Central South Carolina
Congaree National Park
Giants of the River.
This is the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the parks floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the eastern US.
The timing of the visit to Congaree is very important if you want to dodge “mosquito meter” in “WAR ZONE” – the mosquitos can be fierce and miserable! We visited during the winter and during a cold front! The only downside is we missed a glimpse of another flying insect: fireflies.
Congaree is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the mysterious phenomenon of synchronous fireflies – this happens every year, for two weeks in the early summer, Congaree’s floodplain lights up with thousands of tiny flickers, all pulsating at once. A perfect excuse to make a round two visit to this Mysterious National Park.
The Congaree National Park TRACK Trail is a flat 2.4 mile loop through a floodplain forest on boardwalks – Grand bald cypress, water tupelo and loblolly pine trees surround you along this trail – with an average tree height of 130 feet! Keep an eye on out for water moccasins and copperheads which are common with the area.
This was a perfect weekend getaway from Charlotte, NC but an easy day trip from neighboring cities in South Carolina and Georgia. Dog friendly which is a huge bonus!
A few of our favorites
Check the “mosquito meter” at the Harry Hampton Visitors Center.
Take a ranger-led “Owl Prowl” night-hike through the forest.
Explore the floodplain via The Boardwalk Trail.
Paddle up the Cedar Creek river trail.
See Congaree’s champion trees.
River Trail, Weston Lake Loop, Bluff Trail.
Download our full trip itinerary
Start Exploring
Find some of our favorites including where we stayed, what we ate and the can’t miss things we did on our trip in 2 convenient sheets!
Get StartedDownload a condensed itinerary
Start Exploring
Find some of our favorites including where we stayed, what we ate and the can’t miss things we did on our trip in 1 convenient sheet!
Get Started
