This guide is for travelers looking to visit Congaree and/or New River Gorge National Parks.
These parks are about 5 hours apart, so while it could be done in a long weekend, it is probably better suited for individual trips or part of a longer road-trip.
Total trip time: 1 day (Congaree) + 2-3 days (New River Gorge)
Nearest major cities to start from:
- Virginia: Roanoke
- North Carolina: Charlotte or Greensboro
- South Carolina: Columbia or Charleston
- Georgia: Augusta
Congaree was established as a National Park in 2003 and it was previously designated as a wilderness area.
It is one of the least visited National Parks in the US, but it is absolutely worth the day trip.
Boardwalk Loop Trail: 2.3 miles (easy)
Congaree is a flood-plain, so depending on the time of year, several of the trails can be completely underwater. The boardwalk trail is one that should always be at least partially open.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife!
Weston Lake Loop Trail: 4.7 miles (moderate)
This hike starts with the Boardwalk Trail, then continues on along Weston Lake. When I was there, we were not able to go further than the boardwalk because of flooding. The visitor center always posts what trails are open, so check there before you set off adventuring!
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Things to Do
There are only three species of synchronous fireflies in North America.
Every year, Congaree National Park hosts synchronous fireflies for about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June.
During this time, visitors can experience an awe-inspiring display of synchronous flashing while the fireflies search for their mate. As you can imagine, this special and unique phenomenon is extremely popular. It is pretty much the only time this park gets busy.
Click the NPS link below to learn more information about the event, the lottery for viewing, and park access during the synchronization period.
The National Park Service updates the page several months before the event, but it is not something that can be planned super far in advance. The dates change every year, so if it is something you are interested in, keep checking back.
Because Congaree National Park is a flood-plain, it is essential to get out on the water (especially in the spring) to experience the park fully. Through a travel Facebook group, I met someone that lived in the area and was willing to bring two kayaks. We spent three hours kayaking beneath the overhanging trees and under the bright blue sky. It was a magical experience to share with a like-minded traveler.
Columbia is a city rich in history and culture, with historic districts, well-maintained gardens, family-friendly museums, and a range of outdoor activities.
For history buffs, visitors can learn about the state's history at the South Carolina State Museum. You can also tour the South Carolina State House, which is the seat of the state government.
For shopping enthusiasts, there are local boutiques, antique shops, and locally made gifts.
I recommend packing a picnic and settling down in the Riverfront Park for a relaxing afternoon under the shade trees.
This campground is located on the Bluff Trail approximately one mile (easy trail) from the Longleaf Campground.
There is no vehicle access to this campground, so all visitors must carry their equipment to their site.
This campground has 6 individual campsites that have hold a maximum of 8 individuals and 3 tents. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are no restroom facilities at this site, nor any running water at this campground.
Located adjacent to the park entrance road, this campground has 10 individual and 4 group camping sites.
Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Two vault toilets are located at the front of the campground. No running water, but water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Sites are walk-in only, a couple hundred feet from the parking area. No cars are permitted past the gravel parking lot.
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Backcountry Camping
Free backcountry permits are available online. Per the NPS guidelines, "The park's backcountry can be reached either by foot or by canoe or kayak. There are no designated campsites in the backcountry. Campers may select any suitable location, as long as they remain 100 feet away from Cedar Creek, Tom's Creek, Bates Old River, and Wise Lake."
The hotel features a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.
At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, guest rooms at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia near Fort Jackson have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms include a seating area. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
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Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area
This hotel offers accommodations with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs..
Courtyard by Marriott Northeast/I-77 features an outdoor swimming pool and a furnished patio to relax al fresco. It includes a fitness center with elliptical, 2 treadmills, and free weights.
Enjoy a made-to-order breakfast and dinner at full-service Bistro restaurant. Cocktails and Starbucks® beverages are available, and a 24-hour convenience store offers snacks at any time of the day.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Southeast Fort Jackson
Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Southeast Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, within 5.8 miles of Robert Mills House and Gardens and 6.2 miles of Colonial Life Arena. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. South Carolina State Museum is 6.9 miles from the hotel and McIntire Joint National Guard Base is 11 miles away.
At the hotel, the rooms have a closet. All rooms in Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Southeast Fort Jackson are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries.
The accommodation offers a buffet or American breakfast.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Columbia Southeast Fort Jackson can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
This South Carolina hotel is 10 miles from Central Columbia and the University of South Carolina. Guests will enjoy free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast with eggs and French toast, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
A cable TV, microwave, and small refrigerator are featured in all rooms at this Holiday Inn Express Columbia - Two Notch. Suites include a seating area and sofa bed.
Access to a fitness center and 24-hour business center is provided to all guests throughout their stay. Holiday Inn Express Columbia - Two Notch offers meeting and conference facilities as well.
As the newest National Park (est. 2020), New River Gorge has yet to be discovered by the masses.
The New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
Known for its architecturally-stunning bridge, white water rafting, and rock climbing, this park will keep surprising you.
Castle Rock Trail: 1.1 miles (moderate)
Added on Turkey Spur, but the Castle Rock trail (before you can go back via Grandview Rim) is stunning and so much fun to hike.
Bridge Trail to Fayette Trail: 3.1 miles (hard)
Stunning trail and so fun! This will give you views under the bridge. Make sure you take the wooden stairs at the trail divide.
Headhouse Trail: 1.3 miles (moderate)
Pretty standard downhill (the uphill going back), but the mine was cool (literally!). The parking lot is just past the road for the trailhead.
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Things to Do
White Water Rafting
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve includes 53 miles of the New River, beginning at Bluestone Dam and ending at Hawks Nest Lake.
The upper (southern) part of the river consists primarily of long pools, and easier rapids (up to Class III). There are a number of different access points and trips can last from a few hours to several days.
The lower (northern) section of river is often referred to as "the Lower Gorge," and it has the big rapids (from Class III to Class V). Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks and should not be taken lightly.
Because there are a range of difficulties, the New River offers a trip for everyone. There are trips available year-round, with the main season running from April through October.
Bridge Walk offers guided tours of the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk 25’ beneath the Bridge. The tours are 2-3 hours in length.
The catwalk is 24″ wide with a substantial railing. Before beginning the tour, guests are securely fastened onto a safety cable. Bridge Walk guests walk the entire 3,030 foot length of the Bridge. Bridge tours move along at a leisurely pace and there is plenty of time to stop for photos.
There are no camping fees at park campgrounds. Reservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-serve.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers 8 primitive campgrounds.
Camping in a non-designated site or using a walk-in parking lot for RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. All campgrounds are located on maintained gravel or dirt roads in somewhat remote locations within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The Comfort Inn New River is conveniently located off Route 19, four miles from New River Gorge National River, offering an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
The surrounding area is rich in recreational activities, including white-water rafting, swimming, canoeing, golfing and hiking. Several restaurants and many shops are nearby.
Guests of this Oak Hill, WV hotel are invited to enjoy features and amenities like free wireless high-speed Internet access, free coffee and free local calls.
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An Anecdote
I'll be honest, when I drove to New River Gorge, I was not expecting much. It was the second national park along my road-trip and I thought it would just be one to check off the list. I was completely blown away.
While the focal point of the park is the New River Gorge Bridge, the views of the river and the surrounding area are stunning. You can truly experience the park from every angle, whether you want to look up from the gorge, white water raft in the river, or walk beneath the bridge.
There is something for everyone, whether it is a leisurely hike along the Grandview Trail, or rock climbing some of the amazing rock features, you can find something that makes you say "wow."
Best of all, this park still feels undiscovered. Because of its location and recent National Park status, you can explore the park largely to yourself, depending on the season. This is something I learned to appreciate much more as my road-trip continued and the crowds grew.
This could also be paired with a road-trip to Shenandoah, so check out my guide for a weekend hiking .
Find more of my adventures on Instagram @ani.theadventurer
Welcome to my (and hopefully our) adventures! I have lived all over the United States, and I have a passion for the outdoors and budget-travel. My style of travel is easy-going, yet filled with adventure and excitement. I focus on connecting with people and community, as well as immersing myself in the outdoors as much as possible. Finding a balance between these two have led to some amazing memories, and I cannot wait to share them with you.
Most recently, I lived in my car for over seven months, while I visited every National Park in the lower 48. I hiked, camped, met amazing people, and hiked some more. I got to experience the parks like a local, because I had no timetable, no flights to catch, no rental car to return, etc. Some parks I stayed only for a few hours, and others for over a week. I chatted with park rangers, stayed with people that lived nearby, and camped with others at some amazing campsites. The travel guides I share give you an "insider" look at the national park, with tips for the best hikes, tricks for finding campsites (but I always include hotel options too), as well as information about the various aspects of the parks. I hope that you will use these guides as tools to fuel your next national park adventure!
