Hiking Trail

River

(Congaree National Park)

TrailMap

Description: Begin this long, isolated, backwoods, white-blazed, loop trail by following the low boardwalk to the Weston Lake Loop Trail. Walk .5 mile toward Cedar Creek. Then walk .6 miles on the Oakridge Trail and follow the sign to the River Trail. Walk another 1.3 miles to the fork on the River trail. If you stay to the right, you will wind through the woods before turning left where the trail follows an old road bed along the Congaree River. A sign points out the short spur trail that leads to a sandbar. As you follow the loop back to the fork, the trail narrows again and you may sometimes search for the next trail marker in the dense foliage. As you walk you will pass under towering trees ­ some as tall as 16-story buildings ­ such as ancient loblolly pines, cypress, water tupelo, American elm, cherrybark oak, sweetgum, and hickory. 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. Also, 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 trails 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: 10.0 miles total. You will also need to walk the Low Boardwalk, and a section of the Weston Lake and Oakridge Trials.

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.)