Congaree National Park
About
SC's Only National Park - The Largest Old-Growth Floodplain Forest in the US
Congaree National Park protects 26,000 acres of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States - some bald cypress and water tupelo trees over 500 years old. The 2.6-mile elevated Boardwalk Loop is the family-friendly heart of the park.
What Kids Can Do
The elevated Boardwalk Loop is 2.6 miles of flat raised wood deck weaving through cypress-tupelo swamp - kids spot snakes, owls, deer, and giant cypress knees from a safe height above the floodplain. Harry Hampton Visitor Center has hands-on exhibits on floodplain ecology, plus Junior Ranger booklets free for kids. Synchronized firefly displays in late May draw families from across the southeast. Ranger-led walks weekend mornings [marked: synchronized firefly viewing third week of May - separate timed-entry lottery, apply via nps.gov in April].
What's Included
Free park entry - no fee anywhere. Boardwalk, Visitor Center, Junior Ranger packets all free. Camping permits and special-event tickets through nps.gov.
Experience
Plan 2-4 hours including Visitor Center and full boardwalk loop. Almost entirely outdoor - bring sun protection, water, insect repellent (heavy mosquitos April-October). Boardwalk stroller-friendly. About 18 miles southeast of downtown Columbia in Hopkins SC. Free on-site parking.