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!

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.

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!

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.