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Congaree National ParkIt's a tight fit!
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Congaree National Park
Canoe Trail Information
Tree down over Cedar Creek
NPS Photo
Fallen Tree on Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek is part of a dynamic floodplain wilderness area with floods and weather contributing to tree downfalls and log jams. The creek is cleared when resources (such as availability of park staff and volunteers and favorable weather conditions) are available but the park can not make any guarantees that the canoe trail will be clear at all times. Park staff invites you to report your canoeing/kayaking experiences so we can pass on up-to-date conditions to other paddlers.

Changing water levels may make paddling difficult. Occasionally, floodwaters from the Congaree River cover the park with a sheet of fast-moving water. Paddling upstream and following the marked canoe trail may be challenging during flooding events. Water levels can fluctuate by more than 10 feet. Canoe trail markers may be underwater and the trail may be indistinguishable from the rest of the floodplain. When water levels are very low or after significant flooding occurs, fallen trees may impede smooth travel, forcing canoeists to portage.

Before paddling, it is advisable to call the visitor center (803-776-4396) to ask about current conditions.

Links

USGS Real-Time Water Data for Cedar Creek

USGS Real-Time Water Data for the Congaree River

Construction on the Harry Hampton Visitor Center  

Did You Know?
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the first national park visitor center built in partnership with Army and Air Force National Guard civil engineering units, the South Carolina Richland County Delegation, Richland County and Columbia’s River Alliance.

Last Updated: November 27, 2006 at 15:18 EST