National Park Guide

Congaree National Park

South Carolina, US

Paddle through the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.

26,476

Acres

Trails

2003

Established

215,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), 40 minutes

Best Months

March, April, October

Highlights

Boardwalk Loop Trail
Synchronous firefly viewing
Cedar Creek canoe trail
Champion trees
Birdwatching hotspot

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Congaree National Park

Boardwalk Loop Trail

Easy

2.4 miles loop

0 ft gain

Weston Lake Loop Trail

Moderate

4.6 miles loop

50 ft gain

Oakridge Trail

Moderate

7.5 miles round trip

50 ft gain

River Trail

Strenuous

10.0 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Bluff Trail

Easy

0.7 miles round trip

30 ft gain

About Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park preserves 26,000 acres of lush, primeval floodplain forest along the Congaree River in South Carolina. The park boasts some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States and has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and a globally important bird area.

In-Depth Guide

Congaree National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Congaree National Park. Top trails, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring South Carolina's ancient floodplain forest.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Congaree National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Hotel Trundle

$$$

A boutique hotel in downtown Columbia with art deco charm, exposed brick walls, cooked-to-order breakfast, and a welcoming bar steps from the University of South Carolina.

30 min drive$180-300/night

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Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC

A stylish hotel showcasing Art Deco architecture and vintage glamour steps from the University of South Carolina campus, featuring the Trophy Room restaurant and a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes.

30 min drive$140-250/night

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Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista

A modern 3-star hotel in Columbia's Vista district featuring the Park & Lady restaurant, a 24-hour gym, and a prime location just 30 minutes from Congaree National Park.

30 min drive$150-250/night

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Compare Congaree National Park

See how Congaree National Park stacks up against other national parks

Congaree National Park vs Everglades National Park

Choose Congaree for towering old-growth trees, peaceful boardwalk hikes, and synchronous fireflies. Choose Everglades for alligator encounters, vast wetland landscapes, and diverse subtropical wildlife.

See full comparison