Get ready to explore one of America’s most unique landscapes — an ancient floodplain forest teeming with life.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the Boardwalk Loop Trail, a 2.4-mile path that winds through towering cypress and loblolly pines.
Along the way, we’ll uncover the park’s fascinating past, from its natural formation and rich biodiversity to its role in local history.
Take your time, listen to the sounds of the forest, and let the magic of Congaree unfold with every step.
Itinerary
1. Harry RE Hampton Visitor Center
Sabrina Setaro via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: up to 30 minutes
At the Harry Hampton Visitor Center in Congaree National Park, you can chat with rangers, grab maps, and plan your adventure.
Inside, check out interactive exhibits and a short film that brings the park’s wildlife and history to life. There’s also a small bookstore, gift shop, restrooms, and free WiFi.
Be sure to check out the famous "Mosquito Meter", which gauges how bad the mosquitoes in the park are today!
2. Boardwalk Loop Trail
- Duration: 1-2 hours
This is where Shaka Guide's walking tour takes place. It's a relaxing, 2.4-mile walk that starts right behind the visitor center.
The flat, easy path winds through towering cypress and tupelo trees, giving you a close-up look at the park’s beautiful old-growth forest without getting your feet muddy.
Along the way, you’ll find signs that share cool facts about the ecosystem and a peaceful overlook at Weston Lake.
3. Sims Trail
mogollon_1 via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: up to 1 hour
The Sims Trail at Congaree National Park is an easy, mostly flat hike about 3.2 miles round trip.
It follows an old gravel road through the forest, connecting with the Boardwalk Trail and leading toward Cedar Creek.
The path is wide and great for most skill levels, though it can get muddy or flooded after rain.
It’s a peaceful walk with plenty of shade—just bring bug spray for the mosquitoes!
4. Weston Lake
NPS Photo by Theresa Thom, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration: up to 1 hour
Weston Lake is a quiet, scenic oxbow lake that formed thousands of years ago when the Congaree River changed course and left this bend behind.
You can reach it by walking the Weston Lake Loop or the Boardwalk Trail, which leads to a lovely overlook.
It’s a great spot to pause and enjoy the still water reflecting the trees above — and if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles, herons, or even an alligator gliding by.
Explore Congaree with Shaka Guide
As you make your way back to the visitor center, take a moment to soak in the sounds of the forest—the rustle of leaves, the call of birds, and the gentle hum of life all around you.
With Shaka Guide’s Congaree National Park Audio Tour, you’ll explore this wild and watery world at your own pace, discovering its towering champion trees and rich cultural history along the way.
We hope this walk helped you see just how special this place is—and inspires you to come back and explore even more.
Ready to explore Congaree?
Take Shaka Guide’s Congaree National Park Audio Tour for turn-by-turn directions, local stories, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Visiting more parks in the region?
Don’t miss our Ultimate National Park Collection — it includes tours for Yellowstone, Yosemite, and many more!
Still planning?
Check out our Know Before You Go guide to prep for your trip.
Have questions?
We’re happy to help — email us at aloha@shakaguide.com.
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