Paddling in Congaree National Park

Congaree sits on the floodplain south of Columbia, where the Congaree River and its tributaries spread across one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests remaining in the eastern United States.

The paddling here is flatwater — slow, dark, tannin-stained creek water moving through a canopy of loblolly pine, cypress, and tupelo — and the park's protected status shapes the experience in ways that matter before you ever put in.

Cedar Creek is the park's paddling spine. The marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail runs approximately 15 miles from Bannister's Bridge through the Congaree Wilderness to the Congaree River, making it the defining route in the park.

The access point off South Cedar Creek Road sits on the north end of the park; Bates Landing under the Highway 601 bridge serves as a downstream takeout for those continuing onto the Congaree River, making a natural two-day trip.

The creek winds through oxbows and tupelo basins, and water levels affect both pace and route — what takes two hours at one level can stretch to three at another. Overnight trips require a camping permit from the park.

The park does not charge entrance fees, and camping permits have been issued at no cost, but check with the park directly for current requirements before you go.

The park does not rent canoes or kayaks; bring your own or arrange a rental from one of the Columbia-area outfitters.

Several outfitters hold commercial use authorizations from the park and can drop equipment at the put-in or run guided trips — most guided tours cover roughly 4 miles in about three hours, meeting at South Cedar Creek Landing.

Mosquitoes are not a minor inconvenience here. High-DEET repellent is standard kit, not optional. Wild boar activity along the banks is heavy and visible at the put-in.

The forest is the draw — some of the tallest trees in eastern North America close overhead within minutes of launching — but the swamp demands you come prepared for it.

The Congaree River itself borders the park and connects to Cedar Creek at the downstream end of the canoe trail. What the creek gives you is intimacy with the old growth; what the river adds is open water and current.

Both are worth knowing before you plan your shuttle.