Explore Congaree National Park with Kids | Family-Friendly Boardwalk Hike

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Discover Congaree National Park with Kids

Thinking of heading to a national park this year or maybe traveling through South Carolina? Consider stopping at Congaree National Park for a walk through a swamp – all from the safety and comfort of a raised boardwalk. Just a half-hour’s drive from Columbia, the capital city, Congaree National Park preserves the continent’s largest remaining old-growth floodland forest. This is what much of South Carolina was like during the early 1700s before European colonists settled the area.

Why Kids Will Love Congaree National Park Boardwalk Trail

Children (and you!) will enjoy the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail loop. You’ll head beneath a tree canopy of bald cypress, tupelo, laurel oak, sweet gum, water hickory, and loblolly pine that soars 10 stories over your heads. In addition, expect to spot river otters, turtles, wood ducks, and plenty of other birds along the hike.

Understanding the Trail at Congaree National Park

1. Boardwalk Trail: An Easy and Safe Hike for Families

Be forewarned: You won’t want to hike during periods of heavy rain. The trail often floods over as the wetland’s water level rises.

2. Getting to the Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park

To reach the trail, from Interstate 77, go south on S.C. Hwy. 48. Then turn right onto Mountain View Road. In about 0.8 miles, turn right onto Old Bluff Road. You’ll reach the Congaree National Park entrance sign in about 0.6 miles; turn left onto the park entrance road for a mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

Navigating the Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park

From the visitor center, head west (then south) on a stem trail that in 0.2 miles arrives at the loop. Go left/east onto the loop so that you do the trail clockwise.

In 0.5 miles, the loop reaches the junction with the Sims Trail, which heads south across the swamp, again meeting the loop on the other side. Continue on the Boardwalk Loop, which in short order veers south.

You’re now on the loop’s east side. This section of the trail is elevated up to six feet above the forest floor. It gives you a good perspective of the bottomland hardwoods and upland pines.

1. Wildlife Viewing Along the Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park

After 0.7 miles, the trail reaches Weston Lake. The oxbow lake at one time was once a channel of the Congaree River.

The trail curves west at the lake. In 0.2 miles, the loop junctions the Sims Trail for the second time. A former park service road, the Sims is an easy trail to negotiate, but at this point in the hike is not a good shortcut to take north back to the visitor center; it actually will add a third of a mile to the hike.

2. Low Boardwalk Section at Congaree National Park

Instead, continue straight/west. After 0.3 miles, the loop turns north and becomes the “Low Boardwalk.”

Here the trail heads along the forest floor, and during or following heavy rainfalls can be submerged. Unlike the forest along the elevated boardwalk, bald cypress and water tupelo dominate. Depending on the sunlight above the canopy, this section of the trail can feel primeval (when sunny) or downright spooky (when cloudy).

The loop reaches the stem in 0.5 miles. Go left/north onto the stem trail and return to the visitor center.

Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park with Kids

Trail map. Courtesy Congaree Congaree National Park NPS.

1. Ideal Seasons for Visiting Congaree National Park

Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Congaree National Park with kids due to pleasant weather and minimal flooding.
Summer can be hot and humid, so morning hikes are ideal.
Winter provides a different perspective, with leafless trees offering an open view of the swamp ecosystem.

2. Avoiding Flooding at Congaree National Park

Check the park’s website or call the visitor center for trail conditions before your visit.
Be prepared for temporary trail closures after heavy rainfall.

Tips for a Memorable Visit to Congaree National Park with Kids

1. Packing Essentials for Congaree National Park

Comfortable hiking shoes (sneakers work fine on the boardwalk).
Bug spray to protect against mosquitoes.
Sunscreen and hats for sunny days.
Binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife.
Snacks and water to keep kids energized.

2. Educational Opportunities at Congaree National Park

Visit the Harry Hampton Visitor Center before starting the hike to grab maps and learn about the ecosystem.
Encourage kids to participate in the Junior Ranger Program to make the visit more interactive and fun.

3. Photography and Scenic Spots at Congaree National Park

Capture Weston Lake for breathtaking nature shots.
The elevated boardwalk provides a perfect backdrop for family pictures.
The dense canopy of bald cypress and tupelo trees makes for stunning landscape photography.

Conclusion: A Must-Visit Family Destination – Congaree National Park

For families looking to enjoy a unique adventure in nature, Congaree National Park is the perfect destination. With its easy Boardwalk Trail, rich wildlife, and fascinating swamp scenery, it offers an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults. Plan your visit today and explore the wonders of Congaree National Park with your family. If this Blog Post Helps you share with your friends follow us for more hiking Guide and Tips also on social media to get updates Thank you for visiting – myhikingguide.com