Bannister Bridge Canoe Launch - Congaree National Park - Hopkins, SC - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

Traveling by canoe or kayak is a great way to enjoy this primeval wilderness while floating past some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Paddling is also a thrilling way to encounter the diverse wildlife of the park. Deer, river otters, turtles, snakes, raccoons, and wild pigs are a few of the animals that may be seen.

The park offers guided canoe tours on Cedar Creek most Saturdays and Sundays. Canoes are provided for tour participants only. Individual canoeing at Congaree is a BYOC (bring your own canoe) experience. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from outfitters in Columbia.

There is a marked canoe trail on Cedar Creek, the largest channel that flows through the floodplain. The Congaree River can also be paddled, but there is no vehicle access to the river within the park boundaries.

Be aware of potential hazards such as poison ivy, mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, and snakes which inhabit the park in ample numbers. Bring insect repellent, a first-aid kit, life jackets, a compass, a map (available at the visitor center or on this website), and extra food and water. Remember to wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared to get muddy. A final caution: although marked, the Cedar Creek canoe trail may be hard to follow in places. When in doubt, keep a keen watch for the diamond-shaped markers. However, because of Wilderness designation regulations, canoe trail markers are limited.

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Parking/put-in/launching information: You will have to portage your canoe about 50 yards from parking to the launch site. Paddling conditions to be expected: Be aware of flooding conditions--and after a rain the current can be strong. Difficulty of the trip: Medium (trail is currently clear, but trees fall). Some tight spots with hairpin turns. Length of trip: 6 miles Portages: ideally, zero. Permits required: If you want to camp you need a permit. Type of trip: One way (to South Cedar access), or return upstream. Other information: Check in at the vsitor center for current conditions. Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.

Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   05/20/2010 ChapterhouseInc visited it