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  • Basic Information
    • Current Conditions

Current Conditions

Alerts

Information

• Driving Directions to the Park

  Alert 1 , Severity ,information ,, Driving Directions to the Park Please be aware that there are few directional signs to the park on local roads & highways & GPS units are often in error. We highly recommend following the driving directions on this website (click "more" to go directly to the directions page).
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• Hunting Activity Near Park

  Alert 2 , Severity ,information ,, Hunting Activity Near Park Visitors should be aware that it is hunting season in South Carolina. Although hunting is not allowed in the park, it is common to see hunters along roadways adjacent to the park and to hear gunfire in nearby areas.

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Seasonal flooding often covers the park's trails.

NPS Photo

 

Much of Congaree National Park lies within the floodplain of the Congaree River. This dynamic environment is subject to periodic flooding which occurs approximately ten times each year. With almost 80% of the park lying within the floodplain, these floods make the backcountry trails and even parts of the boardwalk inaccessible to visitors.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains two flood gauges in or near the park. The Cedar Creek and Congaree River gauges are available online and updated hourly for you to check current water levels. Flooding is most common during the winter months, but can happen at any time of the year. Flood stage for Cedar Creek is set at 8 feet, and for the Congaree River at 15 feet. Low lying areas of the park can begin to flood even if the creek or river have not yet reached flood stage. For questions or to check on current water levels or trail conditions, please call our information desk at [phone].