Congaree National Park, located 20 miles southeast of Columbia in Hopkins, South Carolina, protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. The park's 26,692 acres encompass ancient loblolly pines, bald cypresses, water tupelos, and cherrybark oaks — many reaching heights and girths that qualify as national or state champions. The forest floor floods periodically when the Congaree and Wateree rivers overtop their banks, cycling nutrients through the ecosystem in a process that has shaped the forest over thousands of years. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center on the park's northern boundary offers free maps, exhibits on the park's ecology, and ranger programs. The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop trail — a flat, elevated wooden walkway — provides the most accessible route through the swamp interior, passing massive cypress buttresses and standing water where wood ducks and prothonotary warblers are common. Longer backcountry trails extend 10 to 25 miles through the interior; some require wading. Congaree is best known nationally for its synchronized firefly event, in which a species of Photinus carolinus blinks in unison for two weeks in late May to early June. The National Park Service issues free timed-entry permits for firefly viewing during peak weeks; demand is extremely high and permits are released in advance through Recreation.gov. The park is an International Dark Sky Park, making stargazing excellent year-round. Mosquitoes are numerous from June through August; insect repellent is essential from spring through early fall. Canoe and kayak trips on Cedar Creek offer an alternative perspective through the flooded forest.
Good to know
- Hours
- Visitor center daily 9 AM - 5 PM; park open daily sunrise to sunset
- Best time
- Spring (April-May) for synchronized fireflies; fall for foliage; avoid mosquito peak in June-July
Location
100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
33.7963, -80.7877 View on map
Highlights
- Largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, with champion-size bald cypresses and pines
- Synchronized firefly viewing (Photinus carolinus) in late May–early June, a rare natural phenomenon
- 2.4-mile accessible Boardwalk Loop through the swamp interior, free and open daily
- Certified International Dark Sky Park for exceptional stargazing on clear nights
- Cedar Creek canoe and kayak trail through the flooded forest interior
Tips for visiting
- For firefly season (late May–early June), secure timed-entry permits on Recreation.gov weeks in advance — they release 3 weeks before the event
- Bring DEET insect repellent from April through September; mosquitoes are dense near the boardwalk in summer
- The Boardwalk Loop starts at the visitor center; take the elevated section early in the day when bird activity is highest
- The park is free to enter year-round — no reservations required outside of firefly permit periods
- Cedar Creek canoe rentals are available through a local outfitter; check with the visitor center for current providers
- Download offline maps before arrival — cell coverage inside the park is unreliable
When to visit
Late May to early June for the synchronized firefly event; October through November for autumn foliage with fewer insects. Spring and fall offer the best balance of wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures; June through August is hot and mosquito-heavy.
Accessibility
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop are accessible to wheelchair users; the boardwalk is elevated and paved throughout with no steps. Restrooms at the visitor center are ADA-compliant. All other trails within the park are natural-surface paths on uneven terrain not suitable for wheelchairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors see the synchronized fireflies at Congaree?
The NPS requires a free timed-entry permit for firefly viewing during the peak 2-week window each May–June. Permits are released on Recreation.gov approximately 3 weeks before the event and are claimed quickly. Outside the permit period, fireflies are present but not synchronized.
How long is a typical visit to Congaree National Park?
The 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop takes 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Adding the Weston Lake Loop (4.4 miles) or backcountry trails extends the visit to a half or full day. Canoe trips on Cedar Creek add another 2 to 4 hours.
Is Congaree National Park accessible for wheelchair users?
The Boardwalk Loop is a paved, elevated wooden walkway that is accessible to most wheelchair users. The visitor center and restroom facilities are ADA-compliant. Backcountry trails are natural-surface paths and are not wheelchair-accessible.