Tour stop
Congaree National Park Walking Tour
About The Tour
Discover the beauty and history of Congaree National Park on a self-guided walk along the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, where towering trees, diverse wildlife, and centuries of natural and cultural stories come together in one unforgettable forest adventure.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Visit the Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and park info.
• Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail to see giant trees and swamp wildlife.
• Hike Sims Trail for a peaceful forest walk with great birdwatching.
• Relax by Weston Lake and watch turtles and fish in the calm water.
Please note: the West Side of the Boardwalk is closed for construction in 2026. (Tracks 1-10) Until then, the tour can be taken in reverse order, or a shortcut can be taken in through the Sims Trail to listen to tracks 1-10.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Visit the Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and park info.
• Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail to see giant trees and swamp wildlife.
• Hike Sims Trail for a peaceful forest walk with great birdwatching.
• Relax by Weston Lake and watch turtles and fish in the calm water.
Please note: the West Side of the Boardwalk is closed for construction in 2026. (Tracks 1-10) Until then, the tour can be taken in reverse order, or a shortcut can be taken in through the Sims Trail to listen to tracks 1-10.
About the tour
Discover the beauty and history of Congaree National Park on a self-guided walk along the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail, where towering trees, diverse wildlife, and centuries of natural and cultural stories come together in one unforgettable forest adventure.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Visit the Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and park info.
• Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail to see giant trees and swamp wildlife.
• Hike Sims Trail for a peaceful forest walk with great birdwatching.
• Relax by Weston Lake and watch turtles and fish in the calm water.
Please note: the West Side of the Boardwalk is closed for construction in 2026. (Tracks 1-10) Until then, the tour can be taken in reverse order, or a shortcut can be taken in through the Sims Trail to listen to tracks 1-10.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Visit the Harry R.E. Hampton Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and park info.
• Walk the Boardwalk Loop Trail to see giant trees and swamp wildlife.
• Hike Sims Trail for a peaceful forest walk with great birdwatching.
• Relax by Weston Lake and watch turtles and fish in the calm water.
Please note: the West Side of the Boardwalk is closed for construction in 2026. (Tracks 1-10) Until then, the tour can be taken in reverse order, or a shortcut can be taken in through the Sims Trail to listen to tracks 1-10.
STARTING POINTS
-Harry RE Hampton Visitor Center
RECOMMENDED START TIME: Before 8:00 a.m.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the Congaree National Park Tour Preview
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2. Bald Cypress Trees and Congarees
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05:55
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3. The Logging Era
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03:04
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4. Slavery at Congaree
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04:51
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5. Oxbow Lakes and Freshwater Turtles
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05:08
Congaree National Park Walking Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
Congaree National Park Walking Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Boardwalk Loop Trail
Tour stop
Sims Trail
Tour stop
Weston Lake
Meet the Creators
Jess Conaway
Narrator & Writer
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the Congaree National Park Walking Tour
Jess Conaway
Narrator & Writer
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Myra Morehart
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"The man who's too afraid to die is too afraid to live." - Clark Gable as Gay Langland in The Misfits.
Purchase Options
1.
Congaree National Park Walking Tour
$ 12.99
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Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Congaree National Park Walking Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
Important Update!
Hi Shaka Guiders,
Congaree’s Boardwalk Loop is open, and those towering trees, quiet waterways and forest stories are ready for your visit! Plan about 2–3 hours for a relaxed walk, a visitor-center stop and a break. Add more time if you choose the open Sims Trail.
Our main walking route is available, including time to pause at Weston Lake’s overlook.
This is a floodplain forest, so conditions can change after rain. Check official trail conditions and current park alerts while planning and again before leaving. Rangers at the visitor center can help you choose your day’s walks. Bring water and bug spray, then let us introduce you to this remarkable forest!
Jess
Congaree tour writer
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- More than a map and directions — a guided tour
- Audio storytelling
- Music and immersive sound to upgrade your experience
- Human-created, professionally narrated
- Pre-planned route
- Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
- Expert travel tips
- Offline access – works without data or wifi
- Flexible, self-paced experience
- Lifetime access (tours never expire)
- Reliable customer support
Exclusions:
- Meals
- Attraction admission or entrance fees
- Live tour guide or in-person services
- Trip planning or booking services
- Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
- On-demand route planning or custom directions
- Open-ended navigation tools
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the Congaree National Park Tour go?
This tour has 19 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!
2. What should I pack for the Congaree National Park Tour?
Insect repellent
Lightweight, breathable clothing (helps protect from bites)
Hat or head net (optional but handy during peak mosquito season)
Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof hiking boots
Light rain jacket or poncho
Moisture-wicking clothing
Reusable water bottle
Snacks or lunch (no food vendors in the park)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
First Aid kit
Lightweight, breathable clothing (helps protect from bites)
Hat or head net (optional but handy during peak mosquito season)
Comfortable walking shoes or waterproof hiking boots
Light rain jacket or poncho
Moisture-wicking clothing
Reusable water bottle
Snacks or lunch (no food vendors in the park)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
First Aid kit
3. What should I budget for the Congaree National Park Tour?
Congaree National Park is free to enter.
There are no restaurants inside Congaree, so plan to bring food or eat in nearby Columbia.
Groceries and simple meals are your best bet for keeping costs low.
There are no restaurants inside Congaree, so plan to bring food or eat in nearby Columbia.
Groceries and simple meals are your best bet for keeping costs low.
4. What are the park hours for the Congaree National Park Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Harry Hampton Visitor Center: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
The park is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Services are limited in the “off-season” (September-May)
Harry Hampton Visitor Center: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
The park is open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Services are limited in the “off-season” (September-May)
5. Can I take the Congaree National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
The tour starts at Harry Hampton Visitor Center and follows the path of the Boardwalk Loop Trail in a counterclockwise direction.
6. Can I join the Congaree National Park Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route.
7. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
8. How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
As you walk, the app shares stories, history, local insights, and directions based on where you are. We’ve planned the route for you, but you can still explore at your own pace, pause the tour, skip stops, or spend more time wherever you like.
It’s not just about getting there—it’s about discovering the stories behind the places you’re visiting.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.