Congaree National Park | American Tour Association

A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Make room for the wonder.

Tall trees and a rich floodplain ecosystem offer a quieter kind of grandeur. A boardwalk outing gives visitors a close look at the forest without needing to organize a wilderness expedition.

A view of a bottomland/floodplain forest, with wide based cypress and tupelo trees, cypress knees — Cypress trees and knees by Weston Lake
NPS Photo · Photography credit

An owl perched on a wooden building — A barred owl perched on the Harry Hampton Visitor Center roof at Congaree National Park
NPS Photo · Photography credit

BUILD YOUR OWN PARK DAY

Places to consider

01Harry Hampton Visitor Center
02Boardwalk Loop
03Ranger-led activities when offered

Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.

Before you set out

Water levels can change access. Check flooding, insects and trail conditions before deciding how far your party will walk.

Give the day room

Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.

Bring your group

Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.

Official park visitor guide ↗Current conditions ↗

Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.