Expedition Zone

Zone: The Midlands

Columbia, Congaree & Lake Country
  • Congaree National Park
  • Lake Murray
  • Saluda River
  • Dreher Island
  • Three Rivers Greenway

What Makes This Zone Special

Congaree National Park protects the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, with champion trees standing over 150 feet tall. Lake Murray, the Saluda River, and Santee Cooper offer wide-open water for paddling, fishing, and swimming.
Zone at a Glance

21 adventure guides in The Midlands

Adventures in This Zone

LVL 2 — Easy Going

Goodale State Park Kayaking & Fishing

Open water on millpond, short trails
2-4 hours
A 140-acre millpond in the Sandhills with cypress trees growing from the water. Kayaking and fishing in a landscape that looks like a painting. One of the most photogenic paddles in the Midlands.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Boat Rentals Available
  • Parking at Launch
LVL 1 — First Steps

Edisto Memorial Gardens & River Walk

1 to 2 miles
1-2 hours
A rose garden and riverside walk on the North Edisto River in Orangeburg. 175 acres of gardens, walking paths, and river views. Free admission. Best in spring when the roses bloom.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Free
  • Paved Surface
LVL 1 — First Steps

Congaree Boardwalk Loop

2.4 miles
1-2 hours
The only national park in South Carolina. A 2.4-mile elevated boardwalk through the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast. Fully wheelchair accessible.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Service Animal Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 3 — Moderate

Long Cane Trail, Sumter National Forest

23 miles (full) or day sections
Full day or overnight
23 miles of hiking through rolling Piedmont forest in Sumter National Forest near Abbeville. Wildflowers, creek crossings, and near-total solitude. The best long-distance trail in the Midlands.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Dreher Island State Park Camping

Various trails on 3 islands
Overnight to multi-night
Three islands connected by causeways on Lake Murray. Camping, fishing, and paddling on one of South Carolina’s most beautiful lakes.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (fishing pier)
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Camping Available
  • Fishing
LVL 1 — First Steps

Kalmia Gardens Nature Trail

1 to 2 miles
1-2 hours
30 acres of botanical gardens and nature trails along Black Creek in Hartsville. Mountain laurel and kalmia bloom in spring. Free admission. Managed by Coker University.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Free
  • Stroller-Friendly (Paved sections)
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Saluda Shoals Park Complete Guide

1 to 5 miles (trails), plus river access
2 hours to full day
400 acres on the Saluda River with everything: paved riverwalk, kayak launch, splash pad, disc golf, dog park, and the best urban paddle experience in the Midlands. Free admission.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (riverwalk)
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve, Cayce

2 to 4 miles
1-2 hours
938 acres of bottomland hardwood forest along Congaree Creek in Cayce. One of the Midlands’ best-kept hiking secrets. Feels like a smaller Congaree National Park, without the crowds.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 1 — First Steps

Timmerman Trail Riverwalk, Cayce / West Columbia

Up to 3 miles
30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Paved riverfront trail along the Congaree River through Cayce and West Columbia. Flat, scenic, and accessible. Sunset views of the Columbia skyline from the river are among the best in the city.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Lynches River County Park Canopy Walk

1 to 3 miles (trails), kayak varies
1-3 hours
An elevated canopy boardwalk 30 feet above the forest floor through bottomland hardwood forest. One of the most unusual trail experiences in South Carolina. Kayaking on the Lynches River adds a classic Pee Dee blackwater paddle.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Kids
  • Fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at Congaree National Park?

Congaree National Park's signature experience is the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, a fully wheelchair-accessible elevated boardwalk through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. The park also offers paddling on Cedar Creek, backcountry camping, and ranger-led programs including the famous synchronized firefly walks in late May.

Is Congaree National Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park is fully wheelchair accessible. The 2.4-mile elevated wooden boardwalk is smooth and wide enough for power wheelchairs. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has accessible parking, restrooms, and exhibits.

What is the best lake in South Carolina for paddling?

Lake Murray is one of the best paddling lakes in South Carolina. The 50,000-acre reservoir has calm water, beautiful shoreline, and excellent fishing. Dreher Island State Park on the lake offers camping, a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, and kayak rentals.