Congaree National Park

JAN 2025 NOTICE: The following information has been provided by Jon Manchester, the Chief of Visitor Service at Congaree National Park.

“Beginning on Monday, January 6, contractors from McGary  Construction will begin work on the removal and replacement of boardwalk sections  B, D, and F, which have exceeded their intended service life. Construction is expected  to take a year and half, with projected completion in the summer of 2026.

During this project, sections of the boardwalk trail will be closed and detours to  access park trails will be in place. Sections will be closed on a rolling basis, beginning  with sections B and C. The current section B, presently a portion of boardwalk low to  the ground, will be removed and replaced with a new elevated boardwalk. Section C  will be closed to allow construction crews and equipment to access the work area. Subsequent stages for removal and replacement of sections D and F will begin in  coming months.

While this project is taking place, construction crews will be using Sims Trail to bring  crews, materials, and equipment in and out of areas where work is being conducted.  For visitor safety, all hikers using this trail during this time are urged to be aware of  construction equipment and to obey all marked trail closures. Further updates on trail  access and area closures will be posted on our park website and social media pages.”

The primary significance of Congaree National Park is demonstrated through its unique bottomland hardwood forest communities, the overall height of the forest canopy and the associated number of national and state champion trees, as well as the presence of a well-preserved, biologically diverse, and dynamic river floodplain ecosystem. The park preserves the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States.

Experience the natural wonders of Congaree National Park on foot or on water. With over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, there are many ways to explore the Congaree Wilderness. The boardwalk loop trail provides access to Weston Lake and other trails that wind through the Congaree floodplain. Ranger and volunteer guided programs are led on Saturdays year-round. Call the park for more information.

Explore Congaree National Park

Visitors have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Congaree National Park on foot or on water. With over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, there are many ways to explore the Congaree Wilderness. The boardwalk loop trail provides access to Weston Lake and other trails that wind through the Congaree floodplain. Ranger and volunteer guided programs are led on Saturdays year-round. Call the park for more information.

A marked canoe trail invites you to explore Cedar Creek. Bring your own canoe and personal flotation devices or go on a guided tour. Canoe tours are available through Palmetto Outdoor.

Before visiting, be sure to check current conditions and alerts

Synchronous Fireflies

With over 2,000 species found worldwide, there are only three species of synchronous fireflies that can be found in North America. Every year, Congaree National Park hosts synchronous fireflies for approximately two weeks between mid-May and mid-June. During this time visitors can experience an awe-inspiring display of synchronous flashing while the fireflies search for a mate. This special and unique phenomenon is extremely popular. Due to high visitor interest and to protect the firefly habitat visitors have the opportunity to enter the annual lottery for a vehicle pass.

Harry Hampton Visitor Center

There are three parking lots located outside the visitor center. The first two lots each have two accessible parking spaces. The third lot, which is for oversized vehicles, has one accessible parking space. The visitor center has accessible restrooms, including a 24-hour family restroom, as well as an accessible water fountain located outside. During normal operating hours, the visitor center may be accessed using automatic doors. The park information desk, exhibits, and store are all located on one level.

Accessibility Information and Specifications

The following resources are available at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center during normal operating hours. Please ask a ranger, volunteer, or park store employee for assistance if any of these resources are required.

• Standard wheelchair
• All-terrain wheelchair
• Brail brochure

Wheelchairs are available to loan free of charge from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center during standard operating hours. Wheelchairs are loaned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors may call ahead to inquire about availability, or to request the use of a wheelchair during a specific time. There are different wheelchairs to choose from, including one standard-sized and two large; as well as three Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchairs.

For more accessibility information including shelters, campgrounds, cedar creek launches, and kayak adaptations visit: nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/accessibility