Congaree National Park is a floodplain forest in Hopkins, South Carolina, that you can visit on a day trip from Columbia. The park has an accessible boardwalk, more than 25 miles of hiking trails and no entrance fee, so you can keep the outing simple or choose a longer route.
- Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
- From Columbia Metropolitan Airport: the National Park Service gives an approximate drive of 30 minutes.
- Park access: generally open 24 hours a day year-round.
- Visitor center: open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with holiday closures.
- Entrance fee: none.
How do you get from Columbia to Congaree National Park?
From Interstate 77, take Exit 5 and follow SC Highway 48 East/Bluff Road for approximately 8 miles. Turn slightly right onto Old Bluff Road and continue 4.5 miles to the park entrance, then drive another 1 mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Congaree is about 18.0 miles from Budget Inn Express; you can browse the room options at this Columbia inn while planning the drive.
If you’re arriving by air, the National Park Service gives an approximate drive of 30 minutes from Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Congaree; its directions page does not give a driving time from central Columbia. For the airport leg of your trip, consider transport options between Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Columbia.
Rideshare pickup may not be available at Congaree. If you plan to be dropped off by Uber or Lyft, arrange a return ride in advance so you’re not left without a way back.
A simple day-trip itinerary
A straightforward Congaree day trip starts at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, continues along the Boardwalk Trail, then leaves time for a second route if conditions allow.
- Check current conditions before setting out. Confirm access and trail conditions, then head to the visitor center for information about the park.
- Walk the Boardwalk Trail. The easy 2.6-mile round trip starts at the visitor center and passes through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest.
- Add another trail if conditions suit. The Bluff Trail is an easy 1.8-mile loop north of the visitor center. For a longer outing, the Sims Trail is an easy 3.2-mile round trip.
- Consider a guided program or paddle. Ranger- and volunteer-guided programs are offered on Saturdays year-round; call the park for details. Paddlers can use the marked Cedar Creek canoe trail, but must bring their own canoe and personal flotation devices.
If you’re planning the Columbia portion of your trip as well, the seasonal guide to Columbia covers the city’s weather patterns and events.
Which Congaree National Park trails should you choose?
The Boardwalk Trail is the easiest way to see the forest, while other routes vary in length and difficulty. The park has 2.4 miles of boardwalk and more than 25 miles of hiking trails; flood conditions can affect access.
Boardwalk Trail
This easy 2.6-mile round trip begins at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and passes through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Benches line the route, and it is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Bluff Trail and Sims Trail
The easy Bluff Trail is a 1.8-mile loop north of the visitor center through young loblolly and longleaf pine forest. The easy Sims Trail is a 3.2-mile round trip along an old gravel road between the Bluff Trail and Cedar Creek; it crosses the boardwalk twice.
Weston Lake Trail
This moderate 4.5-mile round trip offers views of Cedar Creek and a cypress-tupelo slough. Check conditions before choosing it, as trails in the floodplain can be affected by water.
Longer backcountry routes
The Oakridge Trail is a difficult 7.1-mile round trip, and the Boggy Gut Trail is a difficult 11.1-mile round trip leading to the Congaree River. The Kingsnake Trail is a difficult 12-mile route. These backcountry trails may be hard to follow; GPS is necessary on Oakridge, Boggy Gut and Kingsnake.
Visitor-center hours, fees and facilities
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round, although temporary closures can occur for safety, weather or operational reasons.
There is no entrance fee or required entrance pass. The visitor center is a useful place to ask about current conditions, particularly if flooding could affect your planned route. The park also offers guided programs on Saturdays year-round; call ahead for details.
How should you plan for seasonal conditions and safety?
Congaree’s floodplain conditions can change trail access, so check forecasts and park conditions before and during your visit. The National Park Service advises carrying water and a map and contacting the visitor center for current conditions.
Flooding occurs approximately 10 times per year, and almost 80% of the park lies within the Congaree River floodplain. Floods can make backcountry trails and parts of the boardwalk inaccessible. Trails other than the elevated portion of the Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly and Longleaf trails are subject to periodic flooding, and trail information may not reflect every flood.
Mosquitoes are common from mid-spring until mid-fall, so bring insect repellent. After hiking on more vegetated trails, check yourself and any pets for ticks. If you plan a paddle, bring your own canoe and personal flotation devices; canoes and kayaks may be rented in the Columbia area.
Before you go: Conditions and access can change, so check the National Park Service official site before you go.
FAQs
- Hours
- daily from 9:00 a
Is Congaree National Park free to enter?
Yes. The park has no entrance fee and does not require an entrance pass.
How long is the Congaree Boardwalk Trail?
The Boardwalk Trail is an easy 2.6-mile round trip from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. It has benches and is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Is Congaree National Park open all day?
The park is generally open 24 hours a day year-round, though temporary closures may occur. The visitor center has separate hours: daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with several holiday closures.
Can you paddle at Congaree National Park?
Yes. Paddlers can use the marked Cedar Creek canoe trail. You must bring your own canoe and personal flotation devices, although canoes and kayaks may be rented in the Columbia area.