Hiking Trail

Bluff

(Congaree National Park)

TrailMap

Description: Begin this blue-blazed, mostly level, dirt trail at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. From the picnic tables, you will cross the park road, pass a spur to the after hours parking area, loop through pine and hardwood forest, and continue to the elevated boardwalk. You can extend your hike on the Boardwalk Loop, or turn right and follow a shorter section of boardwalk back to the Visitor Center. As you walk through the various flood plain forest habitats, look for pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, osprey, great blue heron, and a variety of other birds, as well as otter, deer, wild-hogs, iridescent skinks, alligators, snakes and other wildlife.

Remember to wear insect repellent and protective clothing to ward off poison ivy, stinging insects, and mosquitoes. For longer trails, you may want to carry water, first-aid supplies, and a map and compass. The backwoods trails are maintained on a limited scale and may be blocked at any time by fallen trees or debris washed in during flooding. Be sure to check trail conditions before starting your hike!

Trails are foot-traffic only. Pets are permitted on leashes on designated trails but they are not allowed on boardwalks. Restrooms and picnic tables are located near the Visitor Center where you can pick up a map, learn from the natural exhibits, and ask about special events such as night tours, and the owl prowl.

Length: 1.7­mile loop.

Fees: No fee.

Directions: From Columbia, drive southeast on SC 48 (Bluff Road) for approximately 12 miles and bear right onto Old Bluff Road (Richland County S-40-734). Follow the signs to the Congaree National Park.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Vehicles must be parked outside the gate in the after hours parking lot by 5 p.m.)

Camping: Contact the Visitor Center for primitive camping information.

Information: Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061, Telephone: 803-776-4396. (Visitor Center open: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)