In central South Carolina, the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest lies between the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. Rich in biodiversity, this is a newer national park best explored by hiking or on the water. An ideal road trip stop while traveling along nearby interstates, Congaree National Park offers a shaded landscape to explore. Here are the top things to do in Congaree National Park.
Things to Do in Congaree National Park
Learn about the Park
Stop by the Visitor Center
Take a Hike
Paddle in the Park
See the Synchronous Flyflies
Spot Wildlife
Attend a Ranger Program
Picnic in the Park
Camp
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Is Congaree Worth a Visit?
UNESCO declared the Congaree Biosphere Region to protect the combination of natural resources and cultural heritage. The national park is part of that region.
During my visit, my son and I stopped at Congaree National Park while on a road trip along Interstate 95. We spent the morning hiking to the Congaree River, then had a picnic lunch before heading out.
We visited during July, so we missed the synchronous fireflies that appear earlier in the summer. It was a great park to stretch out legs for a few hours.
Worth considering, this park lacks a developed campground. During our summer visit, we visited in the morning when it was cooler; however, most of the park is shaded.
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Visitor Centers in Congaree National Park
Visitor centers are the place to grab maps or Junior Ranger booklets. Most offer interpretive areas to learn more about the area.
This is also the place to ask questions and learn about park ranger programming. Restrooms and water bottle fillers are usually located at the visitor center.
Harry Hampton Visitor Center is a smaller facility with an interpretive area and gift shop. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free to enter.
It is located at 100 National Park Road in Hopkins, on the northwestern side of the park.
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Congaree National Park Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a national park site. Since Congaree National Park is a swampy location, it uses boardwalks through flood-prone areas.
Some trails may be unpassable due to seasonal flooding. Please consult the park rangers at the visitor center before heading out.
Boardwalk Trail—An easy 2.6-mile round-trip trail that starts at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and travels through the bottomland hardwood forest. If time is limited, this is the best trail.
Bluff Trail—An easy 1.8-mile round-trip that departs from the Visitor Center.
Sims Trail—An easy 3.2-mile trail that travels to Cedar Creek.
Longleaf Trail—An easy 1.3 miles that connects the campground with the visitor center.
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Kayaking and Canoeing in Congaree
With the Congaree National Park passes by the park, paddling is a popular activity. The 50-mile Congaree River Blue Trail is a designated recreational paddling trail, extending from the state capital of Columbia, downstream to Congaree National Park.
The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail runs 15 miles through the park from Bannister’s Bridge to the Congaree River. This route is ideal for those who brought a watercraft with them.
There are also several outfitters who rent out equipment. Others will lead a guided trip inside the park.
Synchronous Fireflies at Congaree
Congaree National Park is home to several species of firefly, including the synchronous species Photuris frontalis. These can flash their light in unison, usually visible in May and June.
Not all fireflies are synchronous; Congaree’s Photuris frontalis and Photinus carolinus found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the most popular. Another variety, Photinus knulli, lives in the Southwest.
Congaree National Park uses a lottery system to manage visitor numbers to protect fireflies. For more information, visit its Firefly webpage.
Wildlife in Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park includes wilderness areas, and the area lacks development, ideal for wildlife. Visitors can spot animals while hiking, especially near water sources and at dusk and dawn.
White-tail deer
Feral hog
Coyote
Fox
Bobcat
Mink
Bats
Congaree is home to the American alligator, several varieties of venomous snakes, such as Cottonmouths, Copperheads and Rattlesnakes. Take care when hiking and keep 25 feet between yourself and wildlife.
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Kids and Pets in Congaree National Park
Traveling with your kids or pets is part of the fun. Congaree National Park makes a great trip with lots of activities and things to see. As for pets, they are welcome at the park’s picnic area, campground, in the parking lots and on the paved roads.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about a National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete.
My kids love the badges park rangers present them after they complete their booklets. Occasionally, a national park might host special programming for kids.
BARK Program
Congaree National Park welcomes pets as long as they follow the BARK program’s principles. For more information, visit the park’s page for visiting with pets.
B–Bag waste and dispose of it in the trash
A–Always leash your dog for their safety and others
R–Respect wildlife
K–Know where you can go
Picnicking in Congaree National Park
This national park site doesn’t feature a lodge, and food service is limited in the area. There is a picnic area with several tables at the visitor center’s parking lot.
During my visit to Congaree National Park, I picnicked with my son. I always pack a bag of snacks and a small cooler for road trips and national park trips.
Camping in Congaree National Park
The Congaree National Park doesn’t offer a developed campground with potable water and restrooms with flushing toilets. Instead, it is a primitive campground with vault toilets, which is about 100 yards from a gravel parking lot. It is limited to tents only.
LongLeaf Campground
Year Round
Reservation Required
10 walk-in sites, plus 4 group sites
Vault toilets
Bluff Campground
Year Round
6 walkin sites
No water or restrooms
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