Welcome to Congaree National Park, a hidden gem in the heart of South Carolina. This park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a natural wonderland.
Immerse Yourself in a Primeval Forest:
Congaree National Park is renowned for its towering trees, diverse plant life, and tranquil atmosphere. The park's unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Activities and Exploration:
Congaree National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, allowing them to experience the park's natural wonders in different ways.
Visitor Center and Facilities:
Congaree National Park offers visitor facilities to enhance your experience and provide information about the park's natural and cultural history.
Plan Your Visit:
Congaree National Park is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. Before your visit, it's essential to check the park's website for current conditions, including trail closures, weather forecasts, and any potential safety advisories.
Discover the Wonders of Congaree:
Congaree National Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of South Carolina. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a deeper understanding of the natural world, this park has something to offer everyone.
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Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Dogs allowed
Congaree National Park is a must-visit destination, offering a peaceful escape into nature that’s perfect for families. The Boardwalk Loop is a highlight, providing an easy and accessible path through the stunning floodplain forest. It’s ideal for kids, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the towering trees up close. Visiting in winter is especially rewarding, as the cooler weather makes for a comfortable walk, and the leafless trees reveal even more of the park’s unique beauty. With fewer bugs and a quieter atmosphere, it’s a serene retreat that’s worth exploring no matter the season.
We had a great experience at the National Park. Very easy to get to by car just outside of Columbia. A very nice visitor center with super friendly and helpful staff is located at the start of the Boardwalk trail which I highly recommend as a start to your visit. It's elevated and easy to walk in most conditions and gives you great views of many aspects of the park. You can also branch off and try several relatively easy trails. While you don't get much elevation change the mud and humidity can tire you out so plan accordingly. Wildlife is everywhere especially beautiful spiders, deer turtles and birds. The Bald cypress trees are the star of the park and get the photos they are rightly icons, but I think the loblolly pines are great as well. You can find several majestic specimens towering over everything else in the area. Do plan ahead when visiting the park as your enjoyment of the trails can be greatly affected by the weather. This is a swamp so there is frequent flooding and mud. Finally the mosquito is a terror. Bug spray is helpful but consider a mosquito net for your hat and wear sleeves and jeans especially in early summer when they seem to be at their worst.
Awesome stop for New Years hike in the woods. Many options of trails and degrees of difficulty from a boardwalk to natural paths and canoeing! Something for everyone to appreciate God’s beauty!
Great place to explore the outdoors. The raised boardwalk was really cool to walk on & keep you out of the muck. A variety of trails to choose from
It's a very nice park. It's small, but there's plenty to do. I definitely recommend Boardwalk Trail. I went for an early morning hike and it’s beautiful. Very peaceful, you can hear birds - I have seen a lot of woodpeckers.