If you can do only one hike in Congaree National Park, the Boardwalk Loop is the one. Congaree is unique for preserving the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, and the Boardwalk trail shows you the best of this remarkable place. The trail is easy, accessible, and family-friendly.
Where is the Boardwalk Loop Trail?
Congaree National Park is located just 30 minutes from Columbia, SC.The park has several access points, but to do the Boardwalk Loop, start at the Visitor Center.
There is no entry fee for Congaree National Park. And there's plenty of parking at the Visitor Center lot.
The trailhead is through the Visitor Center building.When you go through, check the info board before you start. Sometimes the trail is closed because of flooding.
The Visitor Center is worth a visit too!
Gear Recommendations
Even if the Mosquito Meter is not on "War Zone," you're going to want some sort of insect repellant.
You don't need any special hiking gear for the Boardwalk Loop Trail. The entire hike is on a hard boardwalk; any type of footwear will work. Ideally you'll have comfortable fitness clothing for the hike.
Star the hike behind the Visitor Center on the boardwalk.At the first wide junction, hike straight through, avoiding the stairs down.You'll see the first interpretive display. There are a number of these along the loop and you can pick up a free brochure at the Visitor Center.At 0.2 miles you'll see the end of the loop rejoining on the left. Go straight. We're hiking the loop counterclockwise.At 0.6 miles continue on the turn in the loop by going left and staying on the boardwalk.Hike straight and cross the Caroline Sims Trail.When you get about halfway through the loop at 1 mile, go up and to the right for the Weston Lake viewpoint.Enjoy the views of Weston Lake, home to many birds and even river otters.Leave the viewpoint and continue straight, avoiding he trail on the left that you came up earlier.Make the left at 1.7 miles to continue on the boardwalk loop.Hike straight through, staying on the boardwalk.Avoid all the smaller trails branching off the boardwalk; we're staying on the boardwalk.At the end of the loop you'll rejoin the trail you started on. Make the right and walk a minute or two to the Visitor Center.
