Congaree National Park

A Last Stand for An Old Growth Forest

Along the meandering Congaree River rests Congaree National Park, a world of primeval forest landscapes, champion trees, diverse plant and animal life, and tranquility with an occasional passing canoe. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous area of old growth forest, consisting mostly of bottomland and harwood trees, remaining in the United States. Congaree’s bottomland or floodplain forest is a wetland system of the Congaree River, creator and caretaker of the park’s magnificent forest. Because the park experiences wet and dry periods as the river floods and recedes with seasonal rains, the vitality of the park’s forest ecosystem depends on the good health of the Congaree River.

Until the latter half of the 1800s there were more than 52 million acres of floodplain forests in the southeastern United States – with more than one million acres in South Carolina alone. In the 1880s the lumber industry began harvesting these forests.

Many remnants that survived the ax and plow were drowned by reservoirs. In less than 50 years most of these great bottomland old growth forests were decimated.

Congaree Swamp

Congaree’s trees escaped large-scale cutting due to the difficulty of logging in a wetland area and to the timber conservation ethic of Francis Beidler, whose lumber company purchased bottomland forests in South Carolina between 1890 and 1905. The limited logging activity that occurred along the Congaree River ceased in 1914. In the 1950s conservationist Harry Hampton recognized that the Congaree Forest was one a the few remaining ecosystems of its kind and began efforts to protect it. Two decades later, when logging again threatened the area’s giant trees, a public campaign led Congress to establish Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976. In November 2003 it became Congaree National Park. Today it is a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a peaceful place for you to explore a forest of towering trees and diverse wildlife.

Exploring the US National Parks

Visitor Center

The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. year-round except December 25. It has information, exhibits, and a schedule of activities.

If you are planning an overnight hiking or canoeing trip, stop at the visitor center for a free camping permit, a trail map, and up-to-date information. Fires are prohibited except in the park’s designated primitive campsites.

Canoe and Hike

Most of the park consists of Congressionally designated wilderness. Motorized vehicles and water craft are not allowed. You have the opportunity to experience the park’s natural wonders on foot or by canoe. On foot – The boardwalk loop provides wheelchair access to Weston Lake and foot access to other trails that wind through the floodplain forest. Colored markers make the trails easy to follow. Guided nature walks are offered. Call ahead to arrange group tours. By canoe – A marked canoe trail invites you to explore Cedar Creek. Bring your own canoe and personal flotation devices. Canoes may be rented in the Columbia, S.C., area. Before canoeing ask the park staff about current water levels and conditions.