Located in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is a secret treasure for admiring the beauty of fall colors. Compared to many other parks, it is still relatively undeveloped and attracts far fewer tourists. In 2022, only just over 200,000 people visited the park, compared to more than 4 million in Acadia National Park in Maine, a popular destination for those who enjoy seeing fall colors. Congaree National Park offers a beautiful and peaceful autumn experience, away from the hustle and bustle of visitors.
Congaree National Park boasts the largest intact old-growth hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, even though it may not be well known. Imagine imposing cypress trees dropping their rust-colored leaves gracefully into the swampy water, or vibrant tupelo trees forming beautiful crimson and gold stripes.
The fall foliage season in Congaree starts later than most of New England, as the region’s fall colors reach their peak late October or early November. Unlike the Northeast, the fall season in this South Carolina park is pleasant. Daytime high temperatures for tourists are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 an overnight backpacking trip is also possible. Enjoy the fall foliage as you paddle through the forest and past the towering, beautifully colored trees along the river.
You will enjoy some of the many hiking trails that Congaree National Park has to offer if you prefer more traditional adventure activities. Try the Boardwalk Loop Trail for a short trek past 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. During this walk you may also see some of the park’s wildlife, such as deer and wild turkeys. With little elevation gain, most trails are quite flat.
There are two front-country campsites in the park where you can spend the night if one day is not enough for you. Both require reservations and are available year-round. These campsites 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 just a 25-minute drive from Congaree, making it easy to 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.
