The Knot Splice Loop

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...

The boardwalk trail is an easy 2.4 mile walk through a small portion of Congaree National Park. However, it is an excellent introduction to the park as it takes you deep into the swampy and cypress forest. The flat surface is accessible and provides a leisurely way to experience the Congaree wilderness. Visiting during the early mornings provides a better chance of seeing wildlife such as deer,...

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...

From Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue 28.3 miles along this road until you enter the small town of Elloree. Here you will turn left onto E Cleveland Street/ State Rd S-38-105. This road will dead end into the park; turn left at the final fork for the visitor's center and l...