Congaree National Park - Hiking (U.S. National Park Service)

Congaree National Park Trail Map

Boardwalks (pets not allowed)
Length: 2.4 miles
Time: 1.2 hours

Elevated

Raised nearly 6 feet above the forest floor, the Elevated Boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. The Elevated Boardwalk ends at Weston Lake, an old channel of the Congaree River.

Low

The Low Boardwalk passes through a primeval bald cypress and water tupelo forest. Cypress "knees" protrude from the forest floor creating a mystical aura. The knees, part of the tree's root system, are thought to help aerate the roots and to help anchor the cypress in the area's wet soil.

Bluff Trail
Length: 0.7 miles
Time: 0.4 hours
Blaze Color: Blue

Bluff trail provides access to the elevated boardwalk and the campground. The "bluff" is a small rise on the edge of the floodplain. This trail passes through a young plantation forest of loblolly pines.

Weston Lake Loop Trail
Length: 4.6 miles
Time: 2.3 hours
Blaze Color: Yellow

Following a cypress-tupelo slough, this loop traverses an old-growth forest. As you walk along the northern bank of Cedar Creek, wildlife, such as river otters, can be spotted playing in the creek's dark waters.

NPS Photo

Giant Bald Cypress

Oakridge Trail

Length: 7.5 miles
Time: 3.8 hours
Blaze Color: Red

The Oakridge trail passes through a rich stretch of old-growth forest and is a good choice for those in search of a moderate hike. Along the way, the trail crosses a number of "guts" or small creeks that carry floodwaters into and out of the park. Large oaks abound!

King Snake Trail
Length: 11.1 miles
Time: 5.6 hours
Blaze Color: Orange

The King Snake Trail explores a remote part of Congaree. The trail offers excellent birdwatching, and hikers may spot deer, raccoons, opossums, and even bobcat tracks. Midway, the trail passes a large cypress-tupelo slough that seems to go on forever. On the other side of the trail, giant cherrybark oaks stand at near-record size.

River Trail
Length: 10.4 miles
Time: 5.2 hours
Blaze Color: White

This trail takes you to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the area's great natural diversity. About ten times a year, floodwaters from the river cover the park. Because much of the forest along the River Trail was logged prior to the park's establishment, the vegetation here gives you a view of a forest in successional stages.