Congaree
Trail Information
Boardwalk
Loop
EASY
This is an excellent "leg stretcher" of 2.3 miles.
Divided into two distinct sections; the elevated boardwalk and the
"low" boardwalk. This is by far the most used path in
the entire monument area. Frequented by "birdwatchers",
the boardwalk is truly a great showcase for the 160 + species
of birds that make their home here. Several times a year the Congaree
overflows into the floodplain.
During these times the elevated boardwalk is the only way to view
this bottomland forest without getting wet. Numbers painted on the
rail, point out the features that make this forest unique.
Using literature from the ranger station allows for a very informative
self guided tour. All hikes that begin inside the Congaree National
Monument must begin here. This hike passes through a diverse forest
of Bald Cyprus and Water Tupelo.
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Bluff
Trail
VERY
EASY This is a "shortie" of one half of a
mile that connects the Bluff Campsite with the boardwalk. It
passes through an area that the park service is practicing a controlled
burn policy. Controlled burning is an excellent way of restoring
a forest under story. After burning the tangled mess of vines and
poisonous plants, the recovery is stunning. A beautiful, green forest
will be the result as the under story grows back. Think of controlled
burning as a "Spring Cleaning" for the forest! This hike
passes through a stand of young Loblolly Pines.
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Weston
Lake Loop
EASY
Another leg stretcher of 2.9 miles, for those that have the
time or energy to hike deep into the backcountry. This trail takes
you past two very beautiful "bottomland" lakes. Hiking
past Weston Lake, Cedar Creek and Wise Lake increase the chances
for great wildlife sightings. On a recent trip I spotted Heron,
River Otters and
Wild Boar. I couldn't get a photo of the Otter because he playfully
played "Cat and Mouse" with me. After waiting 45 minutes,
I finally packed up and left. As soon as I stowed the camera, he
poked his head up from beneath the surface! Combined with the Boardwalk
Loop, this hike is a total of 4.6 miles.
Oakridge
Trail
MODERATE
This 3.7 mile loop take you into
an area that has, you guessed it, Old Growth Oak and Beech trees. This
trail is a little further off of the beaten path and boasts large
stands of old growth deciduous trees. Fewer hikers make it this
far off of the boardwalk so it is possible to have quiet, uninterrupted
hike here. This is in the heart of the Old Growth area and is a
sight to behold. After leaving the Weston Lake Loop, the old hardwood
giants quickly come into view. A hike here in combination
with the boardwalk is 6.2 miles round-trip.
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Kingsnake
Trail
MODERATE
Solitude is the keyword here. This is the most secluded of all trails
here and it is very likely that you will not see another soul on
this trail. The trail is littered with blow downs but that is a
small price to pay for solitude. There is a quiet hush here that
is usually found in the more remote mountain regions. If you really
want to get away from it all, this trail is for you. The lightly
used trail is a little more difficult to find, however, the frequent
trail markers will keep you on track. Many old growth trees of all
types can be found here and wild Boer sightings are almost guaranteed.
This trail terminates at South Cedar Creek Rd and is a good "two
car hike". You may not want to back-track through the blow-downs.
The total length of this trail is 3.7 miles. In combination
with the boardwalk this is a 5.5 mile hike, if you have a
car waiting at Cedar Creek Rd.
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River
Trail
MODERATE
Aside from the Boardwalk and Weston Lake Loop, this is the third
most traveled path in the Monument area. This 5 mile loop
showcases everything that makes the Congaree National Monument
a special place. If you have never hiked here before this is a must
see. The trees on this trail are relatively young, however, most
are hardwood. As you hike on this trail, you will notice extensive
damage from the Wild Boers. Because we have been in a three year
rain deficit, the Congaree River has not been overflowing it's banks
normally. Before these dry years, the river would flood 80% of the
area ten times a year. In recent years there has been very little
flooding. As a result, the Boer population has become extremely
large. The non native Boers have no natural predators, so flooding
is the only way to keep the population down. Wild Boers are not
good swimmers. The river itself is very pretty and very wide. As
you hike along the river on the trail, there are numerous side trails
that take you to excellent vantage points that allow great views
of the river. The total trail mileage with the Boardwalk trail is
6.5 miles.
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