Congaree National Park Walking Tour

Duration
1-2 Hours
Audio Points
19
Tour Stops
19

About The Tour

Discover the beauty and history of Congaree National Park on a self-guided walk along the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, where towering trees, diverse wildlife, and centuries of natural and cultural stories come together in one unforgettable forest adventure. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on ...

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Discover the beauty and history of Congaree National Park on a self-guided walk along the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, where towering trees, diverse wildlife, and centuries of natural and cultural stories come together in one unforgettable forest adventure.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Visit the Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and park info.
• Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail to see giant trees and swamp wildlife.
• Hike Sims Trail for a peaceful forest walk with great birdwatching.
• Relax by Weston Lake and watch turtles and fish in the calm water.

Please note: the lower half of the Boardwalk is closed for construction with plans to reopen in 2026. Until then, he first half of our tour can be taken as normal, and the latter half can be finished by taking the Sims Trail to complete the loop.

Sample Tour Audio

Bald Cypress Trees and Congarees
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The Logging Era
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Slavery at Congaree
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Tour Stops

Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center
Boardwalk Loop Trail
Sims Trail
Weston Lake

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(76262)

Must have travel app

Must have app for travel! Such priceless interesting necessary information! Loved hearing both scientific and historical and cultural info! This app literally saved our lives on the very narrow roads on the west coast of Maui!

EMDRTherapist | 8 hours ago | iOS

Fantastic app would recommend to everyone going to Arches National Park. Kept us informed along our adventure. 👍👍

Rick Kaminski | 3 days ago | Android

Super fun, could be better

We loved using this for our drives around the big island! Tons of good factoids and stories to fill the time while you drive for hours while exploring this amazing place. The only reason we did not give 5 stars are: 1. We really needed the speed limits posted in the app like google maps does. There are so many changes that happen quickly if you are trying to switch between the 2 it gets overwhelming and conflicting directions got us mixed up a few times. 2. The music is much louder than the narration so we had to adjust our volume back and forth a lot. If it was a bit quieter setting that the talking that would have been perfect. 3. Sometimes the directions would be exactly at the point where you were supposed to turn so we missed at least 5 where we had to do a turn around and go back. And then sometimes the directions would be very far out so we would slow down way too early. The map was very helpful but if we lost service it wouldn’t always put us in the right location for the narrator to be correct. Other than those things we greatly enjoyed our Shaka guide and are excited to try it on another island!!

Tishket | 3 days ago | iOS

Is Congaree National Park a swamp?

No, Congaree National Park is not a swamp, though it may look like one in some areas. It is a floodplain forest, meaning it floods seasonally but supports large hardwood trees, not swamp plants. The park is known for its towering trees and rich bi...

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How bad are the mosquitoes at Congaree National Park?

Mosquitoes at Congaree can be very bad from mid‑spring through mid‑fall, especially after rain or flooding. The park even has a “Mosquito Meter” because the conditions often support heavy mosquito activity.

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What unique things does Congaree National Park feature?

Congaree National Park is full of hidden gems. It’s home to the largest remaining stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Some of its loblolly pines, bald cypress, and sweetgum trees are over 150 fee...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does the Congaree National Park Tour go?
This tour has 19 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
What should I pack for the Congaree National Park Tour?
Insect repellentLightweight, breathable clothing (helps protect from bites)Hat or head net (optional but handy during peak mosquito season)Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof hiking bootsLight rain jacket or ponchoMoisture-wicking clothingReusable water bottleSnacks or lunch (no food vendors in the park)Sunscreen and sunglassesFirst Aid kit
What should I budget for the Congaree National Park Tour?
Congaree National Park is free to enter.There are no restaurants inside Congaree, so plan to bring food or eat in nearby Columbia.Groceries and simple meals are your best bet for keeping costs low.
What are the park hours for the Congaree National Park Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.Harry Hampton Visitor Center: Daily 9 AM - 5 PMThe park is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Services are limited in the “off-season” (September-May)
Can I take the Congaree National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
The tour starts at Harry Hampton Visitor Center and follows the path of the Boardwalk Loop Trail in a counterclockwise direction.
Can I join the Congaree National Park Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route.
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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