Bates Ferry Trail

Overview

Bates Ferry Trail is a short, flat out-and-back that follows a historic causeway across Congaree’s floodplain to a bluff on the Congaree River. Opened in 2015 as the park’s newest trail, it’s one of the quickest ways to stand on the riverbank from inside the park. Total distance is about 2.4 miles round trip (some guides list 1.1 miles one way).

What You’ll See

You’ll walk a straight, grassy old roadbed that parallels Bates Old River before reaching a clear, open bank on the Congaree—great for soaking in the river’s sweep. Roughly 0.4 miles in, a short side path heads north over a steel-deck bridge to the General Greene Tree, a centuries-old baldcypress with a massive, roughly 30-foot circumference that dodged the logger’s saw thanks to a hollow center. Along the way, expect classic bottomland forest with dense vegetation and a good chance of spotting white-tailed deer, feral hogs, birds, butterflies, and plenty of spiderwork.

Trail Feel and Conditions

It’s easy and nearly flat, but this is an active floodplain: after rain, sections turn muddy or flood outright, and high water can make the trail impassable. The old road surface can be lumpy from feral hog rooting. Riverbanks at the end can be steep and slick—watch your footing and keep kids and dogs close. The route is straightforward and marked when dry; if you poke around beyond the main tread, bring basic backcountry navigation tools.

History in the Landscape

You’re literally walking a corridor used since the 18th century, when this was a key river crossing long before railroads and highways. Wayside exhibits along the way tell the story of the Bates Ferry and later bridges—first spanned in the 1920s and replaced mid-century—making this a quick history lesson wrapped in a stroll.

Best Time to Hike

Late fall through early spring usually offers the driest, most reliable footing. Year-round, check recent conditions and skip it after heavy rain—this trail floods. If you want a quieter experience than the park’s boardwalk and big-loop routes, this is a reliably uncrowded alternative when water is low.

Tips

• No restrooms or water at the trailhead—come prepared.
• Small parking pull-off is directly off US 601 near the bridge over Bates Old River.
• Pets are allowed on leash. Fishing at the river is permitted with a valid South Carolina license.

Is It Worth It?

If you want a short, no-frills walk to the river with a hefty dose of Midlands history, yes. If you need dry, groomed tread regardless of weather—or you’re hunting for a longer backcountry day—pick another Congaree route when water is up.