demand far exceeds supply and spots typically sell out within minutes of release. Walk-in and bicycle access to the park does not require a reservation during the event.
Canoe and kayak rentals from the Cedar Creek concessionaire require advance booking, particularly on spring and fall weekends. Confirm current availability and rates at the official park page before your visit.
Confirm current fees and rules at the official park page before your visit.
Getting There
By car: The park entrance is on National Park Road off Old Bluff Road (State Road 734), about 20 miles southeast of Columbia. From Columbia, take SC-48 (Bluff Road) east and south to Old Bluff Road, then follow NPS signs to the park entrance. From I-77 southbound, exit at SC-12 East and follow signs toward Hopkins. The road is paved to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center; the Cedar Creek boat landing has a separate access road.
By air: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is approximately 20 miles from the park and is served by several major carriers with connections through Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington. Rental cars are available at the airport. The drive from CAE to the park entrance takes about 30 minutes.
By shuttle (firefly season): During the synchronous firefly event, the NPS operates a shuttle from a remote staging area outside the park to the trailhead. Shuttle ticket reservations are separate from the lottery system; check the park website for the current year's shuttle logistics. Outside of the firefly event, no public transit or shuttle service reaches the park.
By air: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is approximately 20 miles from the park and is served by several major carriers with connections through Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington. Rental cars are available at the airport. The drive from CAE to the park entrance takes about 30 minutes.
By shuttle (firefly season): During the synchronous firefly event, the NPS operates a shuttle from a remote staging area outside the park to the trailhead. Shuttle ticket reservations are separate from the lottery system; check the park website for the current year's shuttle logistics. Outside of the firefly event, no public transit or shuttle service reaches the park.
Geology
Congaree occupies the Congaree River floodplain, a wide, flat alluvial plain built up over thousands of years by sediment deposited during periodic flooding. The park sits on the fall line — the geologic boundary between the ancient crystalline rock of the Piedmont Plateau to the northwest and the younger sedimentary deposits of the coastal plain to the southeast. This boundary is marked by rapids on the rivers above Columbia and by the transition from upland forests to the flat, wet bottomland forest that defines the park.
The forest floor is essentially a layer cake of sediment laid down by past floods. Each major flood deposits a thin layer of fine silt, adding nutrients and organic material to the soil. This cycle repeats roughly ten times per year on average, which is why the Congaree floodplain produces trees of record size — the annual nutrient input is exceptional by eastern forest standards.
Bald cypress trees in Cedar Creek and the other waterways grow in standing water for most of the year, anchored by knobby root projections called cypress knees that extend upward from the roots and help stabilize the tree in soft, saturated soil. The exact function of the knees — whether for stability, gas exchange, or both — remains an active question in forest biology.
The blackwater color of Cedar Creek comes from tannins leaching from decomposing plant material in the surrounding forest. The water is naturally acidic and low in nutrients, which limits algae growth and keeps the water relatively clear despite its deep brown color. The tannins also give the creek a distinctive smell when still water disturbs the bottom sediment.
The forest floor is essentially a layer cake of sediment laid down by past floods. Each major flood deposits a thin layer of fine silt, adding nutrients and organic material to the soil. This cycle repeats roughly ten times per year on average, which is why the Congaree floodplain produces trees of record size — the annual nutrient input is exceptional by eastern forest standards.
Bald cypress trees in Cedar Creek and the other waterways grow in standing water for most of the year, anchored by knobby root projections called cypress knees that extend upward from the roots and help stabilize the tree in soft, saturated soil. The exact function of the knees — whether for stability, gas exchange, or both — remains an active question in forest biology.
The blackwater color of Cedar Creek comes from tannins leaching from decomposing plant material in the surrounding forest. The water is naturally acidic and low in nutrients, which limits algae growth and keeps the water relatively clear despite its deep brown color. The tannins also give the creek a distinctive smell when still water disturbs the bottom sediment.
Wildlife
The prothonotary warbler is Congaree's signature bird — a small songbird with a head and breast of intense golden-orange that nests in tree cavities over water throughout the floodplain from April through July. It is one of two North American warblers that nest in tree holes rather than open cup nests, and Congaree holds one of the densest breeding populations in the eastern United States. Listen for its loud, repetitive tweet-tweet-tweet from streambanks and boardwalk railings in spring.
Barred owls are present year-round and are uncommonly easy to see in Congaree, where they hunt during the day as well as at night. The large wood stork, listed as threatened federally, forages in the flooded forest and nests in colonies. Great blue herons, little blue herons, and great egrets work the creek edges. Pileated woodpeckers — the crow-sized, red-crested woodpecker — hammer on old snags throughout the park.
River otters are active in Cedar Creek year-round and are frequently spotted by paddlers. White-tailed deer are common on the forest floor and visible from the boardwalk at dawn and dusk. Bobcats use the park but are rarely seen. Feral hogs, a non-native species, cause significant root disturbance and are actively managed by the NPS. American alligators occasionally move into the park's southern areas near the Congaree River in warm months.
Cottonmouth water moccasins are present throughout the floodplain and can be encountered on the boardwalk and near water. They are heavy-bodied, dark-colored snakes that hold their ground rather than retreating. Stay on the trail and do not approach or handle any snake in the park. Several other harmless water snake species are also common; all should be left alone.
Barred owls are present year-round and are uncommonly easy to see in Congaree, where they hunt during the day as well as at night. The large wood stork, listed as threatened federally, forages in the flooded forest and nests in colonies. Great blue herons, little blue herons, and great egrets work the creek edges. Pileated woodpeckers — the crow-sized, red-crested woodpecker — hammer on old snags throughout the park.
River otters are active in Cedar Creek year-round and are frequently spotted by paddlers. White-tailed deer are common on the forest floor and visible from the boardwalk at dawn and dusk. Bobcats use the park but are rarely seen. Feral hogs, a non-native species, cause significant root disturbance and are actively managed by the NPS. American alligators occasionally move into the park's southern areas near the Congaree River in warm months.
Cottonmouth water moccasins are present throughout the floodplain and can be encountered on the boardwalk and near water. They are heavy-bodied, dark-colored snakes that hold their ground rather than retreating. Stay on the trail and do not approach or handle any snake in the park. Several other harmless water snake species are also common; all should be left alone.
History
The Congaree people, for whom the river and park are named, lived along the Congaree River for centuries before European contact. They were a Siouan-speaking people closely related to neighboring tribes. The Congaree were devastated by a combination of smallpox epidemics and the Yamasee War of 1715 to 1717; survivors merged with other groups and the tribe effectively ceased to exist as a distinct entity by the 1740s. The floodplain itself was little used by European settlers because annual flooding made it unsuitable for agriculture and the standing water created conditions for malaria.
The old-growth forest survived primarily because its regular flooding made large-scale industrial logging impractical for most of its area. Some selective cutting occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the core of the forest was never clear-cut. By the 1960s, timber companies began acquiring land in the floodplain with the intention of logging the remaining old-growth. Harry Hampton, a Columbia journalist and conservationist, organized sustained public opposition and brought national attention to the forest.
After years of advocacy by Hampton and local conservation groups, Congress passed legislation establishing Congaree Swamp National Monument on October 18, 1976, signed by President Gerald Ford. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation followed in 1983. The park was expanded several times to add adjacent floodplain land. Congress redesignated the monument as Congaree National Park on November 10, 2003.
The old-growth forest survived primarily because its regular flooding made large-scale industrial logging impractical for most of its area. Some selective cutting occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the core of the forest was never clear-cut. By the 1960s, timber companies began acquiring land in the floodplain with the intention of logging the remaining old-growth. Harry Hampton, a Columbia journalist and conservationist, organized sustained public opposition and brought national attention to the forest.
After years of advocacy by Hampton and local conservation groups, Congress passed legislation establishing Congaree Swamp National Monument on October 18, 1976, signed by President Gerald Ford. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation followed in 1983. The park was expanded several times to add adjacent floodplain land. Congress redesignated the monument as Congaree National Park on November 10, 2003.
Quick Answers
Where is Congaree National Park?
Congaree is in central South Carolina, about 20 miles southeast of Columbia. The park entrance is on National Park Road off Old Bluff Road near the town of Hopkins. The nearest major airport is Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), about 20 miles away.
Is Congaree a swamp?
No. Congaree is a floodplain forest, not a swamp. The Congaree and Wateree rivers flood the park about ten times a year on average, but the water drains away after each flood rather than standing permanently. The regular flooding deposits nutrients that drive the extraordinary tree growth. The park was historically called Congaree Swamp, which led to the persistent misconception.
When is the best time to visit Congaree National Park?
Fall (September through November) offers the most comfortable hiking temperatures, lower water levels, and the least mosquito pressure. Spring (March through May) is best for birdwatching, particularly for the prothonotary warbler and migrating species. The synchronous firefly display in late May and early June requires a timed-entry lottery reservation and draws the largest crowds.
How do I see the synchronous fireflies at Congaree?
The firefly display occurs in late May and early June, when thousands of fireflies (Photinus carolinus) flash in synchronized pulses after dark. Vehicle access requires a timed-entry parking reservation from Recreation.gov; the lottery typically opens six to eight weeks before the event and sells out quickly. Walk-in and bike-in visitors do not need a reservation. Check nps.gov/cong for the current year's dates and lottery schedule.
Is there an entrance fee for Congaree National Park?
No. Congaree charges no entrance fee and no camping fee. Longleaf Campground is free and first-come, first-served. The only fee-bearing activity is the timed-entry parking reservation during the firefly event, made through Recreation.gov.
Can you canoe or kayak at Congaree?
Yes. Cedar Creek is a 15-mile blackwater canoe and kayak trail through the old-growth forest. A concessionaire at the Cedar Creek Landing offers rentals; book in advance for spring and fall weekends. You can also bring your own boat. The creek is best paddled in spring and fall when water levels are moderate; it can be too shallow in dry summers and too fast after heavy flooding.
What is the best hike in Congaree?
The Boardwalk Loop (2.4-mile loop) is the best introduction, passing among the largest trees in the park on a fully accessible elevated walkway. For a longer experience, the Weston Lake Loop (4.4 miles) extends to an oxbow lake with good wildlife viewing. Both trails start from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and can be combined in about two to three hours.
What state is Congaree National Park in?
Congaree National Park is in South Carolina, near Hopkins, South Carolina.
Sources
- National Park Service — Congaree National Park — Official NPS page with current fees, alerts, and visitor information.