Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park protects the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, a primeval and majestic floodplain wilderness along the Congaree River in central South Carolina. Spared the logging that cleared nearly all such forests across the Southeast, Congaree shelters towering, ancient trees — some among the tallest in eastern North America — in a cathedral-like forest of remarkable grandeur and biodiversity.

The park’s champion trees, including national-record specimens of several species, soar over 130 feet in one of the tallest temperate deciduous forest canopies on Earth, watered by the floods of the Congaree and Wateree rivers that nourish the rich floodplain. A famous elevated boardwalk loop carries visitors through the heart of the old-growth forest, past giant loblolly pines, bald cypress with their knees, and water tupelo, while hiking trails and canoe routes explore deeper into the wilderness. Quiet, ancient and biologically rich, Congaree National Park is a treasured and primeval natural wonder of the South Carolina lowcountry.

Congaree National Park offers a serene immersion in the old-growth forest — walking the famous elevated boardwalk loop through the towering trees, hiking miles of trails into the floodplain wilderness, canoeing and kayaking the marked Cedar Creek canoe trail and the Congaree River, fishing, ranger-led walks and canoe tours, camping, and birding. The park is also renowned for its synchronous fireflies in late spring. The combination of the majestic old-growth forest, the accessible boardwalk, and the wild canoe and hiking routes makes Congaree a unique and treasured destination in central South Carolina.

Fall, winter and spring are the most comfortable seasons, with mild weather and fewer mosquitoes, while late spring brings the famous synchronous firefly display (a ticketed event) and lush green. Summer is hot, humid and buggy, though the forest is green and shaded. The park floods periodically, which can close the boardwalk and trails but is part of the floodplain’s natural cycle. Spring fireflies, the mild cool seasons, and high-water canoeing are highlights; check conditions, as flooding and the mosquito ‘meter’ affect visits.

The Congaree floodplain was used by Native peoples and later eyed by loggers, but its frequent flooding and the difficulty of the terrain spared much of the old-growth forest from the clear-cutting that erased nearly all such forests across the Southeast. In the 1970s, a grassroots campaign led by conservationists saved the forest from logging, and it was protected as a national monument in 1976 and redesignated Congaree National Park in 2003. The park preserves this rare, primeval old-growth bottomland forest — a remnant of the vast forests that once lined the southern rivers.

Congaree National Park lies on the floodplain of the Congaree and Wateree rivers in the coastal plain of South Carolina, where periodic floods spread nutrient-rich sediments across the low, flat bottomland, building the deep, fertile soils that nourish the towering forest. The rivers’ meanders, oxbow lakes, sloughs and natural levees shape the floodplain, and the regular flooding — rather than any dramatic rock — is the defining geological force, depositing the sediments and water that make the bottomland one of the most productive forest environments in North America.

The old-growth forest, rivers and floodplain of Congaree host white-tailed deer, bobcats, river otters, wild pigs, and a rich community of birds, including barred owls, woodpeckers (the park is prime habitat), wading birds and migratory songbirds, while the waters teem with fish, turtles, snakes and the occasional alligator, and the forest floor with amphibians and insects — including the famous synchronous fireflies. The rich, flooded bottomland supports exceptional biodiversity. Congaree is an outstanding place for wildlife watching and birding amid its towering, primeval forest.

Congaree National Park protects the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, an internationally significant and biologically rich ecosystem (a designated Biosphere Reserve and globally important bird area) nourished by the floods of the Congaree and Wateree rivers. The towering canopy — among the tallest in eastern North America, with national champion trees — the floodplain’s sloughs, oxbows and diverse habitats support extraordinary biodiversity. Protecting the old-growth forest, the natural flood cycle and the rivers’ water quality sustains a rare and irreplaceable remnant of the South’s primeval floodplain forests.

Congaree National Park holds a treasured place as a rare surviving remnant of the vast old-growth floodplain forests that once lined the southern rivers, saved by a grassroots conservation campaign and now protected as a primeval natural wonder. The majestic, cathedral-like forest of champion trees, the famous boardwalk, and the renowned firefly display have made it a beloved and significant destination, embodying both the grandeur of the ancient southern forest and the conservation triumph that preserved it in the South Carolina lowcountry.

Congaree National Park is in central South Carolina near Hopkins, southeast of Columbia, off State Route 48, about 30 minutes from the capital city. The park is free to enter. It offers the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the famous elevated boardwalk loop, hiking trails, the Cedar Creek canoe trail, primitive camping, and ranger programs. The park floods periodically, which can close the boardwalk and trails. The firefly event requires advance tickets. Check the National Park Service for flood conditions, the firefly event and access before visiting.

The National Park Service protects the old-growth bottomland forest, the floodplain, the rivers and the rich wildlife of Congaree National Park, a Biosphere Reserve. Visitors help by staying on the boardwalk and trails to protect the fragile forest floor and old-growth roots, packing out everything, protecting the rivers’ and floodplain’s water quality, respecting wildlife (including not disturbing the fireflies during their display), canoeing responsibly, and following Leave No Trace. Protecting the old-growth forest, the natural flood cycle and the wildlife sustains the largest intact bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

At Congaree, be prepared for a wild floodplain — mosquitoes can be intense in the warm months (check the park’s mosquito meter and bring repellent), and the park floods periodically, so heed closures and never enter flooded areas, where currents and hidden hazards are dangerous. Watch for snakes (including venomous species), alligators in the waters, and biting insects, and supervise children closely. Canoe only with proper skills, a life jacket, and awareness of water levels. Stay on the boardwalk and trails, carry water, and respect the wild, wet wilderness.

The park is free to enter. Stay on the boardwalk and designated trails to protect the fragile old-growth forest floor. Camp only in designated or permitted areas; follow Leave No Trace. Canoe and fish per regulations and licensing. Never feed or disturb wildlife; do not disturb the fireflies during the display (a ticketed, managed event). Pets must be leashed. Drones are prohibited. Collecting is prohibited. Pack out all trash. Heed flood closures. Check the National Park Service for conditions, the firefly event and current rules before visiting.

The city of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, lies about 30 minutes northwest, with the Congaree and Wateree rivers, the lowcountry forests and the rural midlands of South Carolina around the park. The Lake Marion and Santee region lies to the southeast. The Congaree floodplain and the coastal plain define the area. Congaree National Park anchors a unique natural region of old-growth forest and river wilderness near Columbia, a centerpiece of an outdoor and nature outing in the South Carolina midlands.

Walk the famous elevated boardwalk loop to stand among the towering old-growth trees — some of the tallest in the East — and for a wilder experience, hike the floodplain trails or paddle the Cedar Creek canoe trail through the primeval forest. Visit in the mild cool seasons or for the spring synchronous firefly display (book tickets in advance), bring insect repellent (check the mosquito meter), heed flood closures, and watch for wildlife. The park is free; start at the visitor center near Columbia.