-Only a 30 minute drive from downtown Columbia, it’s the perfect day trip while you’re visiting the Capital City and is the only National Park in all of South Carolina.

-Congaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States and holds some of the tallest trees in eastern North America.

-The best way to view Congaree National Park is from the water on a guided canoe tour with the expert guides of Palmetto Outdoor.

-Our guided tour is about 3 hours in length and about 4 miles in distance, with a couple stops along the way.

-Paddle the calm, winding waters of the Cedar Creek, which meanders through the interior of Congaree National Park.

-Our guides will navigate you through the diverse Congaree Swamp system, highlighting various areas along the way. Weave in and out of oxbows, discover the labyrinth like channels of the Tupelo Basin, and paddle past the mysterious cypress knees.

-Trips are offered 7 days a week, however reservations are required.

-Online booking closes 48 hours prior to the event date (which might be why you don’t see your date available on the calendar).

-Don’t see your desired date on the calendar? Last minute reservations can be made upon request. Give us a call to be added to a trip last minute 8034048254

-This trip is offered year round.

-All groups will meet their guide at the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing.

-The address of the landing is 1716 S Cedar Creek Rd, Gadsden, SC 29052

-The landing is about 5 minutes away from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

-There is a large gravel parking lot, with bathrooms, and a trail leading down to Cedar Creek. This is also the trailhead of the Kingsnake Trail.

-This is an “out and back” trip, so there is no need for a shuttle.

-We suggest wearing clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable getting possibly dirty or wet (although it’s our goal to keep everyone dry).

-Leaving a dry pair of clothes/shoes in the car is never a bad idea (just in case).

-Weather in South Carolina can be unpredictable, wearing light layers and bringing rain gear is always a smart idea.

-There’s plenty of room in the canoes to bring a cooler with lunch, snacks, and drinks. Bring a drybag or back pack, but leave valuable items in your car.

-Dogs are allowed but are required to wear a doggy life jacket. Paddler beware: furry friends have been known to tip a canoe.

-All equipment needed to paddle Congaree National Park is included in the price of a guided tour.

-Your canoes, life jackets, paddles, knowledgeable guide, and equipment delivery are all included.

-Let the guides at Palmetto Outdoor handle the equipment and do the heavy lifting. You just have to show up for a good time.

-As a small business, we can tailor each trip to your group’s specific needs.

-Prefer a quiet ride? Let us know ahead of time and we’ll let Mother Nature do the talking. Want to hear all about the history and ecology of the park? Our expert guides highlight Congaree’s special features you wouldn’t know if you were on your own.

-Cancellations made more than 30 days before the date of your trip will receive a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.

-Cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip, will receive store credit good for one year from the trip date.

-No-shows on the day of the activity and cancellations made after 48 hours prior to your trip date will not be considered for store credit or a refund.

-Refer to the Terms & Conditions page or give us a call at 8034048254 for any questions.

-All trips go rain or shine.

-Paddling at Congaree National Park is especially beautiful in the fall when the overhead tree canopy’s leaves are changing colors, or the spring when the forest is blossoming.

-Summer months are hot and buggy (apply bug spray prior to entering the park). Late afternoon showers are common.

-No refunds are given the day of the event.

-If there is possible bad weather the day of your trip, we suggest reaching out at least 48 hours prior in order to receive store credit.

-Refer to the Terms & Conditions page regarding refunds and store credit.

-Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate, due to the remote location of this tour.

-Additionally, our youth life jackets fit from 50-90 lbs. If your child is under 50 lbs and cannot fit into our life jacket, you are responsible for providing your own. Children without a life jacket will not be permitted on the tour.

-Columbia, SC is one of only a handful of cities that has whitewater rapids in its backyard.

-Three rivers converge in the city’s center- the Saluda, the Broad, and the Congaree, each with its own unique features.

-Navigate the Three Rivers Region with Palmetto Outdoor on our guided Saluda River Kayak tour.

-Our guided kayak tour is about 3 miles in distance and 2.5 hours in length, with a couple stops along the way.

-Paddle from the Riverbanks Zoo region down to Gervais Street Bridge (Z to G).

-This section of the Lower Saluda River is a mix of flat water paddling and whitewater rapids.

-Class I and Class II whitwater rapids are moderate in difficulty; we suggest having prior whitewater kayaking experience.

-Trips are offered 7 days a week, throughout the summer months (excluding holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day), however reservations are required.

-Online booking closes 48 hours prior to the event date (which might be why you don’t see your date available on the calendar).

-Don’t see your desired date on the calendar? Last minute reservations can be made upon request. Give us a call to be added to a trip last minute 8034048254 .

-All guests meet their guide at the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater.

-The address of the West Columbia Riverwalk is 131 Alexander Road West Columbia, SC 29169.

-Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the star of the trip in order to find parking, check in, and be ready for the shuttle to leave.

-Parking at the West Columbia Riverwalk is extremely limited. Make sure to check out the parking map prior to your trip.

-Everyone must have some type of foot protection (flip flops are ok but something that straps to your foot is best).

-Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, snacks, and bag for any trash.

-Leave a pair of dry clothes and dry towel in the car for after your trip.

-No glass bottles or styrofoam coolers.

-All equipment needed to paddle the Lower Saluda is included in the price of a guided tour.

-Your kayaks, life jackets, paddles, shuttle upstream, and knowledgeable guide are all included.

-Let the guides at Palmetto Outdoor handle the equipment and do the heavy lifting. You just have to show up for a good time.

-As a small business, we can tailor each trip to your group’s specific needs.

-From mid May - mid June the protected Rocky Shoals Spider Lily blooms in the Three Rivers Region, adding an extra special element to our guided kayak tour.