USA Boardwalk Loop Trail, Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Congaree National Park is unlike any other national parks in the USA, we've visited. There are no mountain vistas, canyons or scenic viewpoints… well, that depends on what's "scenic" to you
This park is all about the trees!!! The boardwalk Loop Trail is 2.4 miles round trip and begins behind the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where it leads down into the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, in North America. The trail passes through/along a variety of trees such as Bald Cypress, Tupelo, Laurel Oak, Sweet Gum, Water Hickory, Loblolly Pine, Maples and Holly. The park is also home to one of the world's tallest temperate forest canopies, averaging over 100 feet high.
As you walk along the trail, you do hear a lot of wildlife such as owls, woodpeckers, etc., but sadly we were unable to see any. Also, along the trail there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the sweet scent of the trees.
This park is all about the trees!!! The boardwalk Loop Trail is 2.4 miles round trip and begins behind the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where it leads down into the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, in North America. The trail passes through/along a variety of trees such as Bald Cypress, Tupelo, Laurel Oak, Sweet Gum, Water Hickory, Loblolly Pine, Maples and Holly. The park is also home to one of the world's tallest temperate forest canopies, averaging over 100 feet high.
As you walk along the trail, you do hear a lot of wildlife such as owls, woodpeckers, etc., but sadly we were unable to see any. Also, along the trail there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the sweet scent of the trees.
Photography Tips
Parts of the boardwalk is well lit while other parts are somewhat dark. Also, while I took all of my photos handheld, I could have probably benefited from a tripod. I think a wide-angle lens would be better, though this photo was taken with a Nikon 70-200mm f/4 lens.
Travel Information
Congaree National Park is located in Hopkins, South Carolina, USA. It's tucked away into a remote location of the state, about an hour away from the nearest highway and major city. Around the park, there is hardly any businesses – hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc. The closest major city is Columbia, SC.
Once at the park, there is ample parking and a modest visitor center. There is a guided ranger walk along the Boardwalk Loop trail daily, and he does provide a lot of information about the different types of trees found in the park.
Once at the park, there is ample parking and a modest visitor center. There is a guided ranger walk along the Boardwalk Loop trail daily, and he does provide a lot of information about the different types of trees found in the park.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
Just a few people
Best Timing
All timings are equally good
Sunrise & Sunset
07:42 - 18:30
| current local time: 04:35
Photo Themes
Boardwalk Trail
Forest
Trees
Locations
South Carolina
Congaree National Park
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