One of the newest additions to the National Park System is Congaree National Park. This wetland of swamp and marsh makes for a unique hiking experience. The beauty of this park may not be instantly obvious compared to parks like the Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountain but the more you explore, the deeper your appreciation grows for this distinctive wilderness.

To get to Congaree National Park set your GPS to Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061 or follow the driving directions provided by the National Park Service by clicking here.

The Wooden Walk

If you only have a day to spend in Congaree, we recommend doing the Boardwalk Loop. The name of the trail can be taken literally. The ground of the park is mostly comprised of swamp land so hiking certain areas require the use of boardwalks. It might be hard to call this a hike because it is entirely possible to never get your shoes dirty, but given your surroundings, this is a great trail to begin your adventuring.

The trailhead for the Boardwalk Loop starts at the Visitors Center. Stop in here before you start and ask the Rangers about any trail closures. The boardwalk is obviously man-made which means it requires more maintenance than your average dirt trail. This may mean you won’t be able to complete the full loop. If that’s the case, the Rangers will instruct you on the best way to puzzle together your journey so you still get to see everything.

The Rangers will also provide you with a map outlining some interest points. If it’s not too cold out, it’s worth stopping at the numbered stations to read a little bit about the area. You’ll see where escaped slaves would run through the trees in an attempt to lose their pursuers and where moonshiners abandoned their stills.

Overall

This lesser known National Park gives you an opportunity to experience a unique hike that puts you in the heart of the soggy forest without ever actually putting your boots to the dirt thanks to a skillfully crafted and photogenic boardwalk.

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.