Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek is a marked canoe trail that threads through the swamp, accessed from landings such as South Cedar Creek and Bannister Bridge. Paddlers can arrange to travel a stretch of the creek, gliding among the buttressed trunks of cypress and the knees rising from the water, with the forest closing in on both sides.

The creek winds and narrows, and fallen trees can create log jams that must be navigated or portaged, so it is more of an adventure than a flat-water paddle. Guided canoe trips are sometimes offered by the park or local outfitters, which is a good option for those new to the creek or wanting to learn about the ecosystem.

You will need your own canoe or kayak, or a spot on a guided trip, to paddle Cedar Creek. Water levels rise and fall quickly with rain and river flooding, which changes the difficulty and can make the creek impassable or hazardous, so checking current conditions, including log jams and water levels, is essential before setting out.

Bring insect repellent, drinking water, sun protection, and a map or knowledge of the creek, and let someone know your plans. Paddling quietly increases your chances of seeing wildlife. For those prepared for a bit of adventure, Cedar Creek rewards with a serene and unforgettable journey through the old-growth swamp.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Cedar Creek is a blackwater stream in Congaree National Park, South Carolina, and a designated canoe trail that winds through the old-growth swamp forest. Its tea-colored water, stained dark by tannins from fallen leaves, mirrors the towering bald cypress and tupelo trees that rise from the flooded forest. Paddling the creek offers an intimate, immersive way to experience the park from the water, revealing a side of Congaree that the boardwalk cannot reach. Along the way, paddlers often spot turtles, wading birds, otters, and the reflections of giant trees in the still water. Winding and adventurous, Cedar Creek is one of the defining experiences of the park for those who enjoy canoeing or kayaking.

To travel Cedar Creek itself, yes, you need a canoe or kayak, either your own or a spot on a guided paddling trip. The creek is a marked canoe trail through the swamp, accessed from landings such as South Cedar Creek and Bannister Bridge. If you do not have a boat, guided canoe trips are sometimes offered by the park or by local outfitters, which is a great way to experience the creek safely and learn about the ecosystem. Visitors without a boat can still see and cross Cedar Creek on foot in places, including the South Cedar Creek footbridge, and can experience the broader old-growth forest on the boardwalk and hiking trails. But paddling is the way to truly journey along the creek.

Paddling Cedar Creek is more of an adventure than a relaxed flat-water float, so it suits paddlers with some experience or those on a guided trip. The creek winds and narrows through the swamp, and fallen trees frequently create log jams that must be navigated around or portaged over, which takes some effort and skill. Water levels also rise and fall quickly with rain and river flooding, dramatically changing conditions and sometimes making the creek impassable or hazardous. Because of this, it is essential to check current water levels and log-jam conditions before setting out. For prepared paddlers, the reward is a quiet, immersive journey through the old-growth forest; for beginners, a ranger-led or outfitter-guided trip is the best way to go.

Cedar Creek and the surrounding Congaree swamp are rich with wildlife, and paddling quietly gives you a good chance of seeing it. Commonly spotted animals include turtles sunning on logs, wading birds such as herons and egrets, and river otters, along with many songbirds, woodpeckers, and, in the water, fish. Congaree is also home to reptiles and amphibians, and alligators are occasionally seen at the southern edges of the park, though they are far less common here than in coastal areas. Deer, raccoons, and other mammals live in the forest as well. The old-growth floodplain is a rich ecosystem, so moving slowly and quietly, and keeping a respectful distance from any wildlife, will make for the best and safest viewing.