River
Trail Activities: t
- Walk
- Hike
Length:
Type:
Surface:
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Features: t
- Parking
- Visitor Center
- Scenic Observation
- Trail Head
- Pets
- No Fee
- Camping
Summary:
This trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. Much of the forest along the river was logged prior to the park's establishment and vegetation here is noticeably denser than that of other trails.
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.
Camping: Contact the Visitor Center for primitive camping information.
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.
No comments available.
Congaree National Park | 200 Caroline Sims Road, Hopkins, SC 29061 | (803) 776-4396 | Email
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Trail Segments (Paths) Trail Features (Points of Interest) |
Lat: 33.81863093846987 Long: -80.84159914270020 |
