Congaree National Park is the largest, contiguous, old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. More than 90 species of trees grow within the park, many recognized as national and state champions, the largest trees of their kind.
Located near Columbia, South Carolina, flood waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers cover the park’s floodplain. Congaree has free admission, which can make it busy in good weather. Pets are allowed but must remain on a short leash. Bikes and e-bikes are not allowed on park trails.
There are several hiking trails as well as a universally accessible boardwalk. Maps and guidebooks are offered at the visitor center. Often there is also a park ranger available to answer your questions.
As an International Biosphere Reserve and a National Natural Landmark, you should follow Leave No Trace Ethics while in the park.
Hiking
On my visits, I have hiked the Boardwalk Loop Trail, the Weston Lake Trail, and the Sims Trail. The three trails can be combined to make two connecting loops in the shape of a figure eight.
Boardwalk Loop Trail/TRACK Trail
TRACK trails are designed for kids and families as part of the Kids in Parks program. This easy trail starts directly from the visitor center and is 2.6 miles roundtrip.
A 20-point self-guided tour runs along the universally accessible boardwalk with wooden blocks indicating the sites. When you reach the split in the trail, the numbers start to your right (walking counterclockwise). You can also start to the left; however, I was walking against traffic most of the way.
The wooden bumps coming out of the ground around the boardwalk are called knees. Knees rise from the roots of bald cypress trees. These trees can live to be over 1,000 years old. Their wood is rot- and water-resistant making them perfect for canoes, docks, and bridges.
Another popular species in the park is the water tupelo. These trees have swollen trunks and only grow where frequent flooding occurs.
My favorite stop is number 11 – a loblolly pine tree over 150 feet tall! Loblollies are the tallest trees in South Carolina. Trees in the park average more than 130 feet, making Congaree one of the tallest deciduous forests in the world.
Number 12 is Weston Lake, an oxbow lake, which was once a bend in the Congaree River. From the overlook, you can leave the boardwalk and jump on the Weston Lake Trail.
Weston Lake Trail
This is a moderate dirt trail that runs through the old-growth forest along the edges of Weston Lake and Cedar Creek. It is 4.5 miles round trip from the parking lot – the portion between the boardwalk and Sims Trail is 2 miles. We encountered roots, mud, and standing water on the path.
There are many areas where you get unencumbered views of Cedar Creek as it twists and turns.
Sims Trail
The Sims Trail connector between the lake trail and the boardwalk is 1.1 miles. It is a relatively flat trail and easy to traverse.
The Sims Trail will connect midway along the back portion of the boardwalk loop. It does not come back to the Weston Lake trailhead, so you will either miss part of the boardwalk or have to backtrack to see it. From there, finish the loop to arrive back at the visitor center.
Birding and Wildlife
As a Globally Important Bird Area you can spot hundreds of birds on your visit. I saw the following species on my two trips: Black-and-white warblers, blue-headed vireos, golden-crowned kinglets, hermit thrushes, pileated woodpeckers, pine warblers, red-headed woodpeckers, ruby-crowned kinglets, tufted titmice, and white-throated sparrows.
The blue-headed vireo and pine warbler were lifer species for me so that was exciting!
There is also an abundance of wildlife including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The most common ones I saw were eastern gray squirrels, green anole lizards, and broad-headed skinks.
For people who want to know what to look for, the park’s website offers species checklists.
In April, the wildflowers really pop and liven up the forest.
I recommend Congaree National Park for anyone who is looking for a less conventional national park. It’s it excellent for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.