Sims Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Mosquitoes in Congaree are legendarily aggressive from late spring through early fall. A head net and permethrin-treated clothing aren't overkill — they're survival gear.
The trail can flood completely after heavy rain or when the Congaree River rises. Check water levels at the visitor center before heading out; if the boardwalk is underwater, Sims Trail almost certainly is too.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and connect via the Bluff Trail for a longer loop rather than an out-and-back — you'll see more variety and avoid retracing your steps through the same stretch of floodplain.
Wear waterproof boots or trail shoes with good grip regardless of the forecast. The old gravel road sits low in the floodplain and stays muddy for days after rain, with standing water in sections that can be ankle-deep.
Pause at the second boardwalk crossing and look upstream along Cedar Creek — this is one of the best spots in the park for spotting river otters in the early morning, especially during cooler months when they're more active near the surface.