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Kingsnake Trail

One of the park’s longest and most remote hikes, granting especially diverse forest communities and bird life.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
12 km
Ascent
6 m
Descent
6 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
30 m
High Point
34 m
Gradient
Kingsnake Trail Map

Kingsnake Trail is one of Congaree’s more remote trails, which makes it especially good for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. There are also impressive trees, of course, and the forest hosts greater diversity than what’s found along the shorter loop trails.

Description

It is a longer hike than most others in the park, and there are various ways to approach it. The route mapped here is an out-and-back from South Cedar Creek trailhead to the junction with Weston Lake Trail, for a roundtrip of 7.5 miles. If you start from the visitor center trailhead, however, it’s a longer journey. You must hike portions of Boardwalk, Weston Lake, and Oak Ridge trails just to get to Kingsnake. By that route, you can hike more than 12 miles out and back from the visitor center.

Either way, you will enter seldom-traveled depths of the forest on Kingsnake Trail. Because it’s so remote, this trail is not usually prioritized for maintenance. Expect obstacles like downed trees, damaged bridges, and muddy and/or flooded sections. It's a good idea to check with the rangers about trail conditions before you go.

Kingsnake Trail is for those who relish wilderness and solitude, and you may find bonus rewards in rare birds, outsized trees, and other surprises that most park visitors never see.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/trail-information.htm https://friendsofcongaree.org/location/kingsnake-trail-guide/

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Dog friendly
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area