Bluff Trail, Congaree National Park - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Bluff Trail, Congaree National Park
Country:	United States
State:	South Carolina
Nearby Town:	Hopkins
Rating:
Directions:	From Interstate 77, Exit 5: At Exit 5 turn off onto SC Hwy 48 East (Bluff Road), and travel southeast approximately fourteen miles toward Gadsden and turn right onto Mt. View Road. Follow Mt. View Road for 0.8 miles and then turn right onto Old Bluff Road and travel 0.6 miles. Turn left at the park entrance sign and proceed one mile to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Total Hike Distance:	1.70 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	After Hours parking lot
Trails Used:	Bluff
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	None
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	http://www.nps.gov/cosw/index.htm http://www.friendsofcongaree.org
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	1.7 miles of easy and interesting walking through the youngest ecosystem in Congaree National Park. This trail passes through new-growth loblolly pines and mixed hardwoods, providing an opportunity to witness what goes on in the "new" woods, compared to the ancient environs of the rest of the park. Visit http://www.nps.gov/cosw/index.htm for details. The Bluff Trail can be the start of a longer, and super biodiversified hike using the many combinations of trails available at Congaree. Pick up a free trail map at the visitor center before you start walking. Be sure to ask the rangers about the Friends of Congaree Swamp. This is a non-profit organization that helps protect and promote Congaree National Park and it's unique environment. More info here: http://www.friendsofcongaree.org