Sims Trail (#2) EASY Congaree National Park. With over 25 miles of trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalks, there are many ways to explore the park. 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. Midway, the trail passes a large cypress-tupelo slough that seems to go on forever. OPERATING HOURS! Flowing through the heart of Congaree National Park, Cedar Creek is a major part of this dynamic floodplain wilderness area. Congaree National Park’s floodplain creates the perfect terrain for hikers of all experience levels. The park's newest trail (opened summer 2020) was constructed by area high schoool students employed in the Youth Conservation Corps program. December 9th, 2020 - Hopkins, South Carolina Congaree National Park Boardwalk Trail Congaree National Park offers tremendous hiking opportunities through the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the southeastern United States. 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. This elevated trail takes hikers on a self-guided loop around the Congaree Swamp. Make sure to look at the backcountry camping page before you start. With over 25 miles of trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalks, there are many ways to explore the park. However, the Boardwalk Loop Trail is one of the better constructed trails we’ve seen in the entire NPS system, and is well worth the time. CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN, MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION The 50-mile Congaree River Blue Trail connects the City of Columbia, the Three Rivers Greenway, and rural communities to Congaree National Park, the largest wilderness in South Carolina. WEATHER FORECAST! Congaree National Park, Hopkins: Address, Phone Number, Congaree National Park Reviews: 4.5/5 Oakridge Trail (#4) DIFFICULT There are a number of trails at Congaree which are available for foot travel only. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails in Congaree National Park and the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail which extends through 15 miles of the park to the Congaree River. Hike the Forest of Congaree National Park. Depending on what you want to see, trails can lead you to oxbow lakes, the Congaree River, … The boardwalk has benches along the way and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. It’s primarily flat with only slight elevation changes as it tours Congaree National Park’s namesake river through dense vegetation, bottomland and bald cypress forest. Park visitors will find old growth forests teeming with wildlife, miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderately strenuous and miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN except for Western side of the trail which is CLOSED due to flood damage. 1. Congaree National Park will be opening trails and services previously closed because of the coronavirus. The amazing thing is that it is free. On the other side of the trail, giant cherrybark oaks stand at near-record size. Congaree National Park: congaree river trail. Trail Information. Congaree National Park fits this easily. COLUMBIA, S.C. — Congaree National Park, located in lower Richland County, is known for its scenic trails and wildlife habitats. On our visit some of the lower portions were flooded. The 50-mile Congaree River Blue Trail connects the City of Columbia, the Three Rivers Greenway, and rural communities to Congaree National Park, the largest wilderness in South Carolina. Evidence of prescribed burns can be found along this trail. Congaree National Park will be opening trails and services previously closed because of the coronavirus. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. From the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, follow the signs for the River Trail to reach the Congaree River, a curling ribbon of water that forms the park’s southern border. The majority of trails begin from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and vary in length. Established Hiking Trails in Congaree National Park Boardwalk Loop Trail (2.4 miles) – An elevated trail that takes you through the old-grown hardwood forest. This short spur trail connects the Visitor Center parking lots with Bluff Trail. To learn more about Congaree National Park, visit www.nps.gov. Round Trip Distance: 7.0 miles. A variety of different tree species can be observed including bald cypress and tupelo trees in the lowest elevations. With trails that are generally flat, hiking at Congaree National Park is great for visitors of all skill levels. On this trail, you will experience the old-growth characteristics that led advocates in the 1950s through the 1970s to preserve Congaree Swamp. It includes both an upper high boardwalk and lower boardwalk. Sign In To Add To Favorites Do not attempt to cross the bridge. Passing through a rich stretch of old-growth forest, this trail traverses a subtle ridge where a variety of large oak trees grow. It may be possible to go around the bridge during dry conditions. The vast park is known for its bucolic walking trails; scenic, oozing waterways; and wildlife. The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a roughly 15-mile paddle through the heart of Congaree National Park, beginning at Bannister Bridge and continuing all the way to the Congaree River. Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Beginning from the middle of the Boardwalk Loop, this trail offers great views of Cedar Creek where... 3. There is also a brochure you can pick up at the Visitor Center to learn more about the natural and cultural history. Make sure to look at the. Lower Boardwalk Trail, Congaree National Park (5) This photo was taken during our first visit to Congaree National Park in June 2011. Scouts and other groups often use the trail for an overnight backpacking trip, camping … On our visit some of the lower portions were flooded. Hiking the park's many trails lets you get up close and personal with Congaree National Park. CURRENT CONDITIONS: OPEN; MAY BE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW IN SOME AREAS; USE CAUTION Canoe Trail Information. All kinds of wildlife, from alligators to otters, thrive in the Congaree National Park, and the experience is yours for the taking. 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