This is my 11th year bringing a groups of university students to learn about soils. Ruth Mead is a…read moresuper awesome person. She loves her job!

The name would be an ace Scrabble play if it weren't a proper noun (I assume; I see no explanation…read moreof where this word comes from on their website). The park scores high on its own merits, however. The area is substantial, and includes both boardwalks through some classic wetlands, an educational complex that includes a lab and a conference center, a playground, and a series of artificial wetlands created as part of a reclamation project. Despite the nearby local airport, I experienced minimal distractions. Though it wasn't the greatest weather day, I did see wildlife, including some fairly horrific-looking spiders and a raptor of some sort that allowed me to get unusually close (I stumbled on it before carefully walking away). Alligators were not visible, and in my experience they do tend to hide on colder days, but I definitely believe there were some around. It's a great resource for the community, and it's free. If I were local, I would be checking out the event calendar.

This extensive tract of land open for visitation is barely a minute from the center of town, most…read moreof that minute spent driving on a short dirt road. The woods are open to pedestrians and people on horses, though I did not see any horses. The trails are extensive and on foot it would take a full day to cover them all, particularly given the fact that they are quite sandy. What were marked as streams on the map seemed just to be sand as well with no water; these must be transient streams. The main paths were quite large, while some of the more peripheral trails meant for humans only were more solid ground and less sand, but were a bit overgrown. No facilities were available, but the place was free and was no trouble to get to.

Hitchcock woods has changed their policies and no longer allows commercial trail riding ventures…read moreinto the multi thousand acre woods. Since I do not own a horse, and since my two legs only take me so far, the crown jewel of Aiken is essentially unavailable to me, a non horse owner. Who needs more elitist policies?

Such a beautiful place to walk on a far and for pets. The loop is pretty strait forward and…read morebeautiful. Also, if you want food you can stop at a shop or restaurant halfway thru the trail. There is plenty of parking and well lite with cameras.

Great little walking loop, it gets hot though so be sure to get there early or late on summer days…read more Pretty nice to walk around the pond though. We also like that it runs by the brewhouse so we usually stop for a drink. FYI there is a walking trail through the woods on the southwest side of the lake that will get to the coffee & book place.

Still appears to be closed permanently/ indefinitely. The entrance in locked and looks abandonedread more

Trail is 1.5 miles and you can do the loop twice for 3 miles total. The parking lot is small. Can…read morefit only 8 cars max. The hill back to the parking lot is the real challenge when hiking back

While Congaree National Park is very different from many of the other National Parks I've visited…read morethroughout the United States, rest assured that if it's a National Park, it's getting five stars from me. Having now visited more than 60 designated National Parks, I can confidently say that each one offers something unique - and Congaree remains one of the system's underrated gems. My first visit was a solo trip in September 2021. The entire purpose of that South Carolina adventure was to cross another National Park off my list, so I flew into Charleston and made the drive up to Congaree. Like many National Park enthusiasts, I was thrilled to spot the entrance sign and officially arrive. I spent my first day exploring the visitor center, collecting a park stamp, patch, magnet, and Junior Ranger book before heading out onto the boardwalk trail. Even with some exhibits closed due to COVID-era protocols, the famous Mosquito Meter was alive and well. The 2.4-mile boardwalk offered an excellent introduction to the park's towering trees, floodplain forest, and unique ecosystem. Even in mid-September, the mosquitoes were plentiful - but thankfully they mostly left me alone as long as I kept moving. That evening, I camped in the park and enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep. The following morning, I joined a Forest Wellness program hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Congaree. For over two hours, we hiked through the forest while participating in creative journaling exercises and mindfulness activities. It was a very memorable ranger led program!!! I returned again in May 2026, this time with two friends. We explored the visitor center, watched the park film, completed our Junior Ranger books (you're never too old), and spent time walking the boardwalk once again. We also paddled nearby Cedar Creek, which provided a completely different perspective on the Congaree ecosystem. Unfortunately, while we had planned to return that evening to see the famous synchronous fireflies, the weather had other ideas. Rain moved in and changed our plans. That's okay, resting in a hotel was good too. Like all of our National Park units, Congaree protects something special. While it may not have the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite or the iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon, it preserves one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. The massive trees, winding waterways, cypress knees, wildlife, and quiet solitude create an experience unlike any other national park in the system. Sure, this is not a park that requires several days (or even a full day) to explore, but it is worth your time. Whether you're hiking the boardwalk, paddling Cedar Creek, camping, attending a ranger program, or simply marveling at the giant trees, Congaree offers a unique experience. Come with the right expectations, bring your own supplies (services are limited) and take the time to appreciate what this park protects. America's Best Idea isn't always about the grand scenery. Sometimes it's about preserving places that would otherwise be forgotten. Congaree is one of those places and I'm grateful it exists! Plus, Charleston and all of its city glory is nearby and awaits your visit pre- or post-Congaree!

Congaree National Park preserves the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the…read moresoutheastern United States, which is what makes it a National Park. It is a primeval floodplain ecosystem, which is what makes it so beautiful! There are 11 trails at Congaree National Park, all featuring beautiful scenery and the value within nature. Beware of the mosquitoes! Because of this floodplain (body of water), this is a prime home for mosquitoes. They are known for their "Skeeter Meter," which is helpful in gauging the presence of mosquitoes. If you want to avoid the mosquitos, try to come during the Fall & Winter seasons, or during a drought. This park is 100% dog & RV friendly, and is a great place to take your kids!! Have fun, and take in the scenery!

Beautiful walk for you alone alone or easy enough with the kiddos. Great seeing the plant…read morediversity and learning.

An awesome place where you can easily get lost when you are on the mountain and you will always…read morewant to go just a bit further to see what else there is around that strangely shaped boulder. If you like to meditate or just need a place to clear your head, this is the place. The parking is free and you can enter the park from two separate places. Watch where you walk though because the ecosystem there is fragile in places. Be sure to read the information at the beginnings of the trails as well as at separate places throughout the park. I highly recommend this park for its quiet and because it is much less crowded than other Atlanta parks.

It took me a minute to find this trailhead even with the signs, but there are enough people around…read morethat someone will point you in the right direction. If you are not an Intermediate skilled rider I would highly advise look before you leap. Literally!!! At this entrance, past the sign about 10 meters is a triple stairstep like hill going down which converges to a singletrack line in the woods then a sharp curve to the left. You can go with speed to the next obstacle or choose a very technical line because it opens up to a massive rock garden under a bridge followed by mini grand canyon of wash outs in the dirt before converging back to a single track. Note!! pay attention to the directions of the day (Clockwise or Counterclockwise). There are many little feeder paths running parallel to the railroad so stay on the path well worn (no pun intended). About .4 miles from the Canal Singletrack South Trailhead there is a storm water waste project currently being worked on. Do not make my mistake and follow the hay and dirt on the right side on the pond, it is not a trail!!! Stay to the left of the pond closest to Riverwatch Parkway and it will open up to the stormwater project area, but look for a well worn dirt hill and that will be your connection back to the trail. Had a wonderful cool ride in the forest, but lesson learned for the day was set your rebound and compression after your initial loop for a better ride.

I always start my runs here. Theres plenty of parking and nice views...though the location looks…read moresketchy, its not. Your property will be perfectly fine since it's a family area. I wish the park system would add-on a playground or a contained dog park area...that would be a wonderful addition to this system. You know, each trailhead should have its own attraction or personality. This trail meets with the Lake Olmstead Trailhead...most people think its all one trail.