Last Updated on 16 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

In the heart of South Carolina’s floodplains lies Congaree National Park, an astounding example of biodiversity and an intriguing destination for hiking enthusiasts. Because the park is situated in a floodplain, hikers must take special precautions to explore the beauty of Congaree.

There are 11 Congaree National Park trails to explore, ranging from a casual 1.3-mile stroll to a challenging 11-mile adventure. Many of the trails have minimal elevation gain due to the floodplain, making it a fantastic destination for explorers of all levels.

This article will cover all 11 Congaree National Park trails, providing essential information like trail length, difficulty, trailhead location, and any trail-specific hazards you may encounter. 

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Congaree National Park History

Before we delve into the 11 Congaree National Park trails, let’s take a brief walk down memory lane to appreciate how this park came to be, and how so much was lost before it was saved.

Before Europeans came to North America, old-growth floodplain forests like the one found in Congaree covered over 35 million acres, spread across the coastal regions from Virginia south to Florida and over to eastern Texas.

Today, 99% of those forests are gone, harvested for ships, railroads, buildings, and farmland. All that’s left is a small haven of 11,000 acres in Congaree National Park. Harry Hampton led the fight to preserve this beautiful tract of land that contains some of the most diverse plant and animal species in the region.

Needless to say, we must continue to treat our parks with utmost respect, pack out all trash, obey park rules, and never disturb wildlife and plants. Now, let’s move on to the 11 glorious Congaree National Park trails in this awe-inspiring park! Trails are arranged from shortest to longest distance.

1. Fork Swamp Trail (0.6 Miles)

The Fork Swamp Trail is located far on the park’s eastern side, just south of the Bates Ferry Trail. The path meanders along an oxbow lake, the Old Bates River, which was created by a hurricane back in the 1800s.

• Trailhead: Start at the Fork Swamp Trailhead off Route 601 (Map).
• Trail Length: 0.6 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (6ft. Elevation gain, but the trail can be difficult to navigate)

If you enjoy paddleboarding, there is access to the Old Bates River on this trail. It’s also a great opportunity to spot wildlife in this quieter section of the park. The Fork Swamp Trail is one of the best Congaree National Park trails to spot alligators. You can read about what to do if you see an alligator on a hike here!

2. Bluff Trail (1.8 Miles)

The Bluff Trail is an easy stroll through a young loblolly pine forest where evidence of prescribed burns can be seen along the way. Like many of the Congaree National Park trails, there is minimal elevation gain, making this a great adventure for hikers of all skill levels.

• Trailhead: Start near the Bluff Campground (Map).
• Trail Length: 1.8 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy (19 ft. elevation gain).

Since Congaree is surrounded by swamps, sloughs, and guts, bugs can be an issue in the warmer months. I recommend using natural bug repellent like Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus, which uses the power of essential oils to repel those pesky mosquitoes.

3. Firefly Trail (1.8 Miles)

In late Spring and early Summer, the Firefly Trail lights up with a spectacular show put on by one of nature’s most illuminating creatures: fireflies! Hundreds of these flashy fliers light up the trail, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience and making this one of the most exciting Congaree National Park trails.

Even in the off-season, this trail is still a wonderful stroll through a bottomland swamp. However, if you want to watch the synchronized fireflies, a lottery system is in place to protect the fireflies’ habitat. To apply for an event pass, head over to recreation.gov!

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 1.8 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy (6 ft. elevation gain)

If you win an event pass, it’s recommended to use a flashlight with a red filter to avoid disturbing the fireflies. The Nite Ize Radiant 3-in-1 Mini Flashlight has seven modes, including a red light, and can fit in your pocket.

4. Bates Ferry Trail (2.2 Miles)

Located on the far eastern side of Congaree National Park is the Bates Ferry Trail. The trail is rich in history, following a 1920s ferry road to the Congaree River. Ferries from the Colonial Period used to cross here at the Congaree River.

If you enjoy birding, there are a variety of birds to be found along this trail, including belted kingfisher, downy woodpecker, Eastern meadowlark, great blue heron, great egret, green heron, wood stork, and night heron, among dozens of other species!

• Trailhead: Start near Route 601 (Map).
• Trail Length: 2.2 Miles
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy (6 ft. elevation gain).

The Bates Ferry Trail is located away from the main heart of the park, so it tends to be more overgrown due to its less frequent use. But that just means you’ll have some solitude on your journey.

By the way, all Congaree National Park trails are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furbag along for the adventure! Our dog hiking gear list will help you pack all your pet’s essentials for a day at the park.

5. Boardwalk Trail (2.6 Miles)

The boardwalk trail is one of the most popular Congaree National Park trails, offering elevated views of the astounding champion trees that call this park home. Be sure to pick up a self-guided boardwalk tour guide at the visitor center before embarking on the path!

In addition to offering an easily navigable path, the boardwalk trail also highlights some of the champion trees found at Congaree National Park, including bald cypress and tupelo. When flooding occurs, some of the lower sections of the boardwalk may be closed, so be sure to check the National Park Service Website for up-to-date information.

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 2.6 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy (13 ft. elevation gain).

Dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk Trail, but if you have a reactive dog, you may want to aim for early morning or evening because the boardwalk is narrow, which may be difficult for our reactive puppos! Our guide on hiking with a reactive dog covers some of the finer points about adventuring with overstimulated pets.

Self-Guided Boardwalk Tour

One of the best aspects of the Boardwalk Loop Trail is learning about the nature and history of Congaree along the way. The visitor center provides brochures that walk you through all 20 stops on the Boardwalk Trail, offering information about the environment, ecology, trees, animals, and the history of the area.

You can find a list of all the stops below:

1. American Beech Tree: A large specimen at the beginning of the Boardwalk Trail that showcases the old-growth trees that can be found here.
2. Muck Swamp: The acidic soil near marker number two consists of clay and peat and helps filter pollutants.
3. Bald Cypress: Stop number three highlights the bald cypress tree and root structures referred to as ‘knees’ that help provide structural stability and oxygen.
4. Water Tupelo: Water Tupelo trees, like those found at site number four, require wet conditions to flourish.
5. Switch Cane: This bamboo-like plant is abundant near site number five, preferring damp soil and shade.
6. Snags: Large snags can be found at this site. Snags are dead trees that remain standing, and although they are dead, they are important sources for insects, small animals, fungi, and bacteria.
7. Open Forest: At this stop, you can observe an open view into the surrounding forest, viewing trees in all life stages.
8. Tall Trees: The trees at site number eight average over 130 feet in height, making Congaree one of the tallest deciduous forests in the world!
9. Guts and Sloughs: Guts and Sloughs (“slews”) can be seen on both sides of the boardwalk here. These low channels disperse water throughout the area and help filter pollutants.
10. Fallen Giant: The huge fallen loblolly pine at site ten had to be cut to clear the trail. By inspecting the rings, the tree is revealed to have lived through drought, fires, and flooding.
11. Loblolly Pine: Site eleven showcases a former state champion, standing at over 150 feet tall.
12. Weston Lake: This Oxbow lake used to be part of the Congaree River, but the river changed directions around 2,000 years ago and left Weston Lake behind.
13. Lightning Strike: Site thirteen showcases a loblolly pine that was struck by lightning.
14. Dwarf Palmettos: A cousin of the cabbage palmetto, dwarf palmettos are extremely hardy and can be seen along the boardwalk trail at this stop.
15. Moonshine: After the 18th Amendment prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol, moonshiners found refuge in the Congaree floodplain. At site 15, an iron box used to make alcohol can be seen in the distance.
16. Hurricane Hugo: Site sixteen highlights an open canopy that was likely caused by tornadoes that touched down during the 1989 Hurricane Hugo. These tornadoes ripped out larger trees, leaving an open canopy behind.
17. Fire Is Life: Fires are an important and natural way to help restore life and remove fallen debris. Site seventeen highlights a fallen loblolly that was burnt during a prescribed fire.
18. Sims Trail: Site eighteen is the northern intersection with the Sims Trail, which is an old road that was historically used by hunters, fishermen, and loggers.
19. Independent Communities: Escaped slaves formed independent communities in the Congaree floodplain, which was difficult to traverse, providing safety.
20. Sounds of Nature: As you finish the boardwalk trail, take a moment here at site twenty to immerse yourself in the sounds of the swaying trees, peeping frogs, and chirping birds, and imagine what it might sound like if this land hadn’t been protected.

6. Longleaf Trail (2.6 Miles)

The Longleaf Trail connects the Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, making it a great trail to take if you’re camping in the park. Even if you aren’t camping in the park, there is a public parking lot for visitors to park.

• Trailhead: Start near the Longleaf Campground (Map).
• Trail Length: 2.6 Miles
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy (14 ft. elevation gain)

The Longleaf Campground is just one of a few options for staying in the park. Check out our guide on Camping at Congaree for a full list of places to stay in the park!

If you’d rather not stay in the park, head over to our article on how to find free overnight parking! It covers dispersed camping spots, the best apps to use, and businesses that let you park for free.

7. Sims Trail (3.2 Miles)

The Sims Trail intersects with the boardwalk trail and leads to Wise Lake. The trail starts near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and heads south for approximately 1.6 miles. This out-and-back trail is great for viewing wildlife, but it can get muddy during the rainy season.

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 3.2 Miles
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy (16 ft. elevation gain).

To get to the Sims Trail, you’ll have to hop on the Firefly Trail, connect to the boardwalk trail, and then jump on the Sims Trail. The trail follows a gravel road, making it easily navigable for all skill levels.

Before you head out on any of the Congaree National Park trails, make sure your backpack is filled with all your essentials! Our day hiking gear list can help you pack everything you need to explore the park trails.

8. Weston Lake Trail (4.5 Miles)

The Weston Lake Trail meanders through a variety of habitats, including cypress and tupelo trees, sloughs, Cedar Creek, and Weston Lake. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife around the park, especially along Cedar Creek, where otters and shore birds often make an appearance.

The northern portion of this trail is along the Boardwalk loop, making it an excellent addition to the Boardwalk Trail!

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 4.5 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate due to trail length. Minimal elevation change.

As with many of the trails in Congaree National Park, it can get muddy after rainfall. Weatherproof boots are recommended if it has recently rained. Mosquitoes can be bothersome during the warmer months.

Congaree National Park isn’t the only dog-friendly park around. Head over to our article on the dog policies of all National Parks in all 50 states to find the most dog-friendly National Parks!

9. Oakridge Trail (7.1 Miles)

Transitioning into some of the more difficult Congaree National Park Trails, Oakridge is over 7 miles long round-trip. It traverses various habitats that exist in Congaree, including an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest.

Large oak trees can be found along this trail, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot deer and wild turkey near the low-lying sloughs.

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 7.1 Miles
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Difficult due to length (minimal elevation gain).

This trail is located in the southern portion of the park, making it one of the more remote treks in the park. It’s a good choice for those seeking more solitude or those who hike with reactive pups. If you plan to hike alone, our guide on how to hike alone safely offers tips on how to safely traverse trails in solitude.

10. Kingsnake Trail (8 Miles)

The Kingsnake Trail is a birder’s paradise. Diverse vegetation paired with the nearby Cedar Creek makes for excellent habitat for a variety of feathery friends.

During times of flooding, the filled sloughs make for stunning views at every turn. Cypress, Tupelo, and near record-size cherrybark oaks line the trail, making it an enchanting path through the swamp.

• Trailhead: Start at the Kingsnake Trailhead off South Cedar Creek Road (Map).
• Trail Length: 8 Miles
• Trail Type: Out-And-Back
• Difficulty: Difficult due to length, occasional flooding, and blowdowns.

Washouts and blowdowns are common on this trail during floods, so be prepared for difficult conditions with waterproof boots and trekking poles. This is also one of the most remote Congaree National Park trails. It’s recommended to let someone know where you’re hiking and to bring everything you might need in case of an emergency.

On the flip side, the trail’s remote location means better opportunities to spot wildlife, including raccoons, opossums, deer, and even bobcats!

11. River Trail (11.1 Miles)

Now we’re getting into some serious mileage! The River Trail starts at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, heads south to Wise Lake, and continues its way down to the Congaree River. This lollipop trail is remote, so be sure to pack all your essentials and let someone know where you’re hiking!

The River Trail is the longest on our list of Congaree National Park trails. If you decide to bring your pup, make sure they’re up for the challenge.

• Trailhead: Start near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center (Map).
• Trail Length: 11.1 Miles
• Trail Type: Lollipop Loop
• Difficulty: Difficult due to length and occasional flooding.

When water levels are low, a sandbar can be seen on the Congaree River. During rainy times, the river overflows its banks and flows throughout the park.

Setting out in winter conditions? Head over to our winter hiking gear guide for tips on how to hike in chilly temperatures.

Congaree National Park Trails: Wrap-Up Session

That’s a wrap on all the Congaree National Park trails. From an easy adventure along the Boardwalk Trail to the challenging River Trail, there’s a path for all skill levels at Congaree. Congaree is also one of the most dog-friendly National Parks in the country, so leash up your pup and plan for your trip to involve lots of wagging tails!

To recap, here are the 11 Congaree National Park trails from shortest distance to longest:

1. Fork Swamp Trail (0.6 Miles)
2. Bluff Trail (1.8 Miles)
3. Firefly Trail (1.8 Miles)
4. Bates Ferry Trail (2.2 Miles)
5. Boardwalk Trail (2.6 Miles)
6. Longleaf Trail (2.6 Miles)
7. Sims Trail (3.2 Miles)
8. Weston Lake Trail (4.5 Miles)
9. Oakridge Trail (7.1 Miles)
10. Kingsnake Trail (8 Miles)
11. River Trail (11.1 Miles)

Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world! For more hiking articles and travel tips, head over to the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!