There’s only one South Carolina national park, and it’s amazing. Tourism continues to flourish in the Palmetto State, and with it, so do visitors to our only national park in South Carolina, Congaree National Park. Yet, even with an ever-growing number of visitors in recent years, this hidden gem remains in the top 10 least visited national parks in the country. According to recently released figures, Congaree National Park saw just over 145,000 visitors in 2021, or an average of just over 400 people per day – a stark contrast to the colossal number of tourists that flock to South Carolina each year.

For South Carolinians, this means we have one of America's most stunning national parks all to ourselves.
Thomas Constant/ Flickr
At 26,276 acres, Congaree is an enormous place to explore on foot or by water, making it the perfect destination for some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina!
You won't find another national park quite like it, in fact, overall it's one of the best parks in South Carolina! Paddle among stands of trees that are hundreds of years old.
Google Local/Doug Jefferson
Two water trails allow paddlers to navigate the biggest remaining old-growth forest floodplain in America via the Congaree River or Cedar Creek trails.
For those who prefer land-based adventure, nine hiking trails wind through some of the tallest and biggest trees on the east coast.
Simon/ Flickr
Enjoy trails that lead to rivers, lakes, and through some swampy wilderness. Or bring a picnic and relax underneath one of the tallest canopies in the eastern United States; and enjoy this paradise without the crowds that pack into other attractions. Congaree National Park offers many fun things to do outside in South Carolina.
Be sure to bring some bug spray as you enjoy the scenery and all the park has to offer.
Google Local/Nate McMurphy
But mosquitoes aren't the only wildlife you'll encounter at the park. Expect to encounter everything from armadillos to turtles, snakes, and more. And...

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For a few magical weeks during the summer, fireflies converge on the park during their annual mating ritual.
petet lin/Flickr
The annual firefly 'festival' at Congaree National Park is positively magical. Each year, Congaree National Park sees a large number of synchronous fireflies from mid-May to mid-June. You can visit the national park to experience this wonder!
Take some time this year to discover one of America's most underrated national parks.
Thomas Constant/ Flickr
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center welcomes you to learn more about this South Carolina gem! Find restrooms, a gift shop, and friendly staff happy to assist you. It's a great place to start or end your Congaree National Park adventure!
The park, which also offers backcountry campsites, is open year-round, 24 hours a day (visitor center hours differ).
John Manard/ Flickr
In addition to hiking, Congaree National Park is also a great place to kayak or canoe! Take the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail to see some of the trees in the country and even alligators! There are plenty of places to rent equipment from, too.
No matter where you live in the Palmetto State, you can reach the park in approximately two hours.
Google Maps
This is perhaps the best of the South Carolina national parks units - and the only that carries the "National Park" designation.

In 2018, America’s national parks saw 318 million visitors. In 2018, Congaree National Park enjoyed a record high in visitor count at just over 145,000. Care to guess which national park has the most visitors annually? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Congaree National Park is located 20 miles from Columbia, 82 miles from Florence, 85 miles from Rock Hill, and approximately 125 miles from Beaufort, Charleston, and Greenville. Explore all there is to do, learn, and see at Congaree National Park!

Pick your trails and find your way around this South Carolina national park with Alltrails+.

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national park to visit in Hopkins, South Carolina

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What are the most beautiful hikes in South Carolina?

Some of the most beautiful hikes in South Carolina are:

South Carolina is a great state for hiking enthusiasts! Some of the best hikes in the state include Yellow Branch Falls Trail in Walhalla which leads to a 50-foot waterfall! Another waterfall trail that is easier to hike is the path to Riley Moore Falls in Sumter National Forest.

What are the best outdoor adventures in South Carolina?

Some fun outdoor adventures in South Carolina are:

Have fun outdoors in South Carolina any time during the year! With plenty of natural beauty and diversity, the state is perfect for outdoor activities, like discovering Congaree National Park or spending a fun day at Myrtle Beach. From parasailing on Hilton Head Island to spotting fascinating wildlife along the Waccamaw River, South Carolina is the perfect place for outdoor adventures.

What is the hottest month of the year in South Carolina?

The hottest month in South Carolina is July.

July is the hottest month of the year in South Carolina, with average temperatures reaching upwards of 95 degrees Fahrenheit inland. Expect hot and humid conditions throughout the summer. July is also the rainiest month of the year in South Carolina.

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100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA