Good to know
- Tickets
- Free to enter. The firefly event in late spring uses a lottery on Recreation.gov; check nps.gov before you go.
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 hours for the boardwalk; a full day with paddling.
- Best time
- Autumn to spring for cooler weather and fewer bugs. Late May to early June for the fireflies.
- Getting there
- Hopkins is about 15 minutes away. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 35 minutes by car.
Where to stay nearby
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Congaree National Park questions
Is Congaree National Park worth visiting?
Yes, if you like forests and quiet. It is small and easy to see in a few hours, with some of the tallest trees in eastern North America.
When can you see the fireflies at Congaree?
Usually for about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June. Parking passes go by lottery, so check nps.gov for the dates.
Can you kayak in Congaree?
Yes. Cedar Creek has a marked canoe trail. Bring your own boat or join a local outfitter's guided trip.
