This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In South Carolina Is The Most Unique Hike Around
By Robin Jarvis|Published May 12, 2018
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Robin Jarvis began writing for OnlyInYourState.com in 2015 and quickly advanced to a Senior Editor role. She's currently the Brand Manager and has a Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. Her career history includes long running appearances on radio and television. She also has served as publisher of Shades of Green Magazine and Design Lead on several print publications. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for more than three decades and currently resides in Charleston, SC. When she's not working, she loves playing guitar, painting, traveling, and spending time with family.
Contact: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com
Sometimes it may seem we’re always sending you on epic hikes that involve climbing up – or over – mountains, but a trail doesn’t need to be strenuous to be rewarding. Take a look below at this boardwalk trail in the Midlands. We think you’ll agree; it’s the most unique hike around!
The Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park is 2.4 miles in length and winds through an ancient forest with much to see and admire.
The trail begins at the Visitor's Center, where you'll want to stop and grab a map before you begin. The park is comprised of more than 26,000 acres, so you'll want to have that map on hand (you know, for additional spontaneous exploration... ).
Then hit the trail, as they say. One of the nicest things about the Boardwalk Loop at Congaree is that it's fully wheelchair accessible and it has little elevation change.
There is a lot to see and admire along the Boardwalk Loop. In the higher parts of the trail you'll get an up close look at the giant trees found in the forest. Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Shown below is a Loblolly Pine, which can grow up to 10 stories (approximately 100 feet).
The elevated parts of the boardwalk wander through the lowlands in the park. Here you'll get a look at the swamp and those water-trodden (but healthy!) Cypress trees. Next to them are what are commonly known as Cypress Knees.
Another perk of the Boardwalk Loop is all of the benches located along the route. The trail is only 2.4 miles long, so for most, these benches are merely for quiet contemplation as you sit and admire this aged forest.
Congaree National Park is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Admission is free. Get more information from the official website of the National Park Service.
For two weeks out of every year (usually beginning sometime in May) at Congaree National Park you can experience a lightning bug phenomenon that is outrageously cool. Take a peek in this previous article.
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