As we start spending more time exploring the outdoors to clear our minds, we’ve been working on a long list of bucket list places to explore. Between the coast and the forest, there are lots of ways to find peace and quiet here, but this boardwalk hike in South Carolina in one of the country’s most lovely national parks is a favorite.

Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina joined the list of designated parks in 2013.
Noah Hyder / TripAdvisor
If you’ve visited, you’ll surely agree that this is one place that’s more than deserving of the honor. The park comprises more than 26,276 acres.
Doug J / TripAdvisor
And it includes some of the largest trees in the world! Visiting the park will allow you to get up-close and personal with an old growth bottomland hardwood forest. In fact, Congaree’s trees are the oldest of this type in America!
William O / TripAdvisor
The park is beautiful, but we’re especially impressed by the way visitors see it all. There are a few different trails you can take to explore, but we recommend the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Trail, one of the best hikes in South Carolina.
Benjamin R / TripAdvisor
Your route will begin just beyond the visitor center. Once you arrive, have a walk through the museum to understand what you’ll soon be seeing and then grab a map.
hayleypl / TripAdvisor

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Don’t forget to check the mosquito meter to know what you’re up against!
GoVols79 / TripAdvisor
The route meanders through the trees, allowing visitors to see things like tupelo trees, loblolly pines, and bald cypress. Some of these trees are absolutely mammoth!
Steve5863 / TripAdvisor
We love this place in the spring as the newness of green leaves creates a lush environment. But, of course fall, winter, and summer are lovely as well.
Lanie V / TripAdvisor
In addition to the beauty of the plants and trees, there’s also plenty of wildlife to see. Just keep an eye out to spot it. This is a fun activity for kids as they get more comfortable with exploring the outdoors.
Ann G / TripAdvisor
The Boardwalk Trail itself is accessible to most folks who can get around, which is why we love trails like this so much. The most important thing is that everyone has a chance to experience this type of natural area and boardwalk trails do just that.
Steve5863 / TripAdvisor
The trail here is a loop, so once you’ve seen it all, you’ll end up back where you started. If you have any questions, this is a good time to talk to a ranger.
PaleoGypsy / TripAdvisor
Then, you can head out while planning your next trip back!

Congaree National Park is open throughout the year and entry is free, but you’ll want to double check that they’re open before visiting, just in case. Its hours are dusk till dawn. You can learn more about the Boardwalk Trail by visiting the official website.

In the mood for more accessible trails? These 10 boardwalks in South Carolina will make your summer awesome.

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Boardwalk Hike in South Carolina

Rachel Raimondi | March 29, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina? 

National parks shouldn't be the only ones to enjoy all the fun! South Carolina actually has 47 state parks scattered across its over 32,000 square miles. From short and sweet walks in Myrtle Beach State Park to lengthier ones in Table Rock State Park in Pickens, there are a lot of outdoorsy things to do in South Carolina. It all depends on what kind of hike and day you are looking to have.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in South Carolina?

If this boardwalk hike in South Carolina has you craving for more, there is a 1.75-mile boardwalk trail located in Audubon Francis Beidler Forest in Harleyville. Here, you’ll get to take in the breeze and unique swamp wildlife among 1000-year-old trees. There are even rain shelters and rest areas along the way, perfect for parties with kids in tow. There’s also Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail on Sullivan Island, a .60 out and back nature walk that leads to a sandy beach, where the young - and the young at heart - can play.

Can I hike to historical sites in South Carolina?

Head to Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, in McClellanville to get the best of both worlds when it comes to hiking and learning. You can explore a colonial-era rice plantation as well as the on-site mansion. Cap the day off by taking one of the walking trails in the pine forest. There’s also Redcliffe Plantation Site in Beech Island, which has a Greek Revival house that is on the National Register of Historic Places. And at the Rose Hill Plantation Site in Union, you can see the home of the 68th governor of the state and tour the grounds as well as explore some of the forest trails that lead to Tyger River.

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Congaree National Park, South Carolina 29061, USA