Itinerary · 2 days · South Carolina
2 Days in Congaree National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Congaree National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Closest major airport: Columbia (CAE), about 30 minutes.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Walk the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Loop. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Paddle Cedar Creek.
- Evening: See the synchronous fireflies (late spring).
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Find champion loblolly pines.
- Afternoon: Hike the Weston Lake Loop.
Check the mosquito meter at the visitor center before you go into the forest from May through September.
When to go
The best time to visit Congaree National Park is March–May and October–November.
Questions
How many days do you need in Congaree National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: walk the 2.6-mile boardwalk loop and paddle cedar creek on day one, then find champion loblolly pines on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Congaree itinerary?
Go in Mar–May, Oct–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. March, April, October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Congaree in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss find champion loblolly pines. Two days is the sweet spot.