Boardwalk Construction Updates

The Boardwalk Loop Trail has long been an iconic feature of the park, with the first sections built in the 1980’s and over the following decades it has been expanded and updated to become what visitors experience today. The dynamic nature of the floodplain landscape means that the park experiences, on average, 10 flood events per year. The boardwalk is regularly subjected to harsh conditions, particularly the low sections, which are often submerged during even minor flooding events. Over time this has resulted in areas becoming uneven, unstable, and requiring ever-increasing repairs.

Upon completion of this project, three-quarters of the Boardwalk Trail will be elevated and above the average water levels the park regularly sees during flood events, meaning greater access to experience and see what makes the park such a dynamic place. An additional overlook at the eastern end of Weston Lake will provide visitors a different vantage point of this oxbow lake and wildlife like turtles, alligators, and wading birds that live there.

The Boardwalk Construction project is underway, with projected completion in the summer of 2026. During this project, sections of the boardwalk trail will be closed on a rolling basis, with detours to access park trails in place. Find out which sections are currently closed below.

Updated: June 28, 2025

A portion of the Elevated Boardwalk remains closed for repairs. The Weston Lake Overlook is accessible.

Please use caution accessing Weston Lake Trail from the Boardwalk, as there is a step down onto the trail at this time. A ramp will be constructed there in the near future.

 
Boardwalk Tour Points Identified on Map; Closed Section of Boardwalk highlighted
Section currently closed highlighted in red
Please see the map of the Boardwalk shown here, with the closed section highlighted.
 

Things to Know

It is always important to check current Alerts and Conditons prior to your visit. The Alerts and Conditions are where you will see if the park is flooded or if any facilties are closed. If planning a longer hike, also check out the Trail Information page. Note that this page may not be updated in the event of a flood.

Last updated: June 28, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061

Phone:

803 776-4396

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