Things To Do

Walk the Boardwalk Loop, continue onto a floodplain trail, or take a canoe or kayak onto Cedar Creek.

Boardwalk in Congaree National Park

Walk the boardwalk first

The 2.6-mile loop begins near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and crosses the floodplain on raised decking with numbered interpretive stops.

Read the boardwalk guide →
Kayak on Cedar Creek

Paddle Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek winds through the forest at water level. Check water levels, launch conditions, equipment, and guided options before setting out. A current NPS alert reports downed trees and potentially significant portages between Bannister's Bridge and South Cedar Creek.

Read the kayaking guide →
Still water and cypress knees at Weston Lake in Congaree

Stretch into a longer trail

Weston Lake Loop extends beyond the boardwalk onto natural tread. Oakridge, Boggy Gut, and Kingsnake reach farther into the backcountry; the current NPS alert says GPS is necessary on all three.

Check flooding and trail conditions
Camping scene near Congaree

Camp at Longleaf or Bluff

Longleaf and Bluff are the park's two frontcountry campgrounds. Both require advance reservations; backcountry camping requires a free permit requested at least 72 hours ahead.

Compare camping options →
Floodplain water and cypress habitat beneath Congaree's canopy

Wildlife and birding

Look and listen for barred owls, woodpeckers, songbirds, turtles, and deer along the boardwalk and forest trails. Sightings vary, and animals should be observed from a distance.

Bring binoculars
Travelers approaching the visitor area at Congaree National Park

Seasonal fireflies and ranger programs

The managed synchronous-firefly event typically occurs in May and uses annual dates, access rules, and a vehicle-pass lottery. Check the park calendar for ranger programs at other times.

Season dependent

Bookable experiences

Guided outings in and around Congaree

Compare current guided paddles and regional outings, including each operator's departure point and equipment requirements.

Things To Do

Congaree National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

The audio guide shares stories about the park’s history, swamp ecosystem, and the people who once lived and worked here.

Viator
Things To Do

Guided Congaree National Park Kayak Tour

Come join us on this guided trip as we paddle Cedar Creek and explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the Southeastern US

Viator