|
Congaree National Park
|
This is the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent. Experience national and state champion trees, towering to record size amidst astonishing biodiversity. Walk, paddle or just relax within this dynamic floodplain ecosystem. Beauty and tranquility reign supreme in the midst of this natural treasure.
|
 |
The Basics |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| Hours: |
Congaree National Park is open every day except for Christmas day (December 25th) The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.
During daylight savings time (DST), the Harry Hampton Visitor Center will be open until 7:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You are always welcome to park in our after hours parking lot and walk the park trails before or after hours. (Note: This is also where you will need to park if you are camping.) |
| Address: |
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
|
| Phone: |
803-776-4396 |
| Phone: |
803-776-4396 |
| Fax: |
803-783-4241 |
Click here for a full-sized map of Congaree National Park
|
Directions |
|
|
|
Congaree National Park is located about 20 miles from downtown Columbia, South Carolina in the Hopkins / Gadsden community. Directions to the park are as follows: From Spartanburg (Approx. 115 miles)
Follow Interstate 26 East (towards Charleston) to Exit 116. At Exit 116, turn onto Interstate 77 North towards Charlotte (LEFT EXIT). Continue on Interstate 77 for approximately five miles to Exit 5. Follow directions below from I 77, Exit 5. From Charleston (Approx. 114 miles)
Follow Interstate 26 West (towards Spartanburg) to Exit 116. Turn onto Interstate 77 North towards Charlotte. Continue on Interstate 77 for approximately five miles to exit 5. Follow directions below from I 77, Exit 5. From Charlotte (Approx. 110 miles)
Take Interstate 77 South for approximately 95 miles to Exit 5. Follow directions below from I 77, Exit 5. From Interstate 77, Exit 5
At Exit 5 turn off onto SC Hwy 48 East (Bluff Rd.), following the brown and white Congaree National Park directional signs. Travel southeast approximately fourteen miles on SC Hwy 48 (Bluff Rd.) toward Gadsden and turn right onto Mt. View Rd. Follow Mt. View Rd. for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Old Bluff Rd. and travel 0.6 miles. At the large park entrance sign, turn left onto the park entrance road and proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right. From St. Matthews / Hwy 601
Follow Hwy 601 North to the intersection with Bluff Road (SC Hwy 48). Turn left onto Bluff Road. Follow Bluff Road for 11 miles, until you see the brown and white Congaree National Park directional sign. Immediately after the sign, turn left onto Mt. View Road. Follow Mt. View Rd. for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Old Bluff Rd. and travel 0.6 miles. At the large park entrance sign, turn left onto the park entrance road and proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Parking lots will be on the right.
|
|
Climate |
|
| |
Cool in the winter, hot in the summer, and moderate in the spring and fall.
|
Link to our Columbia Weather coverage for more information.
|
Fees |
|
|
Reservations |
|
| |
Reservations are required for the Guided Canoe Tours and Owl Prowls
|
|
Things To Do |
|
| |
Congaree National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting amidst giant hardwoods and towering pines. Activities at Congaree National Park include hiking, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicing, canoeing & kayaking, Ranger guided interpretive walks and canoe tours, nature study, and environmental education programs.
|
|
Outdoor Camping |
|
| |
After Hours Campsite
Open All Year
Designated group camping area with porta-johns, fire rings with grills, and picnic tables. Camp area is large enough for several large groups. Obtain a free camping permit and list of regulations at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center prior to camping. Backcountry Camping
Open All Year
Camp in wilderness area of park at least 100 feet away from backcountry trails and water and 500 feet away from visitor center and boardwalk. Camping is primitive style with no facilities. Obtain a free camping permit and list of regulations at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Bluff Campsite
Open All Year
Designated group camping area. Site has fire rings and picnic tables and is large enough for several large groups. Camping is primitive style with no facilities. Obtain a free camping permit and list of regulations at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
|
Link to our Columbia Camping coverage for more information.
|
Hiking |
|
| |
Boardwalks
Length: 2.4 miles
Time: 1.2 hours
Elevated
Raised nearly 6 feet above the forest floor, the Elevated Boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. The Elevated Boardwalk ends at Weston Lake, an old channel of the Congaree River.
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.
Bluff Trail
Length: 0.7 miles
Time: 0.4 hours
Blaze Color: Blue
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
Length: 4.6 miles
Time: 2.3 hours
Blaze Color: Yellow
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.
Oakridge Trail
Length: 7.5 miles
Time: 3.8 hours
Blaze Color: Red
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
Length: 11.1 miles
Time: 5.6 hours
Blaze Color: Orange
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
Time: 5.2 hours
Blaze Color: White
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.
|
Link to our Columbia Hiking coverage for more information.
|
Outdoor Boating and Fishing |
|
| |
Canoeing and Kayaking Traveling by canoe or kayak is a great way to enjoy this primeval wilderness while floating past some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Paddling is also a thrilling way to encounter the diverse wildlife of the park. Deer, river otters, turtles, snakes, raccoons, and wild pigs are a few of the animals that may be seen. Canoeing at Congaree is a BYOC (bring your own canoe) experience. The park does not rent or provide canoes or kayaks, but they can be rented from outfitters in Columbia. There is a marked canoe trail on Cedar Creek, the largest channel that flows through the floodplain. The Congaree River can also be paddled, but there is no vehicle access to the river within the park boundaries. Be aware of potential hazards such as poison ivy, mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, and snakes which inhabit the park in ample numbers. Bring insect repellent, a first-aid kit, life jackets, a compass, a map (available at the visitor center or on this website), and extra food and water. Remember to wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared to get muddy. A final caution: although marked, the Cedar Creek canoe trail may be hard to follow in places. When in doubt, keep a keen watch for the diamond-shaped markers. However, because of Wilderness designation regulations, canoe trail markers are limited. Fishing Regulations - Fishing is allowed within Congaree National Park with a valid South Carolina fishing license. All South Carolina laws pertaining to licensing, size, and creel limits apply.
- Violation of the below fishing regulations could result in fines and/or seizure of fishing equipment.
Fishing Areas- Fishing is permitted in all areas of the park except for Weston Lake (located at the end of the elevated boardwalk), due to visitor safety concerns.
- Use the service road, Not the boardwalks, for access to fishing areas.
Watercraft- Do not use boats propelled by inboard/outboard motors.
Bait- To avoid introducing new, nonnative and/or potentially diseased, species to the ecosystem, please do not use minnows, amphibians or fish eggs as bait.
- To preserve this natural environment for future generations, drugs, poisons, explosives, electrical devices or similar means in order to take or attract game and/or non-game fish are NOT allowed.
- To ensure the natural condition of the park, do not dig for bait or chum for fish.
- Game fish may be used to catch game fish but must be included in South Carolina regulated daily bag limit.
Equipment- Fish only with closely attended hook and line, fly rod, casting rod, pole and line or hand line.
- Cast nets for catching bait fish may be used.
General Rules- To preserve the quantity and biodiversity of the fish population, only recreational fishing is allowed. Catch and release sportsmanship is encouraged.
- Please return illegal or unwanted fish carefully and immediately to the water.
- Help maintain the natural beauty and health of the park by refraining from littering.
|
Link to our Columbia Boating and Fishing coverage for more information.
|
