For years I’ve driven by Congaree National Park without stopping. I’m not talking like passing it once or twice, think more like 75 – 100 times. Apparently, we are not alone in this. Congaree National Park is one of the least visited parks in the United States.
This year, on our annual trek from Florida to North Carolina, I made plans to finally make a pit stop at the park so the dogs could stretch their legs and the kiddos could add another stamp to their National Park passports. Boy, am I glad we did! The park is super underrated!
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What Makes This Place Qualify as a National Park?
Congaree National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States and has the largest stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeast. Apparently, the trees here are so bomb that they hold championship titles. The park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals and offers up a research site for scientists.
The park is also one of the few places in the world where you can see synchronous fireflies. Between the mid-May and mid-June, the fireflies search for a mate by performing a synchronous flash dance. This natural phenomenon is so popular that there is a lottery held for tickets each year.
The area has thousands of years worth of human history. Prehistoric people once hunted the floodplain of the Congaree River and fished its waters. These people, known as the Congaree Indians, thrived off of the dense vegetation and plethora of game.
When the Spanish arrived (Hernando DeSoto in the late 1500s and Juan Pardo in the 1600s), they brought along with them smallpox which essentially wiped out the indigenous population.
Things to Know Before Visiting Congaree National Park
The Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park
The best time to visit Congaree National Park is October through January. Once the weather cools off, the bugs calm down making the park much more enjoyable.
Entrance Fees
Hey oh! Entrance to Congaree National Park is free! But, if you plan on visiting more National Parks over the course of a year, you may want to look into the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at most National Parks). The pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more.
Cell Service
Despite the park being close to the city of Columbia, cell service can be spotty in the park.
Grab a Map
If you’re planning on hiking at Congaree, which you totally should, be sure to grab a map. You can find free maps at the visitor center.
Those Freakin' Bugs, Man
Y’all, the south is known for 2 things Southern Hospitality and our abundance of bugs, particularly the biting kind. We’re talking mosquitos, fire ants, and another bloodsucker wanting to feast on your blood. Appealing, huh?
If you’re planning on visiting in the spring or summer, be sure to wear clothing that protects your skin and bathe yourself in insect repellent.
Lather Up
The sun can be brutal here in the south, even if it’s overcast you can get a sunburn. Go ahead and lather up with plenty of sunscreen.
Bring Along Plenty of Water
Plan on bringing along plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking. You can find a water bottle refill station at the Visitor’s Center.
Have Your Pooch Tag Along
Congaree National Park is pet-friendly! Be sure to keep your pooch on a leash and clean up after them. There’s a water spigot at the Visitor’s Center where your pup can get a bit of water. Be sure to check Fido for ticks after your walk.
The 5 Best Things to do at Congaree National Park
5. Bird Watching
Location: Park-wide
Activity Level: Easy
Isn’t weird that once 35 hits you start getting interested in birds? If you’re 35 years or older, you’ll be happy to know that be totally stoked to learn that Congaree National Park is home to some species of birds that are rarely spotted outside of the park.
One of these birds is the crested caracara. These birds are a member of the falcon family. Unfortunately, one of the lines of their family tree became extinct at the turn of the 20th century. Since then, the population has steadily decreased in the United States.
4. Float Down Cedar Creek
Location: The Cedar Creek canoeing trail begins at Bannister’s Bridge.
Activity Level: Easy
Did you know that otters are the unofficial mascot of Congaree National Park? Grab a tube or a canoe and float down the creek. Simply hop in/on your vessel and let the current whisk you away. Chances are, you’ll spot an otter.
There are plenty of canoe and tubing rentals near the park in the summer months.
3. Enjoy the Nightlife
Location: The Boardwalk Loop & Sims Trail
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
Believe it or not, thousands of visitors head to Congaree National Park to check out the nightlife. For the record, I’m not talking about heading out to the bars and clubs. Hell, I’m not even talking about sipping moonshine around the bonfire. I’m talking about an evening hike.
Hear me out. Congaree National Park offers nighttime hikes led by park rangers. These super-experienced guides will point out the park’s owl species.
Man, you know you’re getting old when you include birds in 2 items on a top 5 list.
2. Stroll the Boardwalk Trail
Location: Visitor’s Center
Activity Level: Easy
One of my favorite things to do at Congaree National Park is to stroll along the Boardwalk Trail. The 2.6-mile boardwalk provides an easy-peasy walk through the Congaree wilderness.
For a shorter version of the hike- at the back of the Visitor’s Center, begin your hike by taking a right on the boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk to the first turn-off. Head left. Take a left on Firefly Trail and then a left on Bluff Trail until you circle back to the Visitor’s Center.
The above-mentioned hike is what we did on our visit with the kiddos and pups. It was perfect for a walk through the woods with littles.
1. Get a Glimpse of the Fireflies
Location: All over the park
Activity Level: Easy
The main attraction at Congaree National Park is its fireflies. Each night, millions of fireflies glow against the star-filled sky.
But these aren’t just plain old fireflies…these are synchronized fireflies. Like something you’d see in the Insect Olympics.
Where is Congaree National Park located?
The park is conveniently located just outside of the state capital- Columbia.
The physical address is:
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061
The park is open 24 hours a day however the Visitor Center may be closed on major holidays.
Other Cool Information
Distance From Major Cities
- Columbia, South Carolina – 17 miles
- Charleston, South Carolina – 104 miles
- Charlotte, North Carolina – 108 miles
- Savannah, Georgia – 147 miles
- Atlanta, Georgia – 230 miles
- Jacksonville, Florida – 278 miles
- Williamsburg, Virginia – 416 miles
- Orlando, Florida– 419 miles
- Nashville, Tennessee – 462 miles
- Washington DC – 483 miles
- Louisville, Kentucky – 528 miles
Distance from Nearby National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 204 miles
- New River Gorge National Park – 327 miles
- Shenandoah National Park – 382 miles
- Mammoth Cave National Park – 472 miles
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park – 600 miles
National Parks Sites in South Carolina
- Congaree National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- Kings Mountain National Military Park
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Charles Pickney National Historic Site
- Ninety Six National Historic Site
- Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
FAQ About Congaree National Park
Is Congaree National Park worth visiting?
As one of the least visited parks, Congaree National Park is underappreciated. I don’t know that I’d go out of my way to visit the park, but if you’re in the area, you should stop by, even if it’s just to do the raised boardwalk trail.
How much time do you need at Congaree National Park?
The great thing about this park is that you can have a great experience in about an hour. CNP is a small park, so half a day is plenty of time to hike, fish, or go out on the water.
What is the best time of year to visit?
You should plan your visit for the cooler months. Spring and fall are great times to visit as the temperatures are the most comfortable and the bugs aren’t an issue.
How much does it cost to get in to Congaree National Park?
There is no admission fee to enter the park.
What animals are in Congaree?
Congaree National Park is home to alligators, snakes, birds, bobcats, deer, armadillos, and turkeys.
How far is Congaree National Park from Columbia?
Columbia, South Carolina is about 24 miles from Congaree.
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure
Save our pin 5 Epic Things to Do at Congaree National Park to help you plan your trip. While you’re at it, browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List. Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.
