Congaree protects the largest remaining stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States: a floodplain where bald cypress and water tupelo stand in dark water, loblolly pines rise taller than almost anywhere, and the river spreads through the trees several times a year. It is not a swamp in the alligator sense — more a cathedral of giant trees — and it is only half an hour from Columbia, South Carolina.
Best things to do in Congaree
1Boardwalk Loop
A 2.6-mile elevated and ground-level boardwalk from the visitor center through cypress and tupelo, past “knees” sticking out of the water. Flat and easy; parts can flood.
2Cedar Creek by canoe or kayak
The marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail winds through the forest; rangers lead free paddles in season, and outfitters in Columbia rent boats. Check water levels: too high or too low closes it.
3Weston Lake Loop
A longer walk off the boardwalk, about 4.5 miles, to an oxbow lake and some of the park’s biggest trees.
4Synchronous fireflies
For about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, one firefly species flashes in sync after dark. The park has run the viewing event with lottery-allocated parking passes on recreation.gov.
5The mosquito meter
Outside the visitor center, a sign rates the day’s mosquitoes from “all clear” to “war zone”. Take it seriously from May to October.
Why go: a forest older than the country
Congaree has none of the drama of the western parks and very few visitors compared with them. What it has is rarer: an intact old-growth floodplain forest, with some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. It is an easy half-day between Charleston, Savannah and the Smokies, or on a drive down I-95 or I-26.
Congaree entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Free |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- No entrance fee and no reservation.
When to go
March to May and October to November are the best months: mild, fewer insects. Summer is hot, humid and buzzing. Winter is quiet and often wet, with the river flooding parts of the forest — beautiful, but some trails close. Check the park’s alerts for flooding before you go.
Where to stay in Congaree
There is no lodging in the park, only two small campgrounds (reserved on recreation.gov) and backcountry sites. Most visitors stay in Columbia.
Columbia
$$$$Best for: everything
South Carolina’s capital, about 30 minutes away, with hotels, restaurants and canoe outfitters.
Hotels in Columbia partner linkCongaree: your questions
Is Congaree National Park free?
Yes, there is no entrance fee.
Are there alligators in Congaree?
They are rarely seen. Congaree is a floodplain forest rather than an alligator swamp; snakes, turtles, otters and many birds are more likely.
When are the fireflies at Congaree?
For roughly two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, depending on the year’s weather. Watch the park’s website for the event and its lottery.
How long is the Congaree boardwalk?
The Boardwalk Loop is 2.6 miles, flat and suitable for most visitors. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.