Page Updated: March 18, 2024
Congaree National Park
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Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park SC
Named for the Native American people that once called the swap home, Congaree National Park protects the largest southern old-growth bottomland forest in the country. Bald cypress, water tupelo, and the stoic loblolly pine name just a few of the many species of trees that fill the parks 26,000+ acres.
Fed by floods and fire, the dynamic wilderness of forested wetlands, oxbow lakes, and sloughs have been home to hundreds of species for thousands of years with archeological evidence supporting human habitation for more than 10, 000 years.
Congaree was designated as a National Monument in 1976 and bumped to National Park status in 2003.
Ticking in at 170 feet at its last measure, a National Champion loblolly pine claims the spot as the park’s tallest tree.
Due to its shady summer canopy, alligators don’t typically find Congaree appealing.
Synchronous Fireflies — occurring annually for two weeks between May and June — is Congaree’s most highly sought after annual event. Tickets for this event are lottery only with only 145 tickets awarded for each evening.
Scenic Drive
In an effort to keep Congaree’s old-growth forest as pristine as possible, there are no roads through the the park.
Options for seeing the beauty of the floodplain are Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, Boardwalk Loop, and any of the park’s primitive hiking trails.
Hiking
Congaree National Park has a trail for all skill levels. Many of them can be impacted by weather; be it flooding or downed trees. Boardwalk Loop, the most popular hike in the park, winds 2.4 miles through giant trees and gives visitors an up close view a variety of floodplain vegetation such as switch cane, and dwarf palmettos.
Camping
Frontcountry camping is tent only and options include Bluff Hike In Camping and Longleaf Campground. Neither campground has parking and both must be reached on foot and require reservation.
Backcountry Camping requires permit and can be accessed by canoe, kayak, or foot.
For current info, news, and updates on all things Congaree- including fees, permits, and closures - visit Congaree National Park at nps.gov
