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Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

Hopkins, South Carolina

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4.5 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

This is a peaceful hike through a floodplain forest of cypress trees, tupelos and loblolly pines with many opportunities for wildlife viewing.

If you're looking for a longer hike in Congaree National Park than just the Boardwalk Loop, try adding another 2.0 miles to the Boardwalk Loop by hiking the Weston Lake Trail.  

From the visitor's center, take the Boardwalk Trail and stay straight at the intersection with the Bluff Trail. The elevated boardwalk will turn into the low boardwalk. After 0.7 miles, the Boardwalk Trail will turn left at in intersection. Stay straight here to begin the Weston Lake portion of the trail.  

The Weston Lake trail follows white blazes with the number "3" on them as it winds through the forest skirting Cedar Creek for a long portion of the trail. There are six bridge crossings on this trail as well as numerous intersections with other trails. All these intersections are well-marked. 

After 2.5 miles on the Weston Lake Trail you will rejoin the Boardwalk Trail and continue the remaining 1.2 miles back to the visitor's center on the Boardwalk Trail.  

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

Easy to follow trail markers and signs and there are paper maps available outside of the visitor center. I saw lots of wildlife when I went in June: hogs, lizards, snakes, turtles, and birds. Highly recommend an evening hike when there's less traffic.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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