Congaree National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour

Step into one of America’s last old-growth forests and explore Congaree National Park at your own pace. Walk shaded boardwalk trails surrounded by giant trees, hanging vines, and wildlife calls that fill the air. The audio guide shares stories about the park’s history, swamp ecosystem, and the people who once lived and worked here. Start your tour from the visitor center and follow the boardwalk or take side trails to see Weston Lake, Bluff Trail, and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center area. Stop to listen to frogs, birds, and the flowing Congaree River. Use GPS directions that work offline, follow local tips, and revisit anytime with lifetime access. Download the tour, bring water, and enjoy a peaceful walk through one of the South’s most beautiful and wild landscapes—your time, your path, your adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

1. 1

   Harry Hampton Visitor Center

   30 min

   At the Harry Hampton Visitor Center in Congaree National Park, you can chat with rangers, grab maps, and plan your adventure. Inside, check out interactive exhibits and a short film that brings the park’s wildlife and history to life. There’s also a small bookstore, gift shop, restrooms, and free WiFi. Be sure to check out the famous "Mosquito Meter", which gauges how bad the mosquitoes in the park are today!

2. 2

   Stop 2

   2 hours

   This is where the walking tour takes place. It's a relaxing, 2.4-mile walk that starts right behind the visitor center. The flat, easy path winds through towering cypress and tupelo trees, giving you a close-up look at the park’s beautiful old-growth forest without getting your feet muddy. Along the way, you’ll find signs that share cool facts about the ecosystem and a peaceful overlook at Weston Lake.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   1 hour

   The Sims Trail at Congaree National Park is an easy, mostly flat hike about 3.2 miles round trip. It follows an old gravel road through the forest, connecting with the Boardwalk Trail and leading toward Cedar Creek. The path is wide and great for most skill levels, though it can get muddy or flooded after rain. It’s a peaceful walk with plenty of shade—just bring bug spray for the mosquitoes!

4. 4

   Weston Lake

   1 hour

   Weston Lake is a quiet, scenic oxbow lake that formed thousands of years ago when the Congaree River changed course and left this bend behind. You can reach it by walking the Weston Lake Loop or the Boardwalk Trail, which leads to a lovely overlook. It’s a great spot to pause and enjoy the still water reflecting the trees above — and if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles, herons, or even an alligator gliding by.

• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.