It’s not often that you get an opportunity to explore a national treasure, such as Congaree National Park, which didn’t become a national park until 2003 when the community successfully rallied to protect it from loggers. In 1981, it had become an international biosphere reserve. At over 26,000 acres, it’s now the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Come along as we explore one of ten trails in Congaree National Park, one of the best ways to experience this beautiful, underappreciated gem and one of the best hikes near Columbia, SC.

Paige Stiles via AllTrails
Congaree National Park is located about 18 miles southeast of South Carolina's capital city of Columbia.
The Weston Lake Loop Trail is 4.7 miles long and rated by AllTrails as a moderate hike. Opinions from hikers differ with some who consider it an easy trail, part boardwalk ...
EL via AllTrails
... and the rest of this trail near Columbia is a dirt trail that gets muddy after rain. Almost 80% of the Congaree National Park lies within the Congaree River floodplain, which floods about ten times each year, making trails or portions of trails temporarily inaccessible at times.
EVA'S ADVENTURES via AllTrails
One of the best things about hiking in the Congaree National Park near Columbia is the abundance and variety of wildlife you can see along the park trail.
Stuart Rogel via AllTrails
Some types of wildlife you'll see won't surprise you at all, such as sweet little birds of all kinds. With over 80 species found there, it's a perfect birdwatching spot.
Joyce C via AllTrails

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Best Hike near Columbia, SC
John Wenham via AllTrails
Pick up a great birding field guide for help identifying the birds you see!
Of course, you'd also expect to see snakes almost anywhere in this state. So it goes without saying, be cautious and on the lookout especially when off the boardwalk portion of the trail.
Stephanie McMilan via AllTrails
The armadillo population in South Carolina has seen an increase in recent years, with more and more of them spotted throughout the state including along the park's Weston Lake Loop Trail.
Vanessa Jennings via AllTrails
Bobcats might be a bit of a surprise to see along this South Carolina trail ...
Joyce C via AllTrails
... along with feral hogs, unless you're familiar with the area in which case you may be more surprised not to see any while hiking in the park. In fact, the park had to close for a few days in October 2022 for a staff hunt to remove some hogs. The population had reached a higher level, and the creatures were wreaking havoc on the park.
Tara Thieleke via AllTrails

Be sure to stay well hydrated and apply mosquito repellant if you’re taking this best hike near Columbia, South Carolina during times of the year when those pests are active! But this Congaree National Park trail is one you don’t want to overlook, especially if you enjoy observing wildlife in the natural habitat.

Have you ever hiked this or another trail in the park? If you’ve hiked more than one, which is your favorite?

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Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA