Congaree National Park
National park · Richland County ·
Old-growth hardwood forest with boardwalk trails and firefly events
Information
South Carolina Get directions
Old-growth hardwood forest with boardwalk trails and firefly events
South Carolina Get directions
"For a postcard-worthy slice of historic Charleston near Upper King, this gracious home (6 bedrooms, 9 beds, 3.5 baths) shows off five porches, a gabled roof, exposed brick, and classic black-and-white kitchen tile, blending period charm with modern interior touches; a private backyard with ample seating, a firepit, and striking contemporary art make it easy for groups to unwind between bakery runs and nearby bar and restaurant hops." - Stephanie Burton
"A national park in South Carolina known for its large hardwood forest and diverse ecosystem." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s
"Because South Carolina's winters are mild, I can visit Congaree year-round, but in fall (peaking late October to early November) the cooler temperatures make paddling Cedar Creek or hiking the Kingsnake Trail much more pleasant while the foliage is at its best." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"With 250,114 visits in 2023, I found this park had 3,254 Google reviews, an average rating of 4.7, and a final score of 71.84." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"One of the best places to witness synchronous fireflies, this 26,000-acre national park near Hopkins, South Carolina hosts an annual viewing event (May 16–25, 2024) for the Photuris frontalis—nicknamed Snappy Single Sync—whose individuals flash about every 0.65 seconds and fly low to the ground. Because demand has surged, entry is limited to 145 passes per night obtained through an online lottery (one household entry allowed; April 4–10 entry window; $1 nonrefundable lottery fee; $24 event fee per vehicle if accepted; applicants notified April 16), and accepted vehicles (one two-axle passenger vehicle, up to eight people) may enter on an assigned night between 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. Visitors must stay on the Firefly Trail, may only use red-filtered flashlights pointed at the ground, cannot use cell phones as cameras or lights, must avoid insect repellent, and must not catch or disturb the fireflies. During the event the park closes to daytime visitors at 4:30 p.m., backcountry permits are suspended, and areas including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and boardwalk, Bannister Bridge Canoe Launch, parts of Cedar Creek, and Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds may be closed. Beyond the light show, the park is noted for enormous champion trees (the biggest of their kind), very large turtles, and hand-sized spiders, and drew about 250,114 visitors last year." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines