Congaree National Park

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This fall, NPCA and Travelodge® by Wyndham are calling attention to hidden gems sites within the National Park System that we think are worth knowing more about. From locations rich with history to those with majestic views, we’re taking a closer look at trails, vistas and other lesser-known sites in parks across the country. Protecting public lands is at the heart of what we do and is important to Travelodge as well; we hope by learning more about these lesser-known places, you’re inspired to protect our parks, too.

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Home to the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, Congaree National Park is a park that’s just as beautiful by foot as it is by water. With over 25 miles of hiking trails, almost 2.5 miles of boardwalk, and canoeing and kayaking for all levels of experience, park explorers can glimpse the park’s rich wildlife, which includes river otters, deer, turtles and even the occasional alligator! The park’s over 20,000 acres are home to a vast array of trees, including bald cypress, tupelo and pine, making its forest one of the most biodiverse in the nation and one of the oldest and tallest forests east of the Mississippi.

Closest Major City: Charleston, South Carolina or Charlotte, North Carolina

Fun Fact: The Congaree and Wateree Rivers can flood up to 10 times a year, replenishing soil nutrients that sustain the forest habitat.

By Land or By Water

Whether it’s a short stroll through the woods on one of the park’s boardwalks or a canoe trip down Cedar Creek, Congaree National Park has an abundance of wonders. There’s primitive backcountry camping and river trip options for the more experienced, as well as day hikes to oxbow lakes, the Congaree River and stands of magnificent old-growth trees that make up the tallest deciduous forest in the United States. Because the park is situated on a floodplain, the terrain tends to be very flat with slight elevation changes, making it a great place to spot wildlife; the water itself offers anglers plenty of spots for good fishing, too!

A Closer Look at Park Hidden Gems

Kingsnake Trail

Don’t be intimidated by the name of this trail — while it might sound ominous, this 7.8 mile out-and-back trail is a great option for visitors of all skill levels for hiking, walking and running. Due to the dense, diverse vegetation that surrounds it as well as its proximity to Cedar Creek, it’s a particularly good trail for bird watchers. When the sloughs are full of water, the trail features beautiful views around every bend.

Bates Ferry Trail

Head to the eastern part of the park and follow a 1920s ferry road south to the Congaree River to experience a remnant of the area’s rich history, including spots where colonial-era ferries once navigated the river. The flat, 2.3 mile out-and-back trail is a fast way to get to the river and another excellent spot for bird watching.

Fork Swamp Trail

A short distance from the Bates Ferry Trail is the park’s second-newest trail, a quick 0.6-mile hike that runs along a narrow section of Bates Old River, a large oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852. It’s one of the best places in the park to see river otters, especially in the late fall and early winter, and don’t forget to look up for a chance to spot bald eagles and osprey looking for fish in the river below!

What People Love About Congaree National Park

We asked our followers on social media who have been to the park what they liked best about their visit and what hidden gems people should know about — here’s what they said:

• “Honestly, getting past the boardwalk and into the floodplain is just really special.”

• “Take a kayak tour of the river! It was the best thing we did. My kids and I loved it.”

• Another frequent answer as to the best part of the park: the massive trees!