The 6 Best Hikes in Congaree National Park
Hey there, fellow hikers! Have you ever heard of Congaree National Park? If not, you’re not the only one! I recently discovered this hidden gem in South Carolina awhile back and it is one of the most unique ecosystems in the area.
According to the National Park Service, Congaree is one of the oldest and largest bottomland hardwood forests in the United States. And it is home to some of the tallest trees in the Eastern United States. We’re talking about trees that can reach heights of over 160 feet!
In this post, I’m going to share with you some of the best hikes in Congaree National Park. With over 25 miles of hiking trails, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, I promise there’s a trail here for you.
Best Hikes in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park as I mentioned earlier, is home to the largest intact old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US. It features a unique ecosystem with abundance of bald cypress and loblolly pine trees, some possibly over 500 years old.
The park has various wildlife 200 species of birds, flying squirrels, reptiles, alligators, wild boars, and synchronous fireflies. The best way to explore the diverse wildlife and interesting forest is through these best hikes in Congaree National Park or the waterways.
- Boardwalk Loop Trail
- Weston Loop Trail
- Oakridge Trail
- Bluff Trail
- Kingsnake Trail
- Bates Ferry Trail to General Greene Tree
Boardwalk Loop Trail
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 13ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
The Boardwalk loop was one of the best hikes in Congaree National Park. If we had to choose only one trail to do this would be in the number one stop. This trail starts off at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and makes a loop through the heart of Congaree National Park. It’s one of the best trails as it takes you up from ground level, so even when it floods a good portion of this trail will still be accessible.
One of the best parts about this trail is the elevated boardwalk, which provides scenic views and ensures accessibility for all visitors. It is accessible for everyone and super family friendly for kids and individuals with disabilities.
If you have kids with you, then try and opt for the self-guided tour that goes with the Boardwalk Trail. This is a pretty neat thing as it explains natural sites like Weston Lake, different types of trees, and also historical sites.
Weston Lake Loop Trail
- Length: 4.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 16ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
Another great hike in Congaree. The Weston Loop is a trail that branches off of the Boardwalk Loop and takes you further into the bottomland forest. Follow the signs for Weston Lake and then you’ll start to head into some of the older cypress growth.
The trail continues to wind through bald cypress and Tupelo trees and begins to parallel Cedar Creek eventually taking you back to the Boardwalk trail. I would encourage you to take the Wise Lake extension which is right off the Weston Lake Loop Trail. There you will see probably the best lake view in the park.
Oakridge Trail
- Length: 6.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 19ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
A fairly easy hiking route that branches off the Boardwalk and Bluff trails, this trail makes a larger loop towards the southern portion of the park past the Weston trail. It is a little quieter as it takes you deeper into the forest. Making it a more popular trail for wildlife watching. This trail is best completed during the summer when water levels are lower.
Bluff Trail
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 19 ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
A short, nice trail that is nicely shaded by a canopy of loblolly pines. This trail is a good choice especially if you plan on camping in Congaree as it passes by both of the campgrounds in the park. Also, it makes a great alternative hike during times of high-water flow due to this hike being on a slightly higher elevation.
Kingsnake Trail
- Length: 7.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 22 ft
- Route Type: out and back
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
Rated as a difficult hike by the park this trail is also the longest going for 12 miles round trip, out and back trail. The trail is somewhat narrow, but it goes a little deeper in the forest leading to some of the most remote parts of the park. It’s a great trail for birdwatching and intersects with the Weston Lake or the Oakridge giving options to add on. Another moderately difficult pathway in the park is the river trail, which leads to the Congaree River and offers unique scenery and wildlife.
Make sure to check in with the visitor center to see if this trail has been closed. Doing the full out and back frankly can make this trail a little boring. If you have other people with you I recommend leaving a car at the other end or taking a shuttle back so you can just go one way for 6 miles.
Bates Ferry Trail to General Greene Tree
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 6 ft
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Dogs Allowed: yes, must be kept on a leash.
The Bates Ferry trail is located in the eastern and older section of the park. You’ll take a 19th century colonial road that was once the route to a ferry across the river. This hike can be a little wet but overall, pretty manageable. I would talk to one of the rangers at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center for conditions and bring water resistant boots or shoes.
If you do this hike in the summer, it should be drier. When doing this trail, I recommend making a pit stop to the General Green Tree to make it worth your while. The General Greene Tree is the largest bald cypress tree with a whopping 30ft circumference. It is said to possibly be hundreds of years old!
Tips for Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit to Congaree National Park, keep these tips and reminders in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Check the Park’s Website: Always check the park’s website for up-to-date information on trail closures, weather conditions, and other important alerts. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth visit.
- Bring Essentials: Services within the park can be limited, so it’s crucial to bring plenty of water, bug, and sun protection. The park’s environment can be challenging, and staying hydrated and protected from bugs and sun is essential.
- Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather in Congaree can be unpredictable, with heat, humidity, and rain all possible. Bring appropriate clothing and gear to handle changing conditions.
- Navigation Tools: Bring a map and compass or GPS device, as cell phone reception may be limited in the park.
- Follow Park Rules and Regulations: Adhere to all park rules and regulations, including those related to camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
- America the Beautiful Pass: Thankfully, Congaree is one of the few free National Parks. But, if you plan on visiting multiple national parks, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass. This pass grants you free entry to all national parks for one year, saving you money and making your visits more convenient. Be sure to visit my other favorite parks Glacier National Park and Arches National Park for more great hikes.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore and enjoy the natural wonders of Congaree National Park.
Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park
There are different advantages and disadvantages to the time you go to Congaree. To experience the best hikes in Congaree National Park you will probably want to go late spring or early fall. This is because those are the times when water levels are lower, less bugs are around, and crowds are usually fewer.
Spring: This is one of the best times to go to Congaree. The temperatures are mild, bugs are not too bad yet, and the water levels are down trending.
Summer: This time of the year isn’t really the best. There are more crowds, hotter temperatures, and a lot more mosquitoes. The one bonus is that the water levels are usually very low compared to winter and most of the trails should be cleared.
Fall: Similar to Spring, temperatures are fair, and the water levels are still down. Though towards late fall water levels are up trending. The bugs in crowds are not as bad.
Winter: Probably the worst time to go to Congaree due to flooding. During the winter there are less bugs and people. But the trails tend not to be very accessible and limited pending flooding.
Transportation for Congaree National Park
Overall, transportation is fairly easy to get to Congaree National Park. The closest biggest city to the park is Columbia which makes it easier to set up vehicles and other accommodations. Such as lodging and dining.
How to Get There
The closest airport is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport which is about 30 minutes from the park. Charleston International Airport is about 2 hours away from Congaree National Park. The closest airport is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport which is about 30 minutes from the park. Charleston International Airport is about 2 hours away from Congaree National Park.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around is by vehicle using either your own or a rental. There are plenty of great online sources for rental cars and if you’re wanting to rent a RV or camper van check out RVshare for a good selection.
Where to Stay
If camping is not your thing. Then you are still in luck as Columbia is only about 30 minutes away. Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and offers quite a bit when it comes to hotels, other lodging, and restaurants.
Camping In Congaree National Park
For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Congaree National Park, camping is a fantastic option. The park offers two main campgrounds: Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground. Both campgrounds are primitive, meaning they do not have hookups or showers, but they do provide restrooms and potable water.
Longleaf Campground features 20 individual sites and 4 group sites, making it a great choice for both solo campers and larger groups.
Bluff Campground is smaller, with 6 individual sites, offering a more intimate camping experience.
Reservations for both campgrounds can be made through recreation.gov and both usually run about $10-15 per night.
For the more adventurous, backcountry camping is also available in Congaree National Park. To camp in the backcountry, visitors must obtain a permit from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. This option allows campers to experience the park’s wilderness areas more deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trail at Congaree National Park? The best trail we performed in Congaree is the Boardwalk Loop Trail. It is in the heart of the trail and provides multiple options as it connects to many other trails in the park. It is the most accessible trail in the park.
What not to miss in Congaree National Park? We highly recommend completing the Boardwalk Loop and Weston loop trails. Stopping to see Wise Lake and the General Greene Tree on the Bates Ferry trail.
Is Congaree National Park worth visiting? Congaree is worth visiting and experiencing its unique beauty. To experience the highlights of the park you do not need more than a day.
Are there alligators at Congaree National Park? Yes, alligators can be found in Congaree National Park. But they tend to be a little more uncommon compared to many other reptiles in the park.
Summary of Best Hikes in Congaree National Park
- Boardwalk Loop Trail
- Weston Loop Trail
- Oakridge Trail
- Bluff Trail
- Kingsnake Trail
- Bates Ferry Trail to General Greene Tree
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about checking out Congaree, use this list to check out the best hikes in Congaree National Park. If you do one thing, be sure to check out the Boardwalk loop during your visit and many other hikes on this list. Feel free to leave a comment or question down below. If you think someone might like this, be sure to share it!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 14, 2023, and updated on September 13, 2024
