Congaree National Park Day Trip: Boardwalk, Paddling and Floods

Congaree National Park charges no entrance fee. Plan around the 2.6 mile round-trip boardwalk, the mosquitoes from mid-spring to mid-fall, and the floods that happen about ten times a year.

• EntryFreeNPS: no fee
• Boardwalk2.6 miround trip, accessible
• Visitor Center9am-5pmdaily, per compendium
• Floods~10 a yearper NPS

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Facts below come from official pages read on November 3, 2026. Visitor Center hours come from the park’s Superintendent’s Compendium, because the NPS hours page lists none.

Before You Go

Congaree is a floodplain forest park outside Columbia.

• NPS says there is no fee to enter Congaree National Park. source
• NPS says Congaree does not sell America the Beautiful passes; digital ones are sold through Recreation.gov. source
• The park's Superintendent's Compendium says the Visitor Center is open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, and hours may be restricted for safety or staffing. source
• The same document says campgrounds, trails, roads and parking areas are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with exceptions. source
• The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061; phone 803 776-4396. source
• NPS says the Columbia airport is approximately 30 minutes from the park. source
• NPS says cell phone reception in the park is unreliable and may not be available where you hike or paddle. source
• NPS says pets are welcome on all trails if leashed, with waste picked up; the compendium bars leaving a pet unattended, including in a vehicle. source
• NPS says the park has over 25 miles of hiking trails and that ranger- and volunteer-led programs run on Saturdays year-round. source

Walking and Paddling

• NPS lists the Boardwalk Trail as easy, 2.6 miles round trip, with benches, and wheelchair and stroller accessible. source
• NPS lists the Weston Lake Trail as moderate, 4.5 miles round trip, with views of Cedar Creek, and subject to periodic flooding. source
• NPS describes the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail as a marked route of approximately 15 miles through the Congaree Wilderness, from Bannister's Bridge to the Congaree River. source
• NPS says the park does not rent canoes or kayaks; visitors bring their own or use Columbia outfitters, and some outfitters hold permits for guided tours and equipment drop-off in the park. source
• NPS names these outfitters: River Runner Outdoor Center, Palmetto Outdoor, J.K. Adventure Guides and Carolina Outdoor Adventures. source

Bugs, Floods and Safety

These are the park’s own cautions. Rain upstream can close trails even on a dry day, so read the park’s alerts before you drive.

• NPS says mosquitoes are present from mid-spring until mid-fall and recommends insect repellent. source
• NPS says the park floods about ten times a year, making backcountry trails and even parts of the boardwalk inaccessible. source
• NPS gives flood stage as about 8 feet at Cedar Creek and about 15 feet at the park's west boundary gauge. source

Camping

• NPS says backcountry camping requires a free permit, requested at least 72 hours ahead by email to cong_information@nps.gov. source
• NPS lists Longleaf Campground at $15/night (tent) and $25/night (group), and Bluff Campground at $10/night; senior and Access pass holders get 50% off. source

Fireflies

The park holds a synchronous firefly viewing event each spring. Dates and passes change every year, so the NPS page is the place to look.

• NPS ran its 2026 synchronous firefly viewing event May 13-20, 2026, with entry on event nights by Recreation.gov lottery pass ($25 total, 145 passes per night). source
• NPS says no insect repellent can be applied after arrival at the park during the firefly event; apply it before arriving. source
• NPS says best firefly viewing is usually about 9:00-10:00 PM. source

Our Congaree place page has the full profile, and Day Trips From Columbia lists more trips.

What We Could Not Confirm

Sources

1. NPS Congaree – Synchronous Fireflies
2. NPS Congaree – Superintendent's Compendium
3. NPS Congaree – Basic Information
4. NPS Congaree – Camping
5. NPS Congaree – Canoeing and Kayaking
6. NPS Congaree – Current Conditions
7. NPS Congaree – Directions
8. NPS Congaree – Fees
9. NPS Congaree – Plan Your Visit
10. NPS Congaree – Maps and Brochures
11. NPS Congaree – Trail Information

Official pages read on November 3, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.