Kayaking Through Congaree

In Fall 2023 I spent 6 weeks road-tripping Appalachia. I drove 2286 miles, slept in 14 different cities, and made stops in the Virginias, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. I’m on a quest to visit all 63 National Parks, and on this trip I saw New River Gorge, The Great Smoky Mountains, and Congaree. The route I took started in Ocean City and ended in Potomac, just in time for Thanksgiving:

I wrote previously about my adventures in New River Gorge and The Great Smoky Mountains, so this piece will focus Congaree, the last stop on my roadtrip.

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Congaree National Park has the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. In layman’s terms, it has really old, really tall trees that grow around rivers and creeks.

The forest is a floodplain, which means it’s underwater for part of the year, but not permanently, like a swamp. A long time ago the park was called the Congaree Swamp, and there was a big fuss about the name not being “accurate”.

Hiking among Ancient Giants

Congaree greets its visitors with an awe-inspiring sight – ancient trees, some over 1500 years old. The park is home to some of the tallest deciduous trees in the Eastern United States, with towering bald cypress and loblolly pine dominating the landscape.

The Boardwalk Loop Trail

The most popular trail in the park is the Boardwalk Loop Trail, a 2.6 mile boardwalk loop that’s elevated over the often-muddy forest floor below. The trail is mostly flat, making it highly accessible and family friendly.

The path takes visitors through a forest of cypress knees and creates a surreal atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world…maybe a haunted one with witches and goblins.

Also, be sure to pick up a free self-guided tour booklet from the visitor’s center so you can learn about the forest at each of the 20 stops on the hike.

A gnarly cypress tree near the boardwalk trail.

We extended the boardwalk trail by a couple miles using the Weston Lake Trail, but with over 25 miles of hiking trails, Congaree has something for everyone.

Seasoned hikers should look at the challenging and secluded Kingsnake and River Trails.

Kayaking on Cedar Creek

For a more unique perspective of Congaree, we took a paddling adventure along Cedar Creek, a branch of the meandering Congaree River. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals, allowing you to explore the waterways surrounded by lush greenery and the symphony of birdsong.

The access ramp has ample parking, and you can paddle east or west on this slow moving creek. You may encounter some downed trees that you’ll have to navigate around, but in November 2023 it wasn’t too bad. Conditions vary by the season, based on how recently volunteers have removed the fallen trees.

We spent 3 hours on the water and travelled about 2 total miles. It was a slow, leisurely paddle, and we stopped many times to observe the nature and wildlife.

We booked our tour through Carolina Outdoor Adventures, and they did a fine job leading us through the park.

Wildlife Encounters:

Congaree National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it’s home to a wide array of species. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, river otters, and a plethora of bird species. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering opportunities to spot woodpeckers, owls, and the iconic barred owl. There’s also a large population of invasive feral hogs that the park is actively trying to eradicate.

We saw 3 snakes, a raccoon, a handful of turtles, a huge fishing spider, and a river otter devouring a fish (which was probably the highlight of my entire trip)

Good thing I had my binoculars…I didn’t wanna get any closer.

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, Congaree won’t disappoint.

Camping

I didn’t camp during my visit, but paddling to a backcountry campsite is at the top of my list for when I return. The park has normal camping at the Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds, and offers free permits for setting up anywhere in the backcountry. Permits can be obtained online or at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

Congaree National Park stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and appreciating our natural heritage. From the majesty of the ancient trees to the tranquility of a river paddle, this park offers a rejuvenating opportunity to escape the daily grind. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your paddle, and go exploring.

Thanks for hanging, catch ya in the next one.

Chris

Chris Monteferrante