Congaree National Park ⓘ

The dynamic and diverse natural landscape that makes up Congaree National Park is defined by the presence of both flood and flame. Here visitors can experience both a unique old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, home to numerous national and state champion trees and one of the most biodiverse forests in the nation, as well as an upland pine forest where fire plays a key role in its health and survival. The bottomland region that makes up much of Congaree National Park is regularly covered by floodwaters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. These floods deposit fresh, nutrient rich soil across the landscape that helps to maintain the health of this ecosystem. Forested wetlands, oxbow lakes, sloughs, and slow-moving creeks cover and cover the landscape and provide essential habitat for fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life, as well as bald cypress and tupelo trees. In other parts of the floodplain, slight changes in elevation have helped to create a variety of different ecosystems that support a diverse array of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, as well as trees such as giant old-growth oaks and massive loblolly pines. Along the bluffs on the northern edge of the floodplain stands an upland pine forest. Now dominated by loblolly pines, remnants of the once abundant longleaf pines that covered this upland region have managed to hold on and can still be seen. These fire-resistant trees depend on wildfires to regularly burn across the landscape, clearing out competitors such as sweetgum, turkey oak, shrubs and vines, while also helping to create and maintain open, grassy pine savannahs that are home to wildlife such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and southern fox squirrel, all of which are today threatened or endangered due to habitat loss. Across the southeastern United States, old-growth bottomland forests like that found here at Congaree once covered approximately 30 million acres, while longleaf pine savannahs covered an estimated 90 million acres. Due to logging and the clearing of the landscape for farming and the building and expansion of cities and towns over the past 400 years, only a few scattered remnants of these once common ecosystems persist. Today, Congaree National Park helps preserve examples of these now uncommon natural landscapes and the diverse plant and animal life they support, as well as allowing visitors to experience and learn about what makes them so unique, as well as why they are worth saving. Curious what species of plants and animals can be found at Congaree National Park? Search our species database below.

PLEASE READ: All trails except the elevated portion of the Boardwalk , Bluff, Firefly, and Longleaf are subject to periodic flooding. This page may not be updated each time a flood occurs.

There will always be an Alert posted, however, in the event of a flood. Please check Alerts before every visit, and feel free to call the visitor center if you have questions about conditions. Park Trail Guide

Trails are rated EASY , MODERATE or DIFFICULT based on length, conditions and difficulty of navigation. Mileages are approximate and are based on all trails being passable. Park Trails Boardwalk Trail - EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 2.6 miles The boardwalk begins on a bluff at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center with an elevated section that leads down into the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. A variety of different tree species can be observed including bald cypress and tupelo trees in the lowest elevations. Loblolly pines, oaks, maples and holly can also be observed. The boardwalk has benches along the way and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Pick up the Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure at the Visitor Center before beginning your walk to learn more about the the natural and cultural history of Congaree. Bluff Trail (#1) EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles

This upland trail loops north of the Visitor Center and connects to the elevated boardwalk for a short distance. The Bluff Trail passes through a young forest of loblolly and longleaf pines. Evidence of prescribed burns can be found along this trail. S ims Trail (#2) EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 3.2 miles The Sims Trail follows an old gravel road and runs from the Bluff Trail on its northern end to Cedar Creek at its southern end, crossing the boardwalk twice. The clearing at the intersection with the Weston Lake Trail was the site of a hunt club where Harry Hampton was once a member. Weston Lake Trail (#3) - MODERATE CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 4.5 miles This trail provides great views of Cedar Creek where otters and wading birds are regularly observed. The eastern portion of this trail follows a cypress -tupelo slough (dried up river bed) where many cypress knees can be seen sticking up out of the water. Oakridge Trail (#4) DIFFICULT CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION Round Trip Distance: 7.1 miles Passing through a rich stretch of old-growth forest, this trail traverses a subtle ridge where a variety of large oak trees grow. The number of low-lying sloughs makes this trail great for viewing wildlife like deer and wild turkey. Boggy Gut Trail (#5) DIFFICULT CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN , MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS, NUMEROUS TREES DOWN DUE TO RECENT STORMS; USE CAUTION Round Trip Distance: 11.1 miles This trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. Much of the forest along the river was logged prior to the park's establishment and vegetation here is noticeably denser than that of other trails. Kingsnake Trail (#6) DIFFICULT CURRENT CONDITION: OPEN, BRIDGE K CURRENTLY OUT, PLEASE USE CAUTION CROSSING SLOUGH Distance: 12 miles The Kingsnake Trail is a favorite trail for birders because of the diverse vegetation and proximity to Cedar Creek. When sloughs are full of water, beautiful views are possible around every bend. Bates Ferry Trail (#7) EASY CURRENT CONDITION: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 2.2 miles Starting from Route 601 in the eastern section of the park, this trail follows a 1920's ferry road south to the Congaree and is a remnant of the areas rich history, which includes colonial era ferries which once crossed near here. While at the river, please be aware that the bank is steep and could potentially be slippery. It is best to stay on the marked path, as old side trails are neither cleared nor marked. Longleaf Trail (#8) EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Distance: 1.3 miles (one-way distance) This trail connects Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the Boardwalk, and other trails.

Fork Swamp Trail (#9) MODERATE CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN , MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION Distance: 0.6 miles This trail runs alongside the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852.

Park Trail Guide There are a number of trails at Congaree which are available for foot travel only. Because the majority of the park lies within a floodplain, the terrain is generally very flat with only slight elevation changes. The majority of trails begin from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and vary in length. Trails are marked with brown blazes along with the trail number; however, many trails are in the park's wilderness area and can be impacted by downed trees and flood damage. We encourage backcountry hikers to utilize navigational aids such as compass and map as well as offline GPS navigation tools. Trails are rated EASY , MODERATE or DIFFICULT based on length, conditions and difficulty of navigation. Mileages are approximate and are based on all trails being passable.

Bluff Trail (#1) EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles This upland trail loops north of the Visitor Center and connects to the elevated boardwalk for a short distance. The Bluff Trail passes through a young forest of loblolly and longleaf pines. Evidence of prescribed burns can be found along this trail.

This trail connects Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the Boardwalk, and other trails. Fork Swamp Trail (#9) MODERATE CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN , MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION Distance: 0.6 miles

This trail runs alongside the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. Firefly Trail (#10) EASY CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles Visitors are treated to a magical light show produced by synchronous fireflies along this trail in late spring.

Camping at Congaree National Park Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need a reservation or permit to camp at Congaree? Yes. All campers are required to have a reservation to camp in either of the two frontcountry campgrounds (Longleaf Campground and Bluff Campground) or have a valid permit to camp in the backcountry. Reservations for either of the frontcountry campgrounds must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Information on frontcountry campground, including fees and links to reservation pages can be found below. When requesting a backcountry camping permit, applications should be be made at least 72 hours in advance. To obtain a permit, please email cong_information@nps.gov. Can I pay in person at the park? No. Reservations for the frontcountry campgrounds must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 prior to setting up camp. Free Wi-Fi is available inside and immediately outside of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Can I just setup camp in any campsite? No. You must camp in the campsite that you reserved. Any changes to your reservation must be handled through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Can I drive up to my campsite? No. Visitors camping in the Longleaf Campground must park in the gravel parking lot and then walk to their site. The furthest sites are approximately 100 yards from the parking lot. Campers at the Bluff Campground may either park at the Longleaf Campground or Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and then must hike approximately 1 mile to the campground. Does Congaree National Park offer RV/trailer sites? No. Only tents and hammocks are allowed in the campgrounds. However, the South Carolina State Park Service has a number of state parks in the region that can accommodate RVs and trailers. To see what is available or to make reservations, please visit the South Carolina State Parks website for more information. The Experience Columbia website also offers listings of private campgrounds in the area that can accommodate RVs and Camper Vans Can I stay overnight in my vehicle? No. Those camping overnight at the park must stay in a campsite in a campground (with a reservation) or in the backcountry (with a permit). Is there a limit for how long I can camp in the park? Yes. A person may camp no more than 14 consecutive days, or for more than 28 days in a six-month period.

Are campfires allowed in the park? Yes in the Campgrounds; No in the Backcountry. Fires are permitted in the fire rings at the Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds only . Open fires are not permitted in the backcountry. Campers in the backcountry are permitted the use of a backpacking stove for cooking. In the campgrounds, dead wood can be collected from the surrounding area. At no time should live trees be cut for use as firewood. Firewood may not be brought into the park unless it has been either a) purchased from a local supplier and has proof of purchase along with the packaging material, or b) certified by the USDA as pest free and the user has the packaging material. How much does it cost to camp at the park? Longleaf Campground : $15 per night for a regular tent site; $25 per night for a group site. Bluff Campground : $10 per night for a regular tent site (Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the above fees) Backcountry Camping: FREE Details About Park Campgrounds and Backcountry Camping Congaree has two designated campgrounds: Longleaf Campground - Located adjacent to the park entrance road, this campground has 10 individual and 4 group camping sites. Individual sites can have a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Group sites must have a minimum of 9 individuals and no more than 24, with a maximum of 10 tents per site. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Two vault toilets are located at the front of the campground. This campground does not have running water. Water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, at water fountains and a spigot convenient for filling large containers. In below freezing temperatures the spigot access point is cut off, but the water fountains remain available. Sites are walk-up only. No cars are permitted past the gravel parking lot Bluff Campground - This campground is located on the Bluff Trail approximately one mile from the Longleaf Campground. There is no vehicle access to this campground; all visitors who wish to use this site must carry their equipment to the site. This campground has 6 individual campsites that have hold a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are no restroom facilities at this site, nor any running water at this campground. Backcountry Camping Information Camping in the backcountry is a great way to experience the wilderness at Congaree. The park's backcountry can be reached either by foot or by canoe or kayak. But before you head out on your backcountry wilderness adventure, here are a few things that you should know before beginning: All land on the left bank of Cedar Creek between Bannister Bridge Canoe Access and Cedar Creek Canoe Access that is within the park boundary is designated as frontcountry. Camping in the frontcountry is limited to the Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds only. All other sections of the park are designated as backcountry. Camping in the backcountry requires a free permit. Those wishing to request a permit or to get more information on backcountry camping at Congaree may do so by sending an email . To allow park staff time to properly process backcountry camping permit applications, r equests must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of a trip. Requests made within 72 hours will not be considered. There are no designated campsites in the backcountry. Campers may select any suitable place, as long as they remain 100 feet away from Cedar Creek, Tom's Creek, Bates Old River, and Wise Lake. It is advisable to check the river forecast prior to your visit to ensure that a rise in water levels is not forecast. Selected campsites are limited to 6 campers and 3 structures per site and must be no closer than 300 feet from the next closest site. Hammocks are not considered as structures, but the 6-person limit per site remains. Open fires are not permitted in the backcountry. Campers are permitted the use of a backpacking stove for cooking. Please follow the principles of Leave No Trace and make sure to pack all trash, equipment, and personal belongings out with you at the end of your stay. For more questions about camping at Congaree, please consult the Superintendent's Compendium or call the Visitor Center during operational hours at (803) 776-4396.