Congaree Swamp

swamp, South Carolina, United States

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June 24, 2026

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Congaree Swamp, located in South Carolina, United States, is the largest remaining area of virgin Southern bottomland hardwoods in the U.S.. This natural area, now Congaree National Park, is situated on the alluvial floodplain of the Congaree River.1

The swamp experiences flooding approximately ten times a year, with inundations lasting from several days to a month. The forest is characterized by impressive trees, including loblolly pine, sweet gum, water tupelo, bald cypress, hickory, and oak, some of which are of record size. It is also home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker. Visitors can access the park by trail or boat, with canoeing being a popular activity.12

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Congaree National Park
Congaree Swamp, the focus of the national park, is the largest area of virgin Southern bottomland hardwoods remaining in the United States. The park consists of an alluvial floodplain on the meandering Congaree River. Flooding occurs about 10 times a year but lasts only from…
Read More
Congaree Swamp, the focus of the national park, is the largest area of virgin Southern bottomland hardwoods remaining in the United States. The park consists of an alluvial floodplain on the meandering Congaree River. Flooding occurs about 10 times a year but lasts only from…
Read More

Congaree River
The Congaree Swamp, once some 110 square miles (285 square km) in area, is about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Columbia and is one of the last of the South’s great virgin swamp forests. Its 700-year-old cypress and giant pine and oak trees have been…
Read More
The Congaree Swamp, once some 110 square miles (285 square km) in area, is about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Columbia and is one of the last of the South’s great virgin swamp forests. Its 700-year-old cypress and giant pine and oak trees have been…
Read More