News Release

Congaree National Park Is Modifying Operations to Implement Local Health Guidance

Date: March 26, 2020
Contact: Greg Cunningham

 

Hopkins, SC - Congaree National Park in response to guidance from local and state officials as well as the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of 8:00 AM on March 27, 2020, Congaree National Park will offer no services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At Congaree National Park, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with the local and state health guidance:
 

• The park's frontcountry areas are closed until further notice, which includes the entrance road (National Park Road), the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and all adjacent parking lots, campgrounds, restrooms, and the following trails: Boardwalk, Bluff Trail, Longleaf Trail, and Sims Trail.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Congaree National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website, www.nps.gov/cong, and social media channels.

Outdoor spaces in Congaree National Park's backcountry remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state and local health guidance. 
 

• The park's backcountry areas remain open, including the following trails: Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, Kingsnake, Oakridge, River, Weston Lake Loop, Bates Ferry, and Fork Swamp. Visitors wanting to come to the park are encouraged to email e-mail us for guidance about how to access the park's backcountry. 

The NPS encourages people who choose to visit Congaree National Park during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.