National Park

Congaree National Park

SC · US

Park map

Explore roads, trails, and places

Official park detail layered over an interactive road and trail map.

Places

Places in Congaree

Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places

Place

Firefly Viewing Area

Rare synchronous fireflies flicker across the forest floor each May

Trailhead · Parking

Place

Harry Hampton Visitor Center

Start here for trails, exhibits, maps, and real-time trail advice

Visitor Center · Trailhead

Place

Swamp Boardwalk

Easy boardwalk through old-growth swamp with a Weston Lake overlook

Trailhead · Parking

Place

Cedar Creek Canoe Launch

Primary put-in for the maze-like Cedar Creek canoe trail

Pullout · Restroom

Trails

Trails in Congaree

Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails

Easy

Boardwalk Loop

Flat boardwalk through ancient floodplain forest and giant trees

2.4 mi · 1.5 hr · Easy

Easy

Weston Lake Loop Trail

Shaded loop skirting cypress sloughs and Cedar Creek’s lazy bends

4.6 mi · 2 hr · Easy

Moderate

Oakridge Trail

Quiet loop through Congaree’s old-growth ridges and sloughs

6.6 mi · 3.5 hr · Moderate

Moderate

River Trail

Flat, wild floodplain hike to the Congaree River’s sandbar.

10 mi · 4 hr · Moderate

Wildlife

Wildlife in Congaree

Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife

Sighting map

Where to look

Alligator

Alligator mississippiensisReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map

Sighting map

Where to look

Wild Boar

Sus scrofaReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map

Sighting map

Where to look

Barred Owl

Strix variaReports peak in the evening, around 7 PMOpen wildlife map

Sighting map

Where to look

Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorusReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map

Before you go

Current park alerts

Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts

Information

Park Pass Not Needed

Congaree does not have an entrance fee; no passes are needed to enter. As such, we do not have staff dedicated to selling or issuing park passes. If interested in obtaining a park pass, you must call the day of your visit to inquire about staff availability. There is no guarantee you will be able to purchase or obtain a park pass at Congaree.Official details

Caution

Backcountry Trail Conditions

GPS is necessary on backcountry trails: Oakridge, River, and Kingsnake. These trails may be difficult to follow.

Closure

Boardwalk Partially Closed for Construction

The lower section of the boardwalk loop is closed for construction at this time, and the Weston Lake Overlook is now open. Please click "more" below for a map highlighting the closed section and alternate routes.Official details

Information

Please Email if Unable to Reach by Phone

Park phones are experiencing technical issues at this time. If unable to reach by phone, please feel free to email conginformation@nps.gov with any questions.

Congaree National Park

Firefly Viewing Area

Harry Hampton Visitor Center

Swamp Boardwalk

Cedar Creek Canoe Launch

Boardwalk Loop

Weston Lake Loop Trail

Oakridge Trail

River Trail

Alligator

Wild Boar

Barred Owl

Cottonmouth

Park Pass Not Needed

Backcountry Trail Conditions

Boardwalk Partially Closed for Construction

Please Email if Unable to Reach by Phone

Like a tour guide in your car.