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Current Conditions

Alerts

Information

• Lower Boardwalk Construction Information

  Alert 1 , Severity ,information ,, Lower Boardwalk Construction Information The park is currently replacing a section of the Boardwalk, requiring intermittent trail closures. Current Advisory: The southwest section of the Low Boardwalk (.3 miles) is CLOSED. The remainder of the boardwalk is open to hikers.

• Temporary Closure of Visitor Center on MONDAYS in June & July

  Alert 2 , Severity ,information ,, Temporary Closure of Visitor Center on MONDAYS in June & July The Harry Hampton Visitor Center will be closed every Monday in June & July (except July 3) so that necessary repairs can be made to the building & exhibits. Trail maps, brochures & other information will still be available outside the Visitor Center.

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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].