Congaree National Park: 24 Hours Kayaking and Hiking in South Carolina

Today, we are going on a journey through the untamed beauty and stunning wilderness of Congaree National Park. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, this hidden gem is a sanctuary where ancient trees stretch skywards, snakes swim through the waters, and floodplains create a diverse landscape that is ripe for adventure. Congaree is a park that you really need to spend some time in to enjoy fully, and I encourage you to visit this beautiful place if you are in the area. Here is how I spent 24 hours in the park, kayaking, hiking, and just soaking in the stunning scenery. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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[jimfunchess]

If I would have known that you were coming to my home state of South Carolina, I would have driven down to Columbia and taken you out to lunch! I'm glad that you had a great time exploring our state's only national park!

[DeborahJenkins-xmwq]

Thank you for showcasing our little jewel of a National Park. Hard to imagine such a large swath of the southeast looked exactly like this just 500 years ago. Hope our country will save more unique areas like this.

[MikeMike-KZamboTravels]

Yosemite was just a drive away for me before I moved to Charlotte 6 months ago. I've been to Congaree three times now, and I'm enjoying it more with each visit. Thanks for your California videos—they really help when I'm missing home! Ill be back in the Yosemite Valley in July!!

[normiewoo]

I was very impressed with Congaree when I visited, especially Weston Lake, the Boardwalk, and Bluff Trail. I loved the river otters and the ancient trees.

[kayleebeare]

Glad to see you on our side of the country! It was flooded when I went too. Glad you're showcasing this under appreciated park. Thanks for taking us along, Josh!

[skulltra]

Next time you come, you HAVE TO go during the Synchronous Fireflies Viewing Event. It's a two week period between mid-May to mid-June. Tickets can be hard to get because they hold a lottery for spots, but there is nothing else like it. Truly a one of a kind experience.

[diamondbackking]

Thanks for letting us go with you to this beautiful place !!! ❤😊

[calebbrown]

I used to live in this area. I absolutely loved Congaree NP and kayaked there whenever possible. Come to WNC and pay us a visit, lots of hidden gems. Watched all your videos before my Wife and I traveled across Alaska. Glad to see you're doing well. Keep up the great work!

[geofffolsom]

This reminded me of the old South Carolina PBS show Nature Scene and its host, the late, great Rudy Mancke. He mostly did shows on sites in South Carolina, but I remember him going to California in one of the show's great moments. It's nice to see a California host return the favor!

[barbaramadson]

I too am collecting National Parks (47 so far) and I haven't been to Congaree yet. It reminds me of the Everglades which I love. Thanks for sharing your National Parks travels. I'm incorporating some of your experiences into my own travels.

[AnnChambers-rjfw]

Went there a couple of years ago and we loved it too! Our favorite was the kayak trip with the same company. You never know what you will see while you paddle, owls, otters, fish, snakes, it’s a treasure trove!

[mbrooks]

My son and I visited a couple years ago in late September, and it was not flooded at all, but we still loved it! So much to see, like you said - gotta take your time! The boardwalk trail was so educational and allowed for so much time to slow down and explore. That kayaking looked fantastic, though!!!

[madelynrobinson]

Happy you enjoyed our neck of the woods!

[jphan]

lol that mosquito meter!!! That's a first. That kayak footage look so relaxing.

[louise]

A true hiker. Pull off the shoes and keep on getting it. Thank you for showing us this park
Be safe. 😊

[frankmarsh]

The best kept secret in SC. People say way too much about the Grand Strand. I have taken backpacking classes there for numerous years. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[nmoore]

Used to live here. The water shed will always get higher than what you witnessed by view to the foliage line and always feels like home. Nice video.

[groverrobinsoniv]

Josh, I always enjoy seeing your videos about parks in the West. I am glad to see you coming to a park in the East. You did the park the right way. The Boardwalk is nice but the way to see the park is on the water in a kayak. When I visited a couple of years ago, I too did the paddle with Carolina Adventures and it was an amazing way to see wildlife in the park. I know for people from the West the forest is not as impressive; however, for those of us in the East, the height of the trees here is noticeable and gives the park its nickname "Redwoods of the East". Finally, as you note, at Congaree, the question is not if you will or will not see a snake but how many dozen you will see. Thank you for showcasing that there are great parks in the East.

[zjemain]

As a Minnesotan who lives in Las Vegas, I loved this park. Trees I had never seen before, creepy, cool vibe, and a bit of danger. I'm only on NP #31 but I would definitely rank it above a few I've been to.

[amestoy]

Thank you for showing it to us, people who aren't able to travel. This park is both mysterious and magical, so wonderful place.