Congaree National Park

Walk among the giant trees of Congaree National Park.

1 Wander along the 2.4 mile Boardwalk Loop trail through a towering forest on an active floodplain. Look for large wetland trees including bald cypress and water tupelo on the self-guided tour. The park is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the U.S.

2 Hike out to Cedar Creek to see wading birds in the wetlands, like wood storks, white ibis and little blue herons. Spot overwintering species such as hermit thrushes and orange-crowned warblers, and watch for other seasonal migrants.

3 Hardwood trees and downed snags provide habitat for cavity nesters. More than half a dozen woodpecker species flourish here, as well as large numbers of barred owls. Prothonotary warblers and wood ducks also nest in empty holes in the tree trunks.

Look for birds while walking an elevated trail through Congaree’s wetland forest.