Congaree National Park in South Carolina offers a range of hikes from 0.6 mile (0.97 kilometer) to over 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) roundtrip, with varying degrees of difficulty. There are even water trails you can canoe or kayak, including the 50-mile (80.5-kilometer) Congaree River Blue Trail extending from the state capital of Columbia, downstream to the national park.
Hiking trail map, Congaree National Park / NPS file
Hiking
Walking along a trail in Congaree National Park / NPS-JT Fineart
The park lists trails as Easy, Moderate, or Difficult. Below is a quick rundown of each trail. The numbers in parentheses will help you find them on the map above. You can also download and print out a PDF version of the trail guide which includes the map.
Easy Trails
Boardwalk Trail
Distance roundtrip: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers)
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, this trail takes you into the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest where you will see a variety of trees including loblolly pine, oak, maple, and holly. Pick up the Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure at the Visitor Center before beginning your walk to learn more about the natural and cultural history of Congaree.
Traveler’s Note: Some sections are currently closed for construction. Those wishing to make a loop must use the Sims Trail
Bluff Trail (#1)
Distance roundtrip: 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers)
This upland trail loops north of the Visitor Center and connects to the elevated boardwalk for a short distance. The Bluff Trail passes through a young forest of loblolly and longleaf pines. Evidence of prescribed burns can be found along this trail.
Sims Trail (#2)
Distance roundtrip: 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers)
The Sims Trail follows an old gravel road and runs from the Bluff Trail on its northern end to Cedar Creek at its southern end, crossing the boardwalk twice. The clearing at the intersection with the Weston Lake Trail was the site of a hunt club where Harry Hampton was once a member.
Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
Distance roundtrip: 2.2 miles (3.54 kilometers)
Starting from Route 601 in the eastern section of the park, this trail follows a 1920's ferry road south to the Congaree and is a remnant of the areas rich history, which includes colonial era ferries which once crossed near here. While at the river, please be aware that the bank is steep and could potentially be slippery. It is best to stay on the marked path, as old side trails are neither cleared nor marked.
Longleaf Trail (#8)
Distance one-way: 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers)
This trail connects Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the Boardwalk, and other trails.
Firefly Trail (#10)
Distance roundtrip: 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers)
Visitors are treated to a magical light show produced by synchronous fireflies along this trail in late spring.
Moderate Trails
Weston Lake Trail (#3)
Distance roundtrip: 4.5 miles (7.24 kilometers)
Note: At this time, the Weston Lake Trail is not a loop due to boardwalk closure at Weston Lake overlook. This trail provides great views of Cedar Creek where otters and wading birds are regularly observed. The eastern portion of this trail follows a cypress -tupelo slough (dried up river bed) where many cypress knees can be seen sticking up out of the water.
Fork Swamp Trail (#9)
Distance roundtrip: 0.6 mile (0.97 kilometer)
This trail runs alongside the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852.
Difficult Trails
Oakridge Trail (#4)
Distance roundtrip: 7.1 miles (11.43 kilometers)
Passing through a rich stretch of old-growth forest, this trail traverses a subtle ridge where a variety of large oak trees grow. The number of low-lying sloughs makes this trail great for viewing wildlife like deer and wild turkey.
River Trail (#5)
Distance roundtrip: 11.1 miles (17.86 kilometers)
This trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. Much of the forest along the river was logged prior to the park's establishment and vegetation here is noticeably denser than that of other trails.
Kingsnake Trail (#6)
Distance roundtrip: 12 miles (19.3 kilometers)
The Kingsnake Trail is a favorite trail for birders because of the diverse vegetation and proximity to Cedar Creek. When sloughs are full of water, beautiful views are possible around every bend.
Traveler’s Note: All trails except the elevated portion of the Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly, and Longleaf are subject to periodic flooding, so it’s a good idea to check the park’s current conditions regarding alerts and trail closures prior to setting out on a hike.
Paddling
Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a popular on your own, with a group, or with a guide, Congaree National Park / NPS file
If you feel like exploring Congaree National Park from a different perspective, think about paddling the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, a 15-mile (24.1-kilometer) water route through the Congaree Wilderness, starting at Bannister's Bridge and going all the way to the Congaree River.
Don’t have a canoe or kayak? While the park itself does not rent any paddling equipment, you can rent from several professional outfitters in the city of Columbia, or even let someone else do the planning for you by taking a guided paddling tour. Below is a list of outfitters commercially authorized to offer guided tours in the park and to drop off equipment in the park.
For a real exploration of both Congaree National Park and the Congaree River, there’s the 50-mile (80.5-kilometer) Congaree River Blue Trail, a water trail starting out as an urban adventure exploring the state capital of Columbia and flowing down into the park. You can view, download, and print out a map and guide to help you plan a trip.
Check out the park’s Trip Idea page for suggestions on where to put in as well as distances and descriptions.
Before setting out on any canoe adventure in the park, you should take a look at the park’s Canoe Trail page for information and links to the park’s two river gauges and a water level chart for Cedar Creek.
If you are planning a multi-day hiking/canoe/kayak trip from which to explore Congaree’s wilderness, you must request a free permit at least 72-hours in advance to guarantee time to process the permit application by emailing [email protected].
