Hiking Trail

Congaree Bluffs

Department of Natural Resources Heritage Preserve
(Calhoun County)

TrailMap

Description: Both trails in this preserve range from easy to strenuous. You will start on the Ravine Walk and at approximately 0.3 mile you can continue through a forest, or turn right onto the BluffRiver Walk toward the Congaree River. As you hike the Ravine Walk you pass through a forest of American beech, oak, hickory, and other bottomland hardwoods, and you may see a variety of birds and possibly some animals as you cross over the creek. On the BluffRiver Walk you can go left at the fork and follow the bluff to the observation deck or the covered picnic shelter and enjoy a snack as you look over the river. Turn right and you will go down along the river and loop back to the bluff. You can access the Observation Walk from the River-Bluff Walk, Ravine Walk, or the observation platform.

Insect repellent is recommended during the warmer months. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed. No plants or animals can be removed from this site and please take all trash with you.

In order for a group to use the Educational Center, the primary focus of the meeting/gathering must be centered around natural or cultural resources, and a completed application must be submitted to the Calhoun County Conservation District (904 F.R. Huff Drive, Suite 104, P.O. Box 528, St. Matthews, SC 29135, 803-874-3337) for approval 30 days prior to the use of the center. The Calhoun County Conservation District must receive approval from the SCDNR before issuing access to the preserve or educational center.

Length: Ravine Walk 1.5 miles, BluffRiver Walk 1.0 mile, and Observation Walk 0.5 mile.

Fees: No fee.

Directions: From downtown St. Matthews drive east on US 601 for 7.5 miles and turn left onto SC 419. Pass Fort Motte, drive 1.0 mile, and turn right onto Turkey Track Lane. You can park at one of two parking areas, the first at 0.5 mile and the other at approximately 1.0 mile.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Camping: No camping.

Information: DNR Heritage Trust Program, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC, 29202. Telephone: 803-734-3886.

South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173
Webmaster: bswanson@scprt.com
Updated: May 28, 2008
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