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South Cedar Creek Canoe Launch Closed Sporadically in June
The South Cedar Creek Canoe Launch will be closed sporadically beginning June 17 to prepare the area for an upcoming parking area expansion project. Paddlers may access the creek from Bannister Bridge during closures. Please all ahead for closure info. More »
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Elevated Boardwalk Section Closed
A portion of the elevated boardwalk is closed for repairs due to damage from a tree falling. Visitors can still access the boardwalk, see a park ranger for current information and hiking recommendations.
Hiking
Congaree National Park Trail Map
Boardwalk Elevated Raised nearly 6 feet above the forest floor, the elevated portion of the boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. 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. Dogs are allowed on all trails including the Boardwalk. Dogs must be kept on a leash and attended at all times. Please pick up after your pet. Bluff Trail 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 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. 
Giant Bald Cypress NPS Photo Oakridge Trail Length: 7.5 miles 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 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 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. |
Did You Know?
Many trees in the park have Spanish moss growing on them. Spanish moss absorbs water and food from the air and is in the same family as the pineapple.