3 Ways You Can Visit Congaree National Park

Welcome to Congaree National Park, a forty-one square-mile range of federally protected forest located in Hopkins, South Carolina. This unique park has the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Because it is one of the least-visited national parks, you can enjoy a day of exploring without the large crowds unlike the more popular parks.

This hidden gem is home to incredible biodiversity. Therefore, you will find towering state and national champion trees along with an array of plants and animals. You’ll enjoy views of dwarf palmettos, loblolly pines, bald cypress, and tupelos. If you’re fortunate, you may capture sight of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo or even a Red-bellied Woodpecker! The sounds of the forest make it even more amazing. For instance, as you explore the park, you may hear a chorus of crickets, owls, or frogs echoing in the air.

There is a rich, cultural heritage in Congaree National Park. Native Americans lived here for thousands of years, surviving off the resources provided by the floodplain. And enslaved African Americans used it as a place to find refuge and escape slavery. In later years, African Americans used the area for baptisms and fishing.

Interested in planning a visit to Congaree National Park? Here are three ways to do so:

Take a Hike

There are more than twenty miles of hiking trails. However, the most popular trail is the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop. The trail is a raised path above the forest floor, where you will encounter thickets of old-growth trees and a water tupelo forest. Before starting the trail, you can pick up a self-guided brochure or download it to your phone. Be sure to check for the animals that seek sanctuary here. You might run into a turtle or wild boar!

Explore by Water

Travel down Cedar Creek, a blackwater stream that runs through the middle of the park. Here, you can enjoy a scenic, tranquil kayak tour. There are outfitters such as Carolina Outdoor Adventures who provide guided tours as you glide under canopies of Bald Cypress, Pine, and Willow trees. You will appreciate this incredible scenery!

Enjoy a Camping Trip

There are two small campgrounds in Congaree National Park. The easiest to access is the Longleaf Campground. Here, you will enjoy a quiet atmosphere and an abundance of shade trees. There are more amenities here compared to Bluff Campground, which is a little further down the trail from Longleaf.

Whether you hike, kayak, or camp out, the park is full of unique experiences and beauty. Book ahead of time for your kayaking or camping experience! – And don’t forget your bug spray!