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A longer, complete tour that loops through the towering old growth bottomland hardwood forest at Congaree Nat'l Park.


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Map Key

6.9

Miles

11.1

KM

100%

Runnable

192' 59 m

High

135' 41 m

Low

244' 74 m

Up

243' 74 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Wildlife

Eastern section of the Loop Trail boardwalk is closed for repair through most of 2020.

Overview

This loop provides the perfect day run to sample what makes this National Park part of the Congaree Biosphere Reserve, a designation made by the UN to highlight areas with exceptional biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural resources.

Need to Know

Park is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. The Visitor Center is open from 9 AM - 5 PM, all week. No entrance fee. This area is prone to flooding, especially in winter, so check current conditions for Congaree River and Cedar Creek or call the information desk (803) 776 4396. Long sleeves and/or insect repellant can be helpful.

Description

Grab your binoculars and dive into this densely-wooded loop through Congaree National Park along sections of elevated boardwalk and dirt paths. At around seven miles in length, this run links a handful of trails to access a few pockets of the park that each represents different ecological zones, each providing opportunities to spot a variety of birds and other wildlife.

From the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, find the Loop Trail boardwalk and head south. Visitors should note that this area is prone to flooding and the routing here may not be open so either check ahead with the Park or be prepared to alter your course. Continue south to find the Weston Lake Loop. This loop will also be accessed on the return journey and the stretch not used on this run along Cedar Creek is a great spot to see wading birds and even otters.

After a mile from the Visitor Center, continue south onto the Oakridge Trail where massive oak trees provide shade and shelter for deer and wild turkeys. Crossing a couple trail bridges, this trail bends to the left (east) and loops back to the north to meet up with the Weston Lake Loop again.

Continue north onto the Weston Lake Loop until you arrive at the lake. As of December 2019, the eastern half of the Loop Trail boardwalk is closed for repair so this run route heads west above the lake to the Bluff Trail, which heads through longleaf and loblolly pines with some areas showing signs of prescribed burns. Finally, head left (west) back along the Loop Trail boardwalk to the Visitor Center.

Flora & Fauna

Upland pines, bald cypress, water tupelo, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, oak, holly, maple.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#5553

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
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Photos

Lower boardwalk can be flooded. Check with the ranger or the website before you head out.
Jan 9, 2016 near Gadsden, SC
Portion of the boardwalk lowers down near the ground.
Jan 9, 2016 near Gadsden, SC
Wildlife
Jan 9, 2016 near Gadsden, SC
Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA
Mar 31, 2020 near Gadsden, SC
Palmettos in bloom in Congaree National Park
Mar 31, 2020 near Gadsden, SC
A Golden Silk Orb Weaver spider that you're likely to see from the Boardwalk Trail.
Jul 30, 2016 near Gadsden, SC

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Check-Ins

Aug 16, 2020
Sam Ross
Awful trail for running, and not fun for hiking. Very overgrown, muddy, and fallen trees. 7.4mi — 6h 14m
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