Congaree National Park

This river has several points throughout the park where you can launch your kayaks and canoes. The river is marked with mile markers along the way so you can count down to the next launch point. This river is actually so slow moving that you can kayak upstream or downstream. All along the river you can experience wildlife at its finest. Stumbling across deer, fish and turtles is not uncommon in...

Start your adventure at the parking lot for Congaree National Park and make your way to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There you can find clean bathrooms, drinking fountains, a gift shop, and trail guides. When you're ready to begin your hike, begin on the boardwalk and follow the signs for the River Trail - a 10-mile loop (with some overlap). The trail is clearly marked with signs along the...

The Boardwalk Loop begins at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center where you can get a Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure. There aren't any water refilling stations along this trail, so be sure to fill up your water bottles before you descend down an elevated platform that leads into the forest. Along the way many vibrant trees and wildlife can be seen as you explore what can only best be described...

If you're looking for a longer hike in Congaree National Park than just the Boardwalk Loop, try adding another 2.0 miles to the Boardwalk Loop by hiking the Weston Lake Trail.   From the visitor's center, take the Boardwalk Trail and stay straight at the intersection with the Bluff Trail. The elevated boardwalk will turn into the low boardwalk. After 0.7 miles, the Boardwalk Trail will turn lef...

This trail is a short 2.5 mile loop through what used to be the Guinard Clay Quarry in West Columbia, SC. The old pits from which clay used to be harvested have formed a bunch of ponds which attract wildlife. There are alligators in this area as well as deer, hogs, bobcats, snakes, turtles and birds. This trail is narrow, crosses several bridges and passes a few benches. There are parts of the ...

Right in the center of the University of South Carolina's campus there is a gorgeous horseshoe. It is one of the most historic pieces of campus. While walking along the horseshoe, you can stumble across college students hurrying to class, people hanging in their hammocks, a photographer capturing special moments or a group of people having a yoga class. It is an escape from the hustle and bustl...