Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

Hopkins, South Carolina

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Distance

4.5 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

This is a peaceful hike through a floodplain forest of cypress trees, tupelos and loblolly pines with many opportunities for wildlife viewing.

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 left at in intersection. Stay straight here to begin the Weston Lake portion of the trail.

The Weston Lake trail follows white blazes with the number "3" on them as it winds through the forest skirting Cedar Creek for a long portion of the trail. There are six bridge crossings on this trail as well as numerous intersections with other trails. All these intersections are well-marked.

After 2.5 miles on the Weston Lake Trail you will rejoin the Boardwalk Trail and continue the remaining 1.2 miles back to the visitor's center on the Boardwalk Trail.

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Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP Reviews

Julia Baker

Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

05/02/23

My husband and I hiked this trail in late April. The floodplain tide was low so no parts of the trail were under water or super muddy. On this trail gives hikers a good view of what the park has to offer, including walking through areas with many cypress tree knees (roots that grow upwards from the ground.) This hike took us about 2 hours. We occasionally passed other hikers but the trail was not busy. We took a detour to see Wise Lake. This is a must do for anyone visiting the park for the first time.

5.0

Aellon Krider

Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

06/21/21

Easy to follow trail markers and signs and there are paper maps available outside of the visitor center. I saw lots of wildlife when I went in June: hogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and birds. Highly recommend an evening hike when there's less traffic.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

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Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP Reviews

Leave No Trace

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Boardwalk Loop

Hike the River Trail at Congaree National Park

Kayak Cedar Creek at Congaree NP

Hike the Guinard Clay Quarry Loop

Walk the University of South Carolina Horseshoe

Photograph the South Carolina State House

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