Congaree National Park: Flooded Forest Trails, Canoe Paths and Untamed Beauty
Congaree National Park
“The tallest canopy trees in the East, flooded forest trails, canoe paths, and untamed beauty just outside Columbia, SC.”
Park Overview
Congaree National Park in central South Carolina protects roughly 26,700 acres—the largest intact tract of old‑growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S. Characterized by massive bald cypress, loblolly pine, sweetgum, and tupelo trees, much of the park floods 8–10 times a year from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers.
Fast Facts
| Location | Richland County, South Carolina, near Columbia |
| Established | Nov 10, 2003 (as National Park) |
| Area | ~26,692 acres (≈41.7 sq mi) |
| Wilderness Designation | ~21,700 acres (~81%) |
| Annual Visitors | ~250,114 (record 2023) |
| Forest Type | Old‑growth bottomland hardwood forest |
What to See & Do
- Boardwalk Loop Trail – A raised trail winding among champion trees, sloughs, and oxbow lakes.
- Cedar Creek Canoe Trail – A 15‑mile paddle through flooded forests.
- Day Hikes: Bluff Trail, Weston Lake Loop, Oakridge, King Snake—ranging from 0.7 to 11 miles, often under high canopy.
- Firefly Viewing – Seasonal synchronous firefly displays (mid‑May to mid‑June) on a limited‑entry basis.
- Paddling & Bird Watching – Lush forest habitat supports diverse amphibians, birds, and aquatic species.
Ecology & Biodiversity
Congaree contains over **20 distinct plant communities**, including forested wetlands, upland pine savannas, and rim swamps. It supports nearly **90 native tree species**, **170 bird species**, **60 amphibian/reptile** species, and **49 fish** species. Floods deposit sediments and nutrients that sustain this rare ecosystem.
Champion Trees
This park holds the nation’s tallest known examples of **15 tree species**, including a 167‑ft loblolly pine, along with record sweetgum, cherrybark oak, elm, and more.
Human History & Conservation
Cattle mounds and early homesteads indicate settlers adapted to frequent floods. Conservation efforts led by Harry Hampton and others transformed this land into a national monument in 1976 and a national park in 2003. It’s now recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Important Bird Area, and National Natural Landmark.
Visit Tips & Seasons
The park is open year-round with **no entrance fee**. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer insects. Summer humidity and mosquitos are common. Nearly 80% of the park floods annually—boardwalk trails may be submerged during peak rains, so check current conditions before visiting.