Congaree National Park Ranger-Guided Canoe Tours
Congaree National Park preserves the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States. A federally designated wilderness area in the floodplain of the Congaree River, it is a landscape forever shaped by water. Here, visitors to the park can see some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi and witness amazing biodiversity.
Numerous waterways can be found throughout the park. Cedar Creek, the primary body of water in the park, flows 15 miles from the parks northern border to its confluence with the Congaree River. This creek flows through a magnificent old-growth forest, past breath-taking trees and is home to many types of wildlife.
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Park visitors will find old growth forests teeming with wildlife, miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderately strenuous and miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Ranger led guided canoe tours are offered at various times throughout the year. The park also offers first-come, first-served interpretive programs throughout the year including guided hikes and ranger presentations.
Congaree National Park preserves the largest remaining section of old-growth bottomland forest in the United States. A federally designated wilderness area in the floodplain of the Congaree River, it is a landscape forever shaped by water. Here, visitors to the park can see some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi and witness amazing biodiversity.
Numerous waterways can be found throughout the park. Cedar Creek, the primary body of water in the park, flows 15 miles from the parks northern border to its confluence with the Congaree River. This creek flows through a magnificent old-growth forest, past breath-taking trees and is home to many types of wildlife.
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Park visitors will find old growth forests teeming with wildlife, miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderately strenuous and miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Ranger led guided canoe tours are offered at various times throughout the year. The park also offers first-come, first-served interpretive programs throughout the year including guided hikes and ranger presentations.
Need to Know
- Canoe tours begin and end at South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing.
- Guided canoe tours are offered at various times throughout the year at Congaree National Park.
- Reservations must be made via this website and cannot be made directly with the park.
- Only participants with valid reservations will be permitted on the tour.
- Children six (6) and up are permitted on tours and must be accompanied by an adult. Each adult and child must have their own ticket.
- America the Beautiful Access Pass owners and Senior Pass owners receive a 50% discount on their ticket. NOTE: Only the pass owner receives a discount. An Individual attempting to purchase multiple tickets at a discounted rate will have their reservation cancelled. Only the Access and Senior Passes are eligible for this discount.
- It is highly recommended that participants be able to swim and have at least some previous paddling experience.
- Participants will be responsible for operating their canoes. Participants should be prepared to lift and carry canoes and other equipment for short distances. Visitors not able to do this should advise park rangers prior to arrival. The park provides all canoe equipment (paddles, life vests, canoes).
- All tours begin promptly at the scheduled time listed on tickets. If you arrive later than the scheduled start time, you will not be permitted to participate in the tour (critical safety information and instructions are given at the beginning of the tour). Participants are encouraged to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to start time. If you have questions about how to get to your tour's starting location, please contact park staff prior to the date of your tour.
- Park staff can cancel tours for inclement weather, unsafe water conditions and/or any other conditions that can affect the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. Staff will try to give participants advanced notice of any cancellations, but tours can be cancelled without notice. No make up tours will be offered in the event of a cancellation.
- Tour participants should wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes that strap to the feet (flip-flops, sandals or Crocs are not recommended). Depending on conditions, participants should be aware that they may get wet and muddy.
- Participants should bring Insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water for the tour. Although electronic devices (i.e. cameras, smartphones, etc.) can be brought on the tours, there is always the risk of these devices getting wet or lost during the tour.
- Pets are not allowed on tours (service animals are permitted).
- For tours starting at the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing, pit toilets are available. For tours starting at other locations in the park, restrooms are not available. Restrooms with running water are available at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. NOTE: there are no facilities along tour routes.
For more information, please visit our website
https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/canoeing.htm
Booking Windows
Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold within an hour of the tour.
Changes and Cancellations
Refunds will be provided when a tour is cancelled by park staff. (Note: Refunds do not include the Reservation Fee that is charged at the time the reservation is made, which covers the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable)
Refunds will not be provided for No Shows or for a participant who cancels a ticket less than seven (7) days prior to the tour date. Reservation holders who change or cancel their reservation more than seven (7) days prior to the tour date may be charged a service fee by the reservation system.
All refund requests, modifications or cancellations must be initiated through this website. Park staff are unable to process these transactions.
America the Beautiful Access Pass owners and Senior Pass owners receive a 50% discount on their ticket. NOTE: Only the pass owner receives a discount. An Individual attempting to purchase multiple tickets at a discounted rate will have their reservation cancelled. Only the Access and Senior Passes are eligible for this discount.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
100 Hopkins SC 29061
Phone Number
803-776-4396
