Trailhead for the Longleaf Trail at the Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park
See the Hiking Trails web page for a trail map, tips on hiking in Congaree National Park, and a link to reviews of the other trails in the park.
Length: .5 mile, one way
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Longleaf Trail in Congaree National Park runs between the Longleaf Campground and the Boardwalk Trail near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. The trail is a half mile long, one way. If the Visitor Center is your destination, add a tenth of a mile for the walk along the Boardwalk Trail. I started the hike at the campground, and this trail report is written from that perspective.
As you hike the trails in Congaree National Park, you will notice white placards with numbers on them attached to trees every so often. These are blazes—markers that you follow like Hansel and Gretel breadcrumbs to remain on the correct path—and the numbers correspond to various trails. The Longleaf Trail is #8. Blazes aren’t all that important on the Longleaf Trail because it is pretty easy to follow. There are no unmarked intersections or tricky turns.
Blazes along the No. 8 trail at Congaree National Park, the Longleaf Trail
As with all trails in the park, the Longleaf Trail covers level ground and passes through a forest. If it weren’t for tree roots jutting out of the ground, it would be wheelchair accessible.
Tree roots along the Longleaf Trail in Congaree National Park
The Longleaf Trail is narrow in places, so you will brush up against vegetation where ticks like to hide. For the record, I did not get any on me anywhere in Congaree National Park, and I hiked every trail during my mid-October visit. However, they are a known nuisance, so be sure to check yourself for the pests on a regular basis.
Narrow section of the Longleaf Trail in Congaree National Park
A third of a mile from the campground (.2 mile from the Visitor Center) is the intersection with the Bluff Trail, a trail that connects to the Bluff Campground. The directional sign at the intersection only points to the Bluff Trail / Campground and back towards the Longleaf Campground. It does not mention the Visitor Center, but there is only one direction not pointed out—to the right—which by deduction makes that the way to the Visitor Center. No. 8 blazes on the trees confirm that you are on the correct trail.
Intersection of the Longleaf and Bluff trails, Congaree National Park
The Longleaf Trail crosses over the park road a few minutes later and then comes to a fork where it officially ends. To the left is the Picnic Area and parking lot, and to the right is the Visitor Center via the Boardwalk Trail. The boardwalk is within sight distance of the fork, and once on it, take a left to get to the Visitor Center. Signs point the way.
Intersection of the Longleaf and Boardwalk trails, Congaree National Park
Boardwalk trail at the Congaree National Park Visitor Center
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Last updated on November 6, 2024
