National Park · South Carolina

Congaree National Park

The tallest old-growth hardwood forest in the East

StateSouth Carolina
Best seasonSpring & fall
Don’t missThe Boardwalk Loop
TerrainOld-growth bottomland swamp

Congaree protects a towering floodplain forest of champion trees in central South Carolina, best seen from a boardwalk above the swamp — and on the right nights, synchronous fireflies. Spring and fall are most comfortable.

What to see

  • Boardwalk Loop Trail
  • Cedar Creek paddling
  • Synchronous fireflies (late spring)
  • Weston Lake
  • Champion trees

Check the park’s official site for current entrance fees, timed-entry or permits, road and seasonal closures before you go.