Ranger-curated one-day highlights itinerary for Congaree National Park.
Itinerary
Ranger-curated Congaree day focused on boardwalks, river paddling, and wildlife at golden hour.
Harry Hampton Visitor Center
Get trail updates and flood conditions.
Ask about boardwalk closures and recent wildlife sightings.
Boardwalk Loop Trail
Lightning Strikes As they grow, loblolly pines emerge above the canopy. Loblollies are the tallest trees in the forest, making them easy targets for lightning strikes. The damage from a lightning strike to the tree is actually an opportunity for beetles, termites, and fungi to thrive. There was once a tree just off the trail with evidence of a lightning strike, but that tree has fallen.
Elevated boardwalk through old-growth bottomland forest.
Morning light is best for quiet wildlife views.
Weston Lake Loop
Flat trail through floodplain forest.
Bring bug spray; mosquitoes can be intense.
Picnic at Cedar Creek
Shaded picnic area near the creek.
Refill water and rest in the shade.
Cedar Creek paddle (if renting)
Calm paddle with chances to see turtles and birds.
Check water levels; rentals are seasonal.
Firefly or wildlife dusk walk (seasonal)
Evening is the best time for wildlife activity.
Bring a headlamp and stay on marked paths.
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1
Day
6
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
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