Perfect Weekend in Congaree National Park
Two days exploring old-growth forest via elevated boardwalk and paddle through cypress swamps.
Congaree protects the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, home to some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi draped in Spanish moss.
- 26,693 Acres
- 27+ Miles of trails
- 20,000+ Old-growth acres
- Free Entrance fee
Day 1: Boardwalk Immersion
Stay: Book a hotel in Columbia or Hopkins, 15 minutes from the park.
Introduction to Congaree's signature ecosystem and easy access to champion trees and Weston Lake.
- Start at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where you'll pick up a self-guided interpretive brochure before walking the fully accessible Boardwalk Loop.
- The elevated 2.6-mile round-trip path winds through cypress-tupelo flats past giant loblolly pines, baldcypress, and tupelo trees before reaching Weston Lake, an oxbow lake carved from the Congaree River centuries ago.
Day 2: Cedar Creek Paddle
Stay: Depart the area or stay another night in Columbia.
Immersion in the heart of the old-growth swamp where paddlers witness river otters, deer, and cypress 'knees' in solitude.
- Launch from South Cedar Creek Landing or arrange a guided tour with an authorized outfitter.
- Paddle through 6+ miles of winding creek flanked by towering cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss, spotting river otters, turtles, and great blue herons while staying at least 100 feet from the banks.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Boardwalk Loop?
No, the Boardwalk Loop and all day trails are first-come, first-served with no permit required. Free park entrance means you can start hiking anytime during daylight.
Can I rent canoes or kayaks in the park?
The park offers no equipment rentals, but several Columbia-area outfitters rent gear or offer guided tours. Carolina Outdoor Adventures and Palmetto Outdoor are authorized park operators with 3-hour guided trips.
What's the best time to visit Congaree in 2026?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer comfortable temperatures (70s–80s) and minimal insects. Avoid summer heat and humidity (95–100°F+) and winter flooding (December–February).
Where should I stay?
Columbia and Hopkins have hotels ranging from budget to upscale, 15 minutes from the park. Longleaf Campground ($15/night) and Bluff Campground ($10/night) offer frontcountry camping; book via Recreation.gov six months in advance.
Is there a fee to enter the park?
Park entrance is free. Campground fees ($10–$15/night) apply only if camping; firefly event passes are $24 if selected in the May lottery.
Sources & Further Reading
- Trail Information - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Things To Do - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Permits & Reservations - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Camping - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Canoe Trail Conditions - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Operating Hours & Seasons - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Basic Information - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Weather - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Backcountry Camping - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Canoeing and Kayaking - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Fireflies - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Directions - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Trip Ideas - Congaree National Park — National Park Service
- Congaree National Park Camping — Recreation.gov
- Congaree National Park Firefly Viewing Lottery — Recreation.gov
