Boardwalk Loop, Congaree National Park, South Carolina

If you’re just starting your hiking journey or looking for a trail that’s gentle, immersive and wildly photogenic, the Boardwalk Loop in Congaree National Park is your golden ticket. Located just outside Columbia, South Carolina, this 2.4-mile loop makes exploring ancient trees, swampy wonders and rare wildlife feel more like stepping into a nature documentary than tackling a traditional hike.

🌳 A Walk Beneath Giants

Instead of steep climbs or rocky scrambles, the Boardwalk Loop offers a smooth, elevated path that glides through one of the most biodiverse forests in the U.S. You’ll walk past bald cypress knees poking through dark water, listen for barred owls calling from above and maybe even catch a glimpse of a river otter slipping silently into Cedar Creek.

Because the trail is completely flat and partially elevated, it’s stroller-friendly, wheelchair-accessible and kind to knees and ankles. Ideal for kids, seniors and first-time hikers alike.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

This isn’t just a “walk in the woods.” It’s a rare look at an ancient, protected ecosystem that’s bursting with life.

🦉 Wildlife Encounters (Without the Effort): From deer and turtles to pileated woodpeckers, wildlife often wanders near the trail, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. (make sure to read our blog post on encountering wildlife while hiking as it it essential to your safety.)

🌲 Living History Underfoot: The bald cypress and tupelo trees here are centuries old. Some towering over 130 feet. It’s like wandering through a green cathedral carved by time.

🌟 Synchronous Fireflies (Yes, Really!): Visit in late May or early June for one of nature’s most magical shows: fireflies that blink in unison, lighting up the forest like a living light display. (Pro tip: check the park’s website for firefly viewing nights.)

📍 Know Before You Go

  • Location: Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC
  • Coordinates: 33.8150° N, 80.8238° W
  • Trail Length: 2.4 miles (loop)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Elevated wooden boardwalk + short dirt connector paths
  • Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Cost: Free (no entrance fee)
  • Hours: Park open 24/7; Visitor Center open 9 AM–5 PM
  • Parking: Free at Harry Hampton Visitor Center
  • Restrooms: Available at the Visitor Center
  • Dog-Friendly: No (pets not allowed on boardwalks)
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes

🎒 What to Bring

Even a short, easy hike can be better with the right gear. Consider packing:

  • 1–2 liters of water (no refill stations on the trail)
  • Bug repellent—essential in warmer months
  • Comfortable walking shoes (no need for hiking boots here)
  • A sunhat or lightweight rain jacket depending on the season
  • Your phone or camera—there’s a lot you’ll want to remember

💡 (Need help choosing beginner-friendly gear? Check out our curated list of top-rated essentials for new hikers—budget-friendly and trail-tested.)

✅ Why It Belongs on Your Beginner Bucket List

The Boardwalk Loop offers everything a beginner hike should deliver. It is peaceful, scenic and easy to follow, creating a calm and welcoming experience from the first step. There are no steep climbs, no confusing trail splits and no pressure to rush. Just a smooth path through one of the most unique ecosystems in the country.

This is the kind of place where you can bring a friend who has never hiked before or visit solo to clear your head. It works for families, photographers, bird watchers and anyone craving a simple walk surrounded by towering trees and natural beauty.

If you are starting your hiking journey or looking to reconnect with the outdoors in a low-stress way, Congaree’s Boardwalk Loop is the perfect first chapter. It is a trail you can come back to often and always find something new to notice.