National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain
Congaree National Park
Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Harry Hampton Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Harry Hampton Visitor CenterMain
Hopkins, SC · Park open 24 hours year-round; visitor center 9–5 daily except some federal holidays
Airports
- CAE
Columbia Metropolitan Airport · West Columbia, SC
ClosestMid-size airport - CHS
Charleston International Airport · North Charleston, SC
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
2.6 mi · 20 ft gain · loop
Elevated boardwalk descending into old-growth bottomland hardwood forest with some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
Starts at: Harry Hampton Visitor Center
4.5 mi · 30 ft gain · out & back
Through a cypress-tupelo slough to Cedar Creek and Weston Lake with excellent wildlife viewing.
Starts at: Boardwalk Trail
7.1 mi · 40 ft gain · loop
Traverses a subtle ridge with large oak trees, passing through sloughs with excellent wildlife viewing in the old-growth floodplain forest.
Starts at: Harry Hampton Visitor Center
3.2 mi · 20 ft gain · out & back
Follows an old gravel road from Bluff Trail to Cedar Creek, crossing the boardwalk twice.
Starts at: Bluff Trail
Upcoming Events
Fall Forest Wellness Journaling
Join us for our FREE Forest Wellness Program! Relieve the stresses of your everyday life by taking the time to reconnect with nature. The program will include a 2 mile (round trip) meditative walk and a journaling workshop. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to participate in mindful reflection, meditation, and journaling in the park with author and writing coach, Cassie Premo Steele. No previous experience is necessary, and all writing will be kept private. Paper and pens will be provided.Please meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. All you need to participate is yourself, a water bottle, tennis shoes, and comfortable clothing. Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time.For questions or more information please email cong_information@nps.gov Pets are not permitted on this program, service animals are welcome.
Owl Prowl
Join a ranger for an evening hike through the forest and learn about the owls that call Congaree home! Have you ever heard an owl calling in the dead of night and been curious? How do they hunt? How do they see? Why do people associate them with wisdom? Join park staff for an evening hike to answer these questions and more! Owls are mysterious creatures to many, as we do not often see them, and only hear them calling at night outside of our homes. This 2 hour guided hike along the Boardwalk and Sims trail. We will talk about the unique adaptations owls have made that allow them to be such capable hunters, and how they use their senses to survive and thrive in the dark. We will keep our eyes and ears open and hopefully catch a glimpse or hear one of the many owls that call Congaree National Park home. What to know: -We will be meeting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. -Pets are not permitted on this walk. Service animals are welcome. -Please wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking approximately 2.5 miles. Please bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing. - Event could be canceled due to inclement weather. -Owl sighting not guaranteed!
Owl Prowl
Join a ranger for an evening hike through the forest and learn about the owls that call Congaree home! Have you ever heard an owl calling in the dead of night and been curious? How do they hunt? How do they see? Why do people associate them with wisdom? Join park staff for an evening hike to answer these questions and more! Owls are mysterious creatures to many, as we do not often see them, and only hear them calling at night outside of our homes. This 2 hour guided hike along the Boardwalk and Sims trail. We will talk about the unique adaptations owls have made that allow them to be such capable hunters, and how they use their senses to survive and thrive in the dark. We will keep our eyes and ears open and hopefully catch a glimpse or hear one of the many owls that call Congaree National Park home. What to know: -We will be meeting at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. -Pets are not permitted on this walk. Service animals are welcome. -Please wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking approximately 2.5 miles. Please bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing. - Event could be canceled due to inclement weather. -Owl sighting not guaranteed!
Best Time to Visit Congaree
Best time to visit: March–May, October–November
The best time to visit Congaree National Park is March–May and October–November. Spring and fall have the most comfortable temperatures and few insects; summer is hot, humid, and mosquito-heavy.
In those months, average highs are 68–83°F at Harry Hampton Visitor Center. May is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Harry Hampton Visitor Center (120 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Check the forecast before getting on the road. Conditions can change rapidly within the park. Flooding can happen with little or no warning, so make sure to check water levels for Cedar Creek and the Congaree River.
