Congaree National Park is a national park in Richland County, South Carolina. It preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. You will find many Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park that are good for beginners and accomplished hikers.
The Congaree River flows through the park, named for the Congaree Indians who inhabited the area.
The Congaree Swamp is one of North America’s last large expanses of early bottomland hardwood forest.
Although Congaree National Park was established to protect its old-growth forests and natural wonders, such as Giant Cypress, it also serves as a refuge for endangered species like red wolves and American alligators.
Congaree National Park is a 1,043-square-mile park with diverse ecosystems.
The park is known for its old-growth longleaf pine forests, which are rare in the Southeast.
Within its boundaries, Congaree National Park has 10 hiking trails:
But before you go hiking, remember to follow these hiking safety tips.
Many of its trails are suitable for day hikes, and many more are best enjoyed overnight camping in the vast expanse of its wilderness.
Familiarize yourself with the trails below, and you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable visit whether you’re there for a day or an entire weekend.
Best hikes in Congaree National Park
- Amenities Loop Trail
Congaree National Park is home to more than 50 miles of trails. One of the best hiking trails in Congaree National Park is Amenities Loop Trail.
Amenities Loop Trail is an easy hike that takes about an hour and a half for adults and about 30-45 minutes for children.
Amenities Loop Trail is an easy hike that takes about an hour and a half for adults and about 30-45 minutes for children.
The trail starts at the Visitor Center, winds through the forest, and ends at the Amenities Center, where you can enjoy restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables.
Along the way, hikers will encounter several interpretive signs that provide information on various tree species and other wildlife that call Congaree home, such as birds and snakes.
The trail itself is fairly easy to follow because it has been cleared of any obstacles, such as fallen trees or branches that may have fallen across it.
Several wooden steps are built into steep areas along the trail, allowing hikers to safely cross over muddy areas without getting their shoes stuck in the muck or climbing over large rocks or root systems that may be blocking their path forward.
2. Bluff Trail
The Bluff Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Congaree National Park. The trail is 2.6 miles long, moderate, and easy to follow.
It begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the boardwalk over the Congaree River.
The trail is great for seeing wildlife such as alligators, turtles, fish, and otters.
Along the way, you can also look for bird species like woodpeckers, osprey, and egrets.
The trail starts flat but then becomes steep as you approach the bluff overlooking Congaree River.
Once you reach the top of the bluff, you will be rewarded with a great view of the Congaree River below you!
3. Big Tree Loop Trail
Congaree National Park is home to one of North America’s largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests.
The Congaree River and its tributaries meander through this bottomland forest, creating a rich habitat for plants and animals.
The Big Tree Loop Trail is one of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park.
This trail offers an easy hike through some of the park’s most impressive stands of trees.
The trail also passes through several ecosystems, providing hikers opportunities to see various wildlife and plant life.
The trail begins at the visitor center parking lot on Main Park Road and ends at Lake Marion Marina Boat Ramp on Old Richardson Road near SC Hwy 48 (River Road).
The hike is about 3 miles long with a moderate difficulty level.
The trail includes wooden bridges and boardwalks constructed by volunteers from the Carolina Mountain Club in the Spring of 2011.
4. Beaver Pond Loop Trail
The Beaver Pond Loop Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Congaree National Park.
It is a great option for hikers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature without traveling far from Columbia, SC.
The Beaver Pond Loop Trail is an easy hike through a beautiful pine forest, past a small lake, and into an open prairie.
It is well-maintained and has some wooden bridges over streams and creeks.
You’ll also find several benches along the trail where you can stop and relax or have lunch.
The trailhead for this hike is located at the visitor center near the entrance to Congaree National Park on U.S. Route 601/SC Hwy 441 (Elgin Road).
From there, it’s a short walk down to the boardwalk that leads into the woods, where you’ll find signs indicating where to go next.
This hike isn’t long enough for most people to get tired, but it does take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete if you’re moving at a leisurely pace, which is perfect for families with young kids or older folks who don’t have much energy left after work!
5. Boardwalk Trail
Congaree National Park has many trails and is a great place to go hiking.
If you’re looking for an easy hike (no elevation gain), Boardwalk Trail is one of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park.
This trail passes through a cypress/tupelo swamp, which is home to alligators, otters, deer, turkeys, and other animals.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, another one of our favorites is the River Bluff Trail. It’s a 5-mile loop with some elevation gain (but it’s not too difficult).
This trail has great views of the river delta and swamps below.
6. Cedar Creek Trail
Congaree National Park is a vast wilderness area in South Carolina. The park was established in 1976 and has grown to over 19,000 acres.
You can find Congaree National Park just south of Columbia, South Carolina.
Congaree National Park is home to many endangered species and has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The park contains old-growth longleaf pines and multiple waterfalls.
The park has several hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. One of the best Trails in Congaree National Park is Cedar Creek Trail.
This trail is just over 3 miles long and is easy enough for even young children to enjoy!
7. Congaree Vista Trail
Congaree Vista Trail is one of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park.
This trail is a 2.2-mile loop that leads to an overlook with views of the Congaree River and surrounding wetlands.
This easy hike has only slight elevation changes, making it a great choice for families or individuals not seeking a strenuous hike.
The trail follows along the edge of the Congaree River, winding through cypress swamps and hardwood forests on its way to the overlook.
The highlight of this hike is at the end when you reach a high bluff overlooking the Congaree River and nearby floodplain forest.
The view from here is spectacular!
8. Conundrum Creek Trail
Conundrum Creek Trail is one of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park. It is difficult, so it’s great for beginners and experts.
The trail is about 2 miles long, but several other trails branch off from it.
This trail offers hikes of anywhere from 1 mile to 5 miles, depending on your desired distance and the terrain you want to explore.
The trail starts by going through some old-growth forest, which is amazing because there aren’t many places left with old-growth trees anymore.
The further you go into the trail, the denser the undergrowth and the wetter and muddier.
The creek isn’t very wide or deep, but it has some big rocks on either side. You’ll have to climb down into it to cross over (there are no bridges).
Once you reach the trail’s end, there’s a small waterfall you can stand behind for pictures.
9. Cowpen Slough Trail
One of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park is Cowpen Slough Trail.
This one-mile loop trail is a great way to get an up-close look at the swamp and see some wildlife there.
The trail starts at a boardwalk that takes you through a cypress swamp. There are several benches along the way so that you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
The boardwalk ends at a large open field where you can walk around and explore.
The trail then takes you back into the woods, where several places exist to take pictures or enjoy the peacefulness of being in the woods.
When we were there, we were lucky enough to see two deer grazing on the grass near one of the wooden bridges that crossed Cowpen Branch Creek.
This is one of my favorite trails in Congaree National Park because it’s relaxing and enjoyable. it doesn’t take very long to walk either!
10. Lower River Loop Trail
Congaree National Park is a stunning place to visit. The Lower River Loop Trail is one of the best Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park.
Congaree National Park is located in South Carolina and has much to offer.
The park is home to North America’s largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwoods.
It also contains many threatened or endangered species of plants and animals, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, black bear, and white-tailed deer.
Although the Lower River Loop Trail is only one mile long, it offers beautiful scenery along the Congaree River.
The trail is wide enough for two hikers to walk side by side and has no steep hills.
It’s mostly flat, with some small dips at certain points along the trail.
One thing that makes this trail so great is it’s paved with asphalt, so it’s easy on your feet!
Congaree National Park is a lesser-known but beautiful swath of land nestled among the forests of South Carolina.
As you wrap up your adventure in Congaree National Park, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the landscapes you’ve explored. From the towering bald cypress trees to the lush floodplains and diverse wildlife, each trail in this park offers a unique and memorable experience.
Enjoy Congaree National Park Trails
Congaree National Park isn’t just a collection of trails; it’s a magical place where nature thrives and history unfolds.
The park’s serene beauty and tranquility offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and recharge your spirit.
Planning your next visit? Remember that each season brings new wonders to explore.
From the vibrant blooms of spring to the peaceful stillness of winter, Congaree’s trails are ready to offer fresh adventures and create lasting memories.
So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and prepare for more amazing experiences in this incredible park.
Thanks for joining me on this journey through Congaree National Park.
I hope this guide has inspired you to hit the trails and discover the magic of Congaree for yourself. Happy hiking, and see you on the trails!