Oakridge Trail, Congaree National Park - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Oakridge 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:	6.60 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Harry Hampton Visitors Center
Trails Used:	Low Boardwalk, Weston Loop Trail, Oakridge Trail, Elevated Boardwalk
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Rivers
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	Visit http://www.nps.gov/cosw/index.htm (803) 776-4396 ext. 0
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Fall
Users:	Hikers
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	6.6 miles of interesting walking through old-growth forest and over many streams. Visit http://www.nps.gov/cosw/index.htm for details. Call the park directly for current trail conditions before you visit. Every once in a while, the Congaree River floods it's banks, making a hike on most of the Oakridge Trail impossible. (803) 776-4396 ext. 0 Pick up a free park trail guide at the visitor center before you start walking. There are many combinations of trails that can be enjoyed. The Oakridge Trail is a 'true' loop trail, but using those combinations can give you a more diversified outing. 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