Congaree River
🏞 National Park🏔 Scenic River
Richland Co. · 50 mi · Class I
3,230CFS/ 3.44 ft
Optimal↓Falling slowly (-70 cfs/hr)· -160 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 2,000–15,000 CFS · USGS #02169500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
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Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Congaree National Park · SC Scenic River
Born at the confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers in downtown Columbia, the Congaree flows 50 miles past Congaree National Park — home to the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. Champion trees, oxbow lakes, and spectacular biodiversity define this national treasure.
Trip sections
Upper — Columbia to Congaree NP, 20 mi, urban to wild
Congaree NP — 20 mi, old-growth floodplain forest
Lower — NP to Wateree confluence, 10 mi, wide river
Outfitters
Congaree National Park Canoe Access
Park-managed canoe and kayak access to Cedar Creek trail
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.