Congaree National Park

Since the 1980s, one of the most popular programs offered at Congaree are our Owl Prowls. Owls are viewed by many cultures as creatures of mystery, as they are often heard but seldom seen. One of the park’s iconic wildlife residents and featured on the park’s logo, Barred Owls are the most commonly seen of the 3 owl species that can be found in the park. Join us for a guided evening hike to look for and learn about these nocturnal natives and their unique adaptations that allow them to hunt and be active after dark.Things to Know- Registration is required for this program. Registration for this guided hike will be available beginning two weeks prior to the program date.- This hike will last approximately 1 1/2 hours and will take place primarily on the Boardwalk Trail- Participants should wear or bring clothing appropriate for the day’s forecasted conditions and temperature- Sturdy, closed-toe footwear, such as hiking boots are recommended- Pets are not permitted on this program. Service animals are welcome. - Participants should bring water- Participants may bring a flashlight with a red-mode for use after dark; Red-light flashlights will be available to borrow for the program

Congaree National Park is turning 50! Join the park on the weekend of October 17-18, 2026 to celebrate 50 years of Congaree National Park and learn more about the "Green Heart of South Carolina, including the efforts of local conservationists to establish the park in the 1970s, how the park has evolved over the past half-century, protecting the natural and cultural resources of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Over the weekend, numerous opportunities will be available for park visitors to learn about the establishment and history of the park through interpretive ranger talks, guided hikes, and the Voices of Congaree series, featuring speakers presenting talks about the legacy and history of the park. A schedule of events is listed below, and more detailed descriptions and locations where each will be taking place will be available on the event listings for each event. Saturday, October 17 9:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina10:00 - Congaree National Park 50 for 50 BioBlitz11:00 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 5011:30 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series 1:00 - Carolina Wildlife Center 2:00 - Ranger Talk- Tall & Stately as the Trees: Congaree & the Enduring Legacy of Harry Hampton 2:30 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series 3:30 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50 5:45 - Owl Prowl (sign-up required)Sunday, October 18 9:00 - 50th Anniversary Big Tree Hike with John Cely (sign-up required) 9:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina11:00 - Ranger Talk - The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 5012:15 - Celebrating of Congaree National Park's 50th Anniversary12:45 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series 2:00 - Ranger Talk- Tall & Stately as the Trees: Congaree & the Enduring Legacy of Harry Hampton 2:00 - Riverbanks Zoo 3:00 - Voices of Congaree Speaker Series 3:30 - Ranger Talk - Congaree Action Now! The Effort to Preserve the Green Heart of South Carolina

Beginning in 1970 local citizens who had come to know and care about the old-growth forest in the bottomlands along the Congaree River, then known as the Beidler Tract, grew concerned about its long-term survival if it was not protected. Formed in 1974, the Congaree Swamp National Preserve Association, with support from conservation organizations like the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, began an advocacy campaign calling for the preservation of the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk on how the efforts of local citizens was able to attract nationwide attention and lead to the establishment of the park on October 18, 1976.