PLEASE READ:
All trails except the elevated portion of the Boardwalk, Bluff, Firefly, and Longleaf are subject to periodic flooding.This page may not be updated each time a flood occurs.
There will always be an Alert posted, however, in the event of a flood. Please check Alerts before every visit, and feel free to call the visitor center if you have questions about conditions.
Park Trail Guide
There are a number of trails at Congaree which are available for foot travel only. Because the majority of the park lies within a floodplain, the terrain is generally very flat with only slight elevation changes. The majority of trails begin from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and vary in length. Trails are marked with brown blazes along with the trail number; however, many trails are in the park's wilderness area and can be impacted by downed trees and flood damage. We encourage backcountry hikers to utilize navigational aids such as compass and map as well as offline GPS navigation tools.
Trails are rated EASY, MODERATE or DIFFICULT based on length, conditions and difficulty of navigation. Mileages are approximate and are based on all trails being passable.
Park Trails
Boardwalk Trail - EASY
CURRENT CONDITIONS: PARTIALLY OPEN - Sections D,E, & F are currently closed for construction. Those wishing to make a loop must use the Sims Trail. (Updated 2/10/2025)
Round Trip Distance: 2.6 miles
The boardwalk begins on a bluff at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center with an elevated section that leads down into the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. A variety of different tree species can be observed including bald cypress and tupelo trees in the lowest elevations. Loblolly pines, oaks, maples and holly can also be observed. The boardwalk has benches along the way and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Pick up the Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure at the Visitor Center before beginning your walk to learn more about the the natural and cultural history of Congaree.
Bluff Trail (#1) EASY
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, OUT-AND-BACK DUE TO BOARDWALK CONSTRUCTION
Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles
This upland trail loops north of the Visitor Center and connects to the elevated boardwalk for a short distance. The Bluff Trail passes through a young forest of loblolly and longleaf pines. Evidence of prescribed burns can be found along this trail.
Sims Trail (#2) EASY
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN
Round Trip Distance: 3.2 miles
The Sims Trail follows an old gravel road and runs from the Bluff Trail on its northern end to Cedar Creek at its southern end, crossing the boardwalk twice. The clearing at the intersection with the Weston Lake Trail was the site of a hunt club where Harry Hampton was once a member.
Weston Lake Trail (#3) - MODERATE
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, OUT-AND-BACK DUE TO BOARDWALK CONSTRUCTION
Round Trip Distance: 4.5 miles
Note: At this time, the Weston Lake Trail is not a loop due to boardwalk closure at Weston Lake overlook. This trail provides great views of Cedar Creek where otters and wading birds are regularly observed. The eastern portion of this trail follows a cypress -tupelo slough (dried up river bed) where many cypress knees can be seen sticking up out of the water.
Oakridge Trail (#4) DIFFICULT
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION
Round Trip Distance: 7.1 miles
Passing through a rich stretch of old-growth forest, this trail traverses a subtle ridge where a variety of large oak trees grow. The number of low-lying sloughs makes this trail great for viewing wildlife like deer and wild turkey.
River Trail (#5) DIFFICULT
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS, NUMEROUS TREES DOWN DUE TO RECENT STORMS; USE CAUTION
Round Trip Distance: 11.1 miles
This trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. Much of the forest along the river was logged prior to the park's establishment and vegetation here is noticeably denser than that of other trails.
Kingsnake Trail (#6) DIFFICULT
CURRENT CONDITION: OPEN, MUST USE SIMS TRAIL TO CONNECT TO BOARDWALK AND REACH VISITOR CENTER
MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION
Distance: 12 miles
The Kingsnake Trail is a favorite trail for birders because of the diverse vegetation and proximity to Cedar Creek. When sloughs are full of water, beautiful views are possible around every bend.
Bates Ferry Trail (#7) EASY
CURRENT CONDITION: OPEN
Round Trip Distance: 2.2 miles
Starting from Route 601 in the eastern section of the park, this trail follows a 1920's ferry road south to the Congaree and is a remnant of the areas rich history, which includes colonial era ferries which once crossed near here. While at the river, please be aware that the bank is steep and could potentially be slippery. It is best to stay on the marked path, as old side trails are neither cleared nor marked.
Longleaf Trail (#8) EASY
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN
Distance: 1.3 miles (one-way distance)
This trail connects Longleaf Campground to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the Boardwalk, and other trails.
Fork Swamp Trail (#9) MODERATE
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION
Distance: 0.6 miles
This trail runs alongside the southern channel of Bates Old River, an oxbow lake created by a hurricane in 1852.
Firefly Trail (#10) EASY
CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, OUT AND BACK DUE TO BOARDWALK CONSTRUCTION
Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles
Visitors are treated to a magical light show produced by synchronous fireflies along this trail in late spring.
