Exploring the Congaree Boardwalk Loop Trail: A Nature Walk through Swampy Forests
Take a Stroll Through the Majestic Forest on Congaree's Boardwalk Loop Trail
If you're planning a hike in Congaree National Park and only have time for one, the Boardwalk Loop is a must-do. This park preserve boasts the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, and the Boardwalk trail shows off the best of this extraordinary place. With its easy accessibility and family-friendly nature, it's a trail perfect for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
Where Can I Find the Boardwalk Loop Trail?
Look no further than this trailhead address: Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061
No entrance fees are required for Congaree National Park, and there's ample parking available at the Visitor Center lot. The Visitor Center is well worth a visit too!
Essential Gear List
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Don't worry about needing fancy equipment for the Boardwalk Loop Trail. The entire hike takes place on a hard boardwalk, so any type of footwear will do. Aim for comfortable fitness attire to make your hike a breeze.
Here's a list of top gear I'm currently using:
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
- Osprey Hikelite 26 – My trusty, lightweight, and durable daypack that keeps my back dry with its trampoline mesh.
- Norda 001 – These are like a comfy pillow and a monster truck had a featherweight baby—perfect for your feet.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 – When I need reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, this is my go-to choice.
- AllTrails Plus – Get a 30% discount with this membership! It provides up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
- Garmin Fenix 8 – After a few updates, it's now rock solid for me and used for maps, tracking, and routing.
Check out all the gear I use (and why) on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Maps and Directions for the Boardwalk Loop Trail
View Hike on CalTopo | Download the GPX File
AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Exploring the Boardwalk Loop Trail
Located in central South Carolina, approximately 17 miles from Columbia, the state capital, the Boardwalk Loop Trail in Congaree National Park is a popular, easy-to-reach path that spans approximately 2.5 to 2.6 miles. The trail takes you through an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest14. Make sure to stop by the Harry Hampton Visitor Center before you embark on your adventure!
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
- The Boardwalk Loop Trail, a must-do hike in Congaree National Park, is located at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061.
- Comfortable fitness attire and any type of footwear are all you need for the Boardwalk Loop Trail, as it takes place entirely on a hard boardwalk.
- Essential gear for the hike includes the Osprey Hikelite 26, a lightweight, durable daypack with a trampoline mesh, and the Norda 001, footwear resembling a comfy pillow and a monster truck.
- To explore the trails and directions for the Boardwalk Loop Trail, use resources such as AllTrails Plus (30% off), offering up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, or view the hike on CalTopo and download the GPX file.
