Stunning Floodplain Forest at Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is located near Columbia in South Carolina’s Midlands region. This national park protects one of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern United States. Its vast, natural floodplain creates a remarkable wetland environment where towering bald cypress and loblolly pine trees rise far above the forest floor. Some bald cypress specimens reach heights exceeding 170 feet, overlooking a dense, diverse understory of plants, amphibians, and birds.

At the heart of Congaree is the Boardwalk Loop Trail, an elevated 2.4-mile path allowing visitors to walk through the floodplain in comfort while staying above often soggy ground. The loop offers views of giant trees with textured bark, swollen bases, and ghostly knees peeking through the water and mud. Along the way, wildlife sightings are common—woodpeckers tapping nearby, deer quietly moving through the brush, and turtles sunbathing on fallen logs. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy paddling the meandering Cedar Creek, which weaves through the park amid ancient trees and provides a peaceful vantage point of this unique ecosystem.

Established as a national park in 2003, Congaree preserves an environment shaped by seasonal flooding, making the forest floor rich and vibrant but also challenging for human access during wetter months. Visitors often comment on the serene atmosphere and the impressive scale of the trees, calling it a peaceful retreat just outside Columbia. The visitor center near the park entrance offers helpful information, guided programs, and tips for navigating the sometimes muddy trails. For anyone interested in natural history or quiet immersion in untouched wilderness, Congaree offers a rare and memorable glimpse of southeastern floodplain forest life.