Congaree National Park Introduce
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.
- Old-Growth Forest: Explore the majestic old-growth forest, featuring towering trees such as bald cypress, water tupelo, and loblolly pine. Some of these trees are among the tallest in the eastern United States.
- Biodiversity: Discover a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including over 80 tree species, 170 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find serenity in the peaceful atmosphere of the Congaree forest.
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.
- Hiking: Explore the park's network of trails, ranging from easy boardwalk strolls to more challenging backcountry hikes. Discover hidden gems and scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at the park's primitive campground, offering a unique opportunity to experience the forest at night.
- Bird Watching: Observe a diverse array of bird species, including barred owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds. The park is a birdwatcher's paradise.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle along the Congaree River and its tributaries, offering a unique perspective of the forest and its wildlife.
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.
- Visitor Center: Start your visit at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational opportunities.
- Boardwalk: Explore a 2.4-mile boardwalk that winds through the old-growth forest, providing easy access to the park's most iconic features.
- Restrooms and Picnic Areas: The park offers restrooms and picnic areas for the convenience of visitors.
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.
- Address: South Carolina, USA
- Phone: (803) 776-4396
- Mobile Phone: +1 803-776-4396
- Website:
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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Location
Customer Reviews
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.
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