Congaree National Park, located in the middle of South Carolina, is a secret treasure for admiring the beauty of fall colors. Compared to many other parks, it is still relatively unexplored and attracts far fewer tourists. Only a little over 200,000 people visited the park in 2022, compared to over 4 million at Acadia National Park in Maine, a popular destination for those who love to see fall colors. Congaree National Park offers a beautiful and quiet fall experience away from the hustle and bustle of visitors.
Congaree National Park is pleased to have the largest intact old-growth hardwood bottomland forest in the southeastern United States, although it may not be as well known. Imagine imposing cypress trees dropping their rust-colored leaves gracefully into the marshy waters below, or vibrant tupelo trees forming magnificent streaks of crimson and gold.
The fall foliage season in Congaree begins later than in most of New England, as fall colors in the region peak in late October or early November. Unlike the Northeast, the fall season in this South Carolina park is pleasant. Daytime high temperatures for tourists are about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Going kayaking or canoeing in the park is a great option in the fall. One of the most popular activities in Congaree is sailing. A day trip or overnight backpacking trip is also available. Enjoy the fall foliage as you paddle through the forest and past the towering, beautifully colored trees that line the river.
You’ll like some of the many hiking paths that Congaree National Park has to offer if you prefer more traditional adventure activities. Try the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a short trip that passes a wide variety of trees that are illuminated in the fall. Along a sloping ridge, many oak trees line the Oakridge Trail, which is more difficult. On this walk, you might also see some of the park’s wildlife, like deer and wild turkey. With little elevation gain, the majority of the paths are rather flat.
There are two front-country campgrounds in the park where you can stay overnight if one day is not enough for you. Both require reservations and are available year-round. These campgrounds charge only $10 to $15 per night for campsites. For a true wilderness experience, you can also camp in the backcountry with a valid permit. South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia, is only a 25-minute drive from Congaree, so you can easily combine your stay with a city experience. You can combine leaf picking in the park with a trip to a corn maze or one of the other historic haunted buildings if you’re in the area around Halloween.