Need To Know
- Canoe tours begin and end at South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing.
- Guided canoe tours are offered at various times throughout the year at Congaree National Park.
- Reservations must be made via this website and cannot be made directly with the park.
- Only participants with valid reservations will be permitted on the tour.
- Children six (6) and up are permitted on tours and must be accompanied by an adult. Each adult and child must have their own ticket.
- America the Beautiful Access Pass owners and Senior Pass owners receive a 50% discount on their ticket. NOTE: Only the pass owner receives a discount. An Individual attempting to purchase multiple tickets at a discounted rate will have their reservation cancelled. Only the Access and Senior Passes are eligible for this discount.
- It is highly recommended that participants be able to swim and have at least some previous paddling experience.
- Participants will be responsible for operating their canoes. Participants should be prepared to lift and carry canoes and other equipment for short distances. Visitors not able to do this should advise park rangers prior to arrival. The park provides all canoe equipment (paddles, life vests, canoes).
- All tours begin promptly at the scheduled time listed on tickets. If you arrive later than the scheduled start time, you will not be permitted to participate in the tour (critical safety information and instructions are given at the beginning of the tour). Participants are encouraged to arrive at least 15-minutes prior to start time. If you have questions about how to get to your tour's starting location, please contact park staff prior to the date of your tour.
- Park staff can cancel tours for inclement weather, unsafe water conditions and/or any other conditions that can affect the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. Staff will try to give participants advanced notice of any cancellations, but tours can be cancelled without notice. No make up tours will be offered in the event of a cancellation.
- Tour participants should wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes that strap to the feet (flip-flops, sandals or Crocs are not recommended). Depending on conditions, participants should be aware that they may get wet and muddy.
- Participants should bring Insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water for the tour. Although electronic devices (i.e. cameras, smartphones, etc.) can be brought on the tours, there is always the risk of these devices getting wet or lost during the tour.
- Pets are not allowed on tours (service animals are permitted).
- For tours starting at the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing, pit toilets are available. For tours starting at other locations in the park, restrooms are not available. Restrooms with running water are available at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. NOTE: there are no facilities along tour routes.
For more information, please visit our website
https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/canoeing.htm
Directions
Tours start at the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing. Please follow the directions below (GPS devices or apps may not always be accurate):
From Charlotte: At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following Bluff Road, travel approximately 16.6 miles to South Cedar Creek Road and turn right. Follow South Cedar Creek Road approximately 2 miles to the canoe landing.
From Atlanta - Follow Interstate 20 East towards Columbia for 65 miles to Exit 64B. Merge onto Interstate 26 and follow for 8 miles to Exit 116, Interstate 77 North towards Charlotte (on the left). Follow Interstate 77 for 5 miles (8 km) to Exit 5, Bluff Road. Follow directions above from Columbia, Interstate 77, Exit 5.
From Charleston - Take Interstate 26, Exit 145B. Take U.S. Highway 601 North to SC 48 (Bluff Road). Follow SC 48 (Bluff Road) West. Turn left on South Cedar Creek Road and go approximately 2 miles to the canoe landing.
From Spartanburg - Follow Interstate 26 East towards Charleston for 92 miles and then take Exit 116 for Interstate 77 North towards Charlotte. Follow Interstate 77 for approximately five miles to Exit 5, Bluff Road. At Exit 5 turn onto SC Hwy 48 East/Bluff Road. Following Bluff Road, travel approximately 16.6 miles to South Cedar Creek Road and turn right. Follow South Cedar Creek Road approximately 2 miles to the canoe landing.
