Congaree National Park

Congaree protects 27,000 acres of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States — a floodplain ecosystem along the Congaree River that escaped 19th-century logging because the wettest stands were uneconomical to harvest. The forest contains some of the tallest trees in eastern North America, including 167-ft loblolly pines and a national-champion bald cypress. The signature visitor experience is the 2.6-mile elevated Boardwalk Loop that crosses the floodplain at canopy level, often only a few feet above standing floodwater. The park designated 2003 (formerly a national monument since 1976) and is among the least-developed in the system — no scenic drive, no campground beyond primitive backcountry sites. From I-77 the access is Exit 5 (Bluff Rd / SC-48), then 12 mi southeast to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

• Largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US
• Designated 2003 (formerly a national monument since 1976)
• Includes some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi (167-ft loblolly pines)
• Park entry is free; no entrance gate
• Synchronous fireflies in late May to mid-June (one of two reliable US viewing locations, with Great Smoky Mountains)

• Boardwalk Loop Trail (2.6 mi, elevated through floodplain)
• Cedar Creek canoe / kayak trail (15 mi)
• Synchronous firefly events (late May to mid-June, free permit lottery)
• Bluff Trail and the high-ground edge of the floodplain
• Old-growth giants near the Boardwalk Loop

Best months: October through April — cooler, drier, fewer mosquitoes, and lower flood risk on the Boardwalk Loop.

Closures: No seasonal closures. The Boardwalk Loop closes briefly when floodwaters submerge sections (most common January–March).

Notes: Mosquito Meter at the visitor center rates conditions 1–6; June–September often hits "war zone" levels. Carry repellent. Synchronous firefly viewing requires a free entry lottery permit.