The Most Underrated National Park: Congaree Ultimate Guide

Congaree National Park is sometimes called the “Worst National Park in the US,” but Elliot, Ollie, and I were determined to see it for ourselves. What we discovered were towering old-growth hardwoods, a unique floodplain ecosystem, and 100% dog-friendly hiking trails. In short, we loved Congaree! To encourage you to experience Congaree for yourself, we’ve compiled this Congaree Ultimate Travel Guide. Here you’ll find the best things to do, where to eat, when to visit, and more!

ℹ️ About Congaree National Park

At just 26,692 acres, Congaree National Park is one of the country’s smallest national parks. But don’t let its size fool you, as it’s home to one of the last old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the U.S., a landscape that once covered millions of acres across the Southeast. Congaree also holds the highest density of champion trees in North America as well as the world’s tallest loblolly pine (almost 170 feet).

Congaree National Park is probably most well-known for its cyclical flooding, occurring 10-12 times yearly. While some see this as the park’s biggest drawback, it sustains the old-growth forest, depositing rich nutrients into the floodplain. In our opinion, having to hike the occasional watery trail is an incredible opportunity to experience the adaptability of this rare ecosystem.

🌳 7 Best Things to Do in Congaree National Park

Let’s kick things off with the top 7 things to do in Congaree National Park, from checking out the exhibits in Harry Hampton Visitor Center to kayaking Cedar Creek!

1. Visit Congaree National Park Visitors Center

We always like to start our national park trips off by paying a visit to a Visitor Center. Congaree has just one, the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Here, you can grab a park map, check current trail and water conditions, and chat with rangers about the best spots to explore.

The center features its own exhibit space on the park’s unique floodplain ecosystem, local wildlife, and history. Don’t miss the 20 min informational video in the back. We took about 45 minutes exploring the exhibit to learn about the ecosystem of Congaree, in particular, what wildlife to keep an eye out for, before setting out on the nearby trails.

Location: 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Daily
Price: Free Park Entry

2. Congaree National Park Hikes

Hiking in Congaree is a one-of-a-kind experience, with trails weaving through towering champion trees, cypress knees, and seasonal floodplains. Many of the park’s trails start at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, making exploring the park on foot easy. The Visitor Center is also where you can check which trails are open that day (see photo).

Here are 3 trails of different lengths, each offering a unique way to explore Congaree and its wildlife, starting with the Boardwalk Loop, the most popular in the park!

Boardwalk Loop

Boardwalk Loop is the park’s most popular hike and a great introduction to Congaree’s unique ecosystem. It takes you through Congaree’s iconic old-growth forest and past Weston Lake. It’s also one of the few trails that remain (mainly) accessible during flood stages as the boardwalk is raised almost 6 feet above the forest floor.

We started our hike here, though the entire loop was closed due to hurricane damage. Just before the end of the loop, you can find a Champion tree near Bridge D on the park map. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it that far—it would have been an out-and-back, and we were running out of daylight. Instead, we connected from the Boardwalk Trail to Sims Trail and Weston Lake Loop Trail.

Hiking at sunset was a highlight. While the dense trees obscure the colorful sky, the golden light filtering through the forest and reflecting off the water was stunning. Along the way, we spotted southern fox squirrels, heard tons of woodpeckers hammering away, and saw tons of birds darting across the trail.

Length: 2.4 miles (3.7 km)
Estimated Time: 40 minutes
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy

Weston Lake Loop Trail

Weston Lake Loop Trail is the park’s second most popular hike, offering a peaceful 4.7-mile journey through Congaree’s floodplain forest. Following Cedar Creek for part of the trail, it’s a prime spot for wildlife sightings, including river otters, turtles, wading birds, and even wild hogs.

We connected to this trail from the Boardwalk Loop, but if you start at the trailhead, you’ll begin on an elevated boardwalk winding through towering old-growth trees. As the boardwalk ends, the trail transitions to a natural dirt path, passing Weston Lake, Cedar Creek, and plenty of shaded benches—perfect for resting and soaking in the scenery.

Length: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
Estimated Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hike Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy

Kingsnake Trail

For those seeking a longer, more immersive experience, the Kingsnake Trail offers an 8-mile out-and-back hike through Congaree’s deep wilderness. Even if you don’t complete the full trail, we highly recommend hiking at least 2.8 miles one way to catch glimpses of towering trees—potential future champions!

We tackled this trail at sunrise to maximize wildlife sightings, and we weren’t disappointed. We spotted three otters playing in the water (twice!), and a large group of wild hogs rooting around nearby. Ollie was completely fixated on them!

The trail eventually connects to Congaree’s larger trail system, so you can extend your adventure by hiking here from the Visitor Center or main campground if you’re up for it. We highly recommend this trail to anyone wanting to escape the crowds and see the wild beauty in Congaree!

Length: 8 miles (12.2 km)
Estimated Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Hike Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy

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3. Kayak or Canoe Cedar Creek

One of the best ways to experience Congaree National Park is by paddling down Cedar Creek, the park’s most iconic waterway. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, floating by the towering trees, wildlife, and flooded forest is truly unforgettable.

We went on a 3-hour canoe trip and have a full guide dedicated to everything you need to know about kayaking and canoeing Cedar Creek—where to rent boats, whether to kayak or canoe, and more. Check out our article, How to Kayak Cedar Creek: Congaree National Park Kayak Guide, for all the details!

4. Go on a Ranger-Led Program

One of the best ways to dive into Congaree National Park’s unique ecosystem is by joining a ranger-led program. These free educational programs are offered year-round on Saturdays, giving you the chance to learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. From guided nature walks to hands-on activities, the rangers and volunteers do an amazing job bringing the park to life. If you’re in the park on a Saturday, try to catch one of these programs!

5. Spot Wildlife

Congaree National Park is a haven for wildlife, and one of the highlights of visiting is the chance to spot animals in their natural habitat. The park’s floodplain ecosystem supports a wide variety of species, from river otters and wild hogs to white–tailed deer, bobcats, and over 200 species of birds.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see wildlife, as the creatures are more active during these hours. We spotted otters playing in Cedar Creek, and Ollie had a blast watching wild hogs rooting around on the Kingsnake Trail!

6. Go Camping in Congaree

If you’re looking for an affordable and fun way to stay the night near Congaree, consider tent camping within the park! Congaree offers two frontcountry campgrounds starting at just $10/night as well as backcountry spots which are 100% free to camp in! If you’re interested in learning more about camping, or where to stay if you have an RV, jump down to our Camping in Congaree National Park section for all the details on campgrounds and RV parks in and around Congaree!

7. Experience the Firefly Synchronization

Each year for approximately 2 weeks between mid-May and mid-June, Congaree National Park glows as thousands of synchronous fireflies light up the night sky in perfect synchronization for their mating display. It’s an incredible natural phenomenon that draws visitors from all over.

We visited in the fall, so we missed this iconic event, but if you’re planning a trip to Congaree during the late spring, try to secure your spot via the Firefly Viewing Lottery which opens up the last week of March/first week of April.

⏳ How Many Days in Congaree National Park?

Congaree National Park is relatively small, but there’s still plenty to see and do. A 1-2 day visit is perfect for experiencing the park’s top highlights, including hiking the Boardwalk Trail, kayaking or canoeing Cedar Creek, and checking out the firefly synchronization in late spring. If you’re short on time, you can hit the must-see spots in one day, but staying for two days allows for a more relaxed pace and gives you time to explore a bit deeper into the park.

📝 1-Day Congaree National Park Itinerary

If we only had one day in Congaree National Park, here’s how we would spend it!

Morning:

• Start your day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Here, you can pick up maps, learn about the park’s history, and chat with the rangers about the day’s activities.
• Next, head out for a paddling trip on Cedar Creek. You can always swap paddling in the morning with hiking in the afternoon, depending on personal preference. As many guided paddling tours set out in the morning, we’ve placed paddling earlier in the day.

Midday:

• After your paddling adventure, take a well-deserved lunch break at one of the scenic picnic areas near the visitor center or on a bench along one of the trails.

Afternoon:

• If you still have energy after your time on the water, you probably have time for about 1-2 trails. The Boardwalk Loop Trail is a must-do, taking you through the park’s iconic old-growth forest and lasting just 40 minutes in total. If you’re up for more, the nearby Weston Lake Loop Trail is a beautiful 4.7-mile trail that loops through the floodplain forest and offers great wildlife viewing.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park

The most popular time to visit Congaree is May, during the 10-day firefly synchronization when the park sees its highest number of visitors. While it’s a magical experience, there are plenty of other great times to explore the park.

• Spring (March-May) brings mild temperatures but a higher risk of flooding. If you’re visiting in spring, be sure to check water levels before heading out.
• Fall (September–November) offers cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage, making it one of the best times to visit.
• Summer (June–August) is hot (80–90°F) and full of mosquitoes, making it the least comfortable season.
• Winter (December–February) is quiet and mild (40–60°F). We visited in late February and had zero mosquitoes, comfortable temperatures, and no flooding.

⛺ Where to Stay in Congaree National Park

While there are no hotels inside Congaree National Park itself, many people stay the night at nearby Columbia, SC. If you prefer to camp like us, the park does offer tent-only campgrounds with restrooms and solar charging stations, though there were no power or water hookups.

Hotels

• $ Budget – Motel 6, a 29-minute drive from Congaree National Park
• $$ Moderate – Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown the Vista. a 27-minute drive from Congaree National Park
• $$$ Luxury – Hilton Columbia Center, a 26-minute drive from Congaree National Park

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RV Parks & Campgrounds

• Longleaf Campground – Located within the park, Longleaf is your standard, no-frills frontcountry park campground. Dog-friendly, peaceful, and close to a parking area. $15/night for a regular tent site, $25/night for a group site.
• Bluff Campground – Bluff is the other frontcountry campground located within Congaree. Parking is located at Longleaf Campground or the Visitor Center and then a 1-mile hike to the campground. $10/night for a regular tent site.
• Backcountry camping – Backcountry camping is FREE in Congaree! You just have to email [email protected]. at least 72 hours in advance to request a permit.
• Magnolia Campground INC – Family-owned and operated campground with tent camping on one side of a pond and RV spots on the other. Accommodations include showers and a shared outdoor kitchen space. A 26-minute drive from Congaree. $30/night with discounts on monthly stays.

🍽️ Where to Eat

We didn’t go out to eat during our time in Congaree, as we were able to prepare food for the day in our campervan, but here are some recommendations if you’re looking to go out to eat!

• JD’s Place – Homey breakfast and lunch restaurant open until 3 pm daily (Closed Sundays) 5 minutes from Congaree with rotating Southern classics like Okra, Bread Pudding, Fried Chicken, and more.
• A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen – Highly rated local breakfast and lunch restaurant serving up vegan soul food for takeaway (patio on-site to eat there too). Plant-based rotating menu serving up chicken sandwiches, spare ribs, collard greens, mac and cheese, buttery grits, and more! Open from 7-10 am and 11-6 pm Wednesdays to Saturdays.
• DiPrato’s – Popular local eatery in downtown Columbia with signature Southern dishes, NY-style deli classics, and All-American breakfast and lunch favorites. Open from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

💰 How Much Does a Trip to Congaree Cost?

One of the best things about visiting Congaree National Park is that it’s completely free to enter—no park fees are required! If you’re camping, the cost is minimal—front-country campgrounds cost as little as $10 per night and backcountry camping is completely free with a permit.

The biggest expenses you might encounter are $25 firefly viewing tickets (if you visit in May and win the lottery) or a kayaking or canoeing trip, which can range from $40–$100+ per person depending on rentals or guided tours. Other than that, your main costs will just be transportation, food, and lodging if you’re staying overnight outside the park.

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🚗 How to Reach Congaree National Park

• Car – A 30-minute drive from Columbia, SC, via SC-48. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has parking, but if you have a large trailer or motorhome, you may want to park outside the park. The lot isn’t huge, and turning around can be tricky—it’s best to bring a smaller vehicle (under 25 feet long).
• Train – The nearest train station is this one in Columbia, SC, about 20 miles away. From there, you’ll need to rent a car or take a taxi/rideshare.
• Bus – The COMET provides regular bus service to the park on Route 47, with a stop near the middle parking lot outside the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
• Plane – Fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a 25-minute drive to the park, or Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), a 1.5-hour drive. From there, you’ll need to rent a car or take a taxi/rideshare.

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🎒 Congaree Packing Essentials

To make the most of your visit to Congaree National Park, it’s important to pack the right gear for both comfort and safety. Here are some of our go-to national park items we always have on hand, and came in particularly handy in Congaree:

Bug & Sun Protection

• Bug Spray – Congaree is known for its swamps, and during warmer months, bugs can be a nuisance so having a strong bug spray is a must!
• Bug Net – You may look silly, but using bug head nets during the warmer, more humid months will be a lifesaver! The necessity of this depends on when you’re visiting.
• Sunscreen – Even in shaded areas, reef-safe sunscreen is important to protect your skin from the sun.
• Wide-brimmed hat – As part of sun safety, we love pairing sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats.
• Sun Shirts – Light, sunshirts are great for protecting against bugs and the sun! Here is Elliot’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt and Jen’s favorite long-sleeve sun shirt.

Hiking Essentials

• Hiking shorts or pants – We recommend hiking pants since the mosquitos are relentless. Elliot’s favorite hiking pants and Jen’s favorite hiking pants. Don’t make the mistake of wearing yoga pants like Jen did one time. Mosquitos can bite right through yoga pants material!
• Rainjacket – You never know what weather awaits you. If you’re looking for a new rain jacket fit for hiking, this is Elliot’s favorite rain jacket and Jen’s favorite rain jacket.
• Hiking Boots – Solid footwear is a must in a national park, here are Elliot’s favorite trail runners and Jen’s favorite hiking boots.
• Lightweight backpack – Elliot carries this backpack with the included rain cover, while Jen carries this backpack.

Extra Essentials

• Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is key, we love this water bottle featuring all of the US National Parks with stickers to check off your visits.
• Trail Maps – We love using AllTrails+ to download maps ahead of time.
• GPS – We carry the Garmin InReach Mini 2 with us on all trails for safety.
• First Aid Kit – This first aid kit is one of those items we hope to never have to use but always carry, just in case.
• Headlamp – A headlamp is especially useful when going on sunrise, sunset, or night hikes!

🪧 Learn More: How to Help Congaree

Congaree National Park faces several challenges, including invasive species like Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and feral hogs (Sus scrofa), which threaten the park’s natural ecosystem. Additionally, agricultural runoff and surrounding development also pose risks to its waters and wildlife.

You can help by checking out and/or donating to local conservation groups like the South Carolina Wildlife Federation as well as the larger National Parks Conservation Association, not to mention diligently practicing The 7 Leave No Trace Principles when visiting the park.

Read Next:

How to Kayak Cedar Creek: Congaree National Park Kayak Guide

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