Things to do in Congaree National Park
A South Carolina floodplain forest park protecting old-growth bottomland hardwoods, boardwalks, champion trees, Cedar Creek, wildlife, and dark swampy waterways.
Best months: March, April, October, November
What is worth your time in Congaree National Park
Cedar Creek Canoe TrailDo not miss
Paddling Cedar Creek is the best way to experience the park swampy interior and wildlife quietly.
Water Activity · 4.5 hr4.9
Boardwalk Loop TrailDo not miss
The elevated boardwalk is the park signature experience through old-growth floodplain forest and giant trees.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
Harry Hampton Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center provides indoor context on floodplain ecology, trail conditions, fireflies, and paddling safety.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Weston Lake Loop Trail
This loop extends beyond the boardwalk to lake views, floodplain forest, and quieter wildlife habitat.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
Longleaf Campground
The campground provides the easiest overnight way to hear the forest after day visitors leave.
Other · 1.5 hr4.3
Bates Ferry Trail
This short outlying trail reaches the Congaree River at a historic ferry area.
Hike · 1.1 hr
Bluff Trail
This short trail near Longleaf Campground offers a drier forest contrast to the floodplain.
Hike · 1.1 hr
Congaree Birding
The park is excellent for pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, warblers, and floodplain birdlife.
Wildlife · 2 hr
Congaree Night Walk
A careful night walk on the boardwalk reveals frogs, insects, barred owls, and the floodplain soundscape.
Other · 1.1 hr
Kingsnake Trail
This long trail explores remote floodplain forest with strong birding and a real wilderness feel.
Hike · 5.5 hr
Oakridge Trail
The quieter loop reaches varied forest communities and offers a less crowded alternative to the boardwalk.
Hike · 2.8 hr
River Trail
This route leads toward the Congaree River through bottomland forest and floodplain habitat.
Hike · 4 hr
Sims Trail
The old roadbed route is a straightforward way to extend a hike beyond the visitor center area.
Hike · 2.3 hr
Synchronous Fireflies
The seasonal firefly display is one of the most magical natural events in the park when access is managed.
Wildlife · 2 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Congaree is famous for its elevated Boardwalk Loop, giant bottomland trees, Cedar Creek paddling, synchronous fireflies, flooding cycles, and easy access from Columbia.