Congaree National Park is a lesser-known gem in central South Carolina, just about 30 minutes southeast of Columbia. It protects one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States — a rare, swampy wilderness that feels worlds away from city life.
We hiked the Boardwalk Loop Trail – The most popular and accessible trail (2.4 miles) that winds through cypress and tupelo trees rising from the floodplain. Great introduction to the park. A portion of the trail was closed and being rebuilt as it floods out often.
The walk was nice and this park was a nice stop on the drive, but it is nothing like making a trip to visit one of the bigger more famous national parks.
