Congaree National Park Guide: Best Time to Visit, Hikes & Itinerary
Explore the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. This South Carolina gem offers ancient cypress trees, rare synchronized fireflies, and serene paddling trails through a wilderness floodplain.
Congaree National Park is a place where time seems to stand still. As the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, it offers a window into what the landscape looked like centuries ago. Towering bald cypress trees, some over 500 years old, rise from the dark, nutrient-rich waters, their knees protruding from the mud like jagged sculptures. It is a biodiversity hotspot, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an International Dark Sky Park.
The park is often called the “Redwoods of the East” because of the sheer size of its trees. Loblolly pines here pierce the canopy, reaching record-breaking heights, while the forest floor teems with life, from river otters and bobcats to the elusive wild boar. Whether you are paddling the tea-colored waters of Cedar Creek or walking the accessible boardwalks, Congaree immerses you in a wilderness that feels both prehistoric and peacefully alive.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Champion Trees of the South
What truly sets Congaree apart is the scale of its flora. The park preserves a floodplain forest that was saved from logging in the late 1960s by a grassroots campaign led by Harry Hampton. Because of this preservation, Congaree is home to several state and national “champion” trees, the largest of their species. The canopy height here is taller than any other deciduous forest in the temperate world, creating a cathedral-like effect that leaves visitors humbled.
Culturally, the park has deep roots. Long before it was a park, the Congaree people lived on this land, and later, the dense forests served as a refuge for people escaping enslavement, known as Maroons. You can still see cattle mounds, man-made earthen hills used by early settlers to keep livestock dry during floods, scattered along the trails, silent witnesses to the history of human adaptation in this watery landscape.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Kayak Cedar Creek
Paddle through a dark, enchanting wilderness winding through ancient hardwoods; rentals available from outfitters in Columbia.
Walk the Boardwalk Loop
An elevated 2.4-mile accessible path that takes you through the diverse forest floor without getting your feet wet.
Synchronized Firefly Viewing
Witness thousands of Photinus carolinus fireflies flashing in unison, a rare phenomenon occurring only for a few weeks in late spring.
Big Tree Hike
Venture off the boardwalk on the Weston Lake Loop to find some of the tallest Loblolly Pines and Champion trees in the nation.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Boardwalk Loop - This is the park’s centerpiece, a 2.4-mile elevated wooden path that is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. It loops through different forest environments, offering the best views of the cypress and tupelo trees without getting muddy. (0 mi from Visitor Center, Free)
Cedar Creek - The park’s primary waterway, this creek winds through the old-growth forest and offers a spectacular 15-mile marked canoe trail. It is the best way to see the park’s wildlife up close. (2 mi from Visitor Center, Free launch, rentals ~$60)
Harry Hampton Visitor Center - An essential stop for checking water levels (which dictate trail accessibility), viewing the “Mosquito Meter,” and watching the introductory film about the park’s ecology. (Park Entrance, Free)
Wise Lake - Located off the Weston Lake Loop, this is arguably the most photogenic spot in the park. It is an old oxbow lake where the water is still and creates perfect mirror reflections of the ancient trees. (1.5 mi hike from Visitor Center, Free)
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Congaree is straightforward, as it sits just 30 minutes southeast of Columbia, South Carolina. A car is essential, as there is no public transportation to the park. Once you arrive, admission is entirely free. If you plan to kayak, you must either bring your own gear or arrange a rental/shuttle with a private outfitter in Columbia before driving to the park, as there are no concessions on-site.
When packing, preparation is key. The floodplain environment means conditions change rapidly. In summer, the heat index can soar above 100°F, and the mosquitos are legendary; long sleeves, pants, and high-concentration DEET are mandatory. In winter and spring, flooding is common. Always check the park’s official website for the current flood stage, if the river reaches 10 feet, many trails will be underwater.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Spring (Late April - May) & Fall (October - November)
Pros
- Synchronized fireflies event in May
- Ideal hiking temperatures
- Vibrant fall foliage
- Bird migration activity
Cons
- Spring crowds can be heavy
- Campsites fill up quickly
- Mosquitos begin to emerge in late spring
- Firefly viewing requires lottery tickets
Shoulder Season: Winter (December - February)
Pros
- No mosquitos or bugs
- Great visibility through the trees
- Flooding allows unique off-trail paddling
- Very few crowds
Cons
- Many hiking trails may be flooded/inaccessible
- Chilly nights for camping
- Trees are bare
- Short daylight hours
Off-Peak: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Park is very quiet with few visitors
- Lush green canopy
- Good for early morning paddling
- Easiest campsite availability
Cons
- Oppressive heat and humidity
- Severe mosquito activity
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- Risk of heat exhaustion
Congaree National Park is a testament to the resilience of nature. Whether you catch the magical synchronized fireflies in May or paddle silently through the silver mist of a winter morning, this park offers a solitude that is hard to find elsewhere on the East Coast. It is a wet, wild, and wonderful world waiting to be explored.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Congaree & Columbia Weekend
A balanced mix of easy hiking, boardwalk exploration, and enjoying local Southern cuisine nearby.
Day 1: The Boardwalks and Big Trees
- Morning: Start your trip at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Free admission) to grab a map and check trail conditions. Walk the complete 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, which takes about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, observing the massive Cypress knees and Dorovan muck.
- Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch to eat at the covered shelter near the parking lot, then hike the Weston Lake Loop (4.4 miles roundtrip). This trail takes you deeper into the old-growth forest to see calm oxbow lakes and likely river otters or turtles.
- Evening: Drive 20 minutes toward Columbia to eat at Mr. Bunky’s Market ($15-$20/person), a local institution serving fried chicken and sweet tea. Check into a hotel in the Cayce/West Columbia area for the night.
Day 2: River Views and Southern History
- Morning: Return to the park early to hike the Bates Ferry Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip), an old colonial road leading to the Congaree River. This is a quiet, flat trail perfect for spotting deer and wild feral hogs in the distance.
- Afternoon: Drive into downtown Columbia (30 mins) to walk the Riverwalk Park along the Congaree River or visit the South Carolina State Museum ($13/person) for regional history. Grab a late lunch at The War Mouth ($25/person) for elevated Southern camp cooking.
- Evening: Wrap up your trip with a casual walk across the Gervais Street Bridge at sunset. Enjoy a final dinner at Terra ($40-$60/person) in West Columbia for a farm-to-table experience featuring local SC ingredients.
The Backcountry Paddler's Adventure
An adventurous itinerary focused on canoeing Cedar Creek and camping within the park boundaries.
Day 1: Setting up Camp
- Morning: Arrive at Congaree National Park and set up your tent at the Longleaf Campground ($10/night reservation fee). Walk to the Visitor Center to secure a backcountry permit if you plan to venture off-trail later.
- Afternoon: Take the Sims Trail to the Boardwalk connector (3 miles total) to get oriented with the landscape. Keep an eye out for Pileated Woodpeckers and Barred Owls in the canopy.
- Evening: Cook dinner at your campsite (campfires allowed only in designated rings). Enjoy the incredible stargazing, as the park has very little light pollution compared to nearby cities.
Day 2: The Cedar Creek Canoe Run
- Morning: Meet your rental outfitter at the Cedar Creek Canoe Launch (approx. $50-$80 for a day rental). Begin paddling downstream through the mesmerizing tunnel of trees.
- Afternoon: Continue paddling toward the Congaree River connection if water levels permit, or paddle upstream toward Wise Lake for stillness. Eat a packed lunch in your canoe while drifting; watch for alligators sunning on the banks (they are generally shy).
- Evening: Return the canoe and head back to camp. Drive 15 minutes out to J.D.’s approach to grab supplies if needed, or simply relax at the campsite listening to the chorus of frogs.
Day 3: Deep Forest Hiking
- Morning: Pack up camp early and drive to the trailhead for the Kings Snake Trail (11.7 miles roundtrip, challenging). This trail is for serious hikers and goes through remote sections of the park with prime birdwatching opportunities.
- Afternoon: If the full Kings Snake is too much, cut it short after 3-4 miles and turn back. Stop at the bluff overlooking the creek one last time.
- Evening: Exit the park and stop at Doc’s BBQ ($18/person) in Columbia for a massive buffet of pulled pork and hash before heading home or to the airport.
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