Kayaking Congaree After Dark
Now that it’s warm enough to leave the house without arguing with your jacket, your weekends probably look a little different. Patio dinners in Columbia, bonfires by the lake, maybe even a bold little beach trip. But if you're after more bragging rights, and a lot more wildlife, you’ll want to head for the woods.
There are two kinds of folks in South Carolina: those who’ve floated Cedar Creek under a full moon, and those who don’t know what they’re missing. On April 12, Carolina Outdoor Adventures is bringing back their Full Moon Paddle—a rare nighttime kayak tour through Congaree National Park’s blackwater wonderland.
What to Expect
You’ll launch around 7 PM and paddle for about two hours down Cedar Creek, where the water mirrors the trees and the soundtrack is frogs, owls, and the occasional mystery splash. Peaceful, a little eerie, and 100% worth talking about later.
- When: April 12 at 7 PM
- Where: Cedar Creek, Congaree National Park
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Cost: $80 per person (includes kayak, paddle, vest, and guide)
- Age Limit: Adults only
- Experience Level: Beginner-friendly
- What to Bring: Headlamp, water (unless you're into sipping swamp), and bug spray. But apply it in the parking lot unless you want to gas out the group.
About Carolina Outdoor Adventures
Back in 2015, Billy Easterbrooks turned a few river trips with friends into a full-time gig. Now his team guides paddlers all over the Midlands, from Lake Murray to Dreher Island, but Congaree is their crown jewel.
They’re one of the few outfitters actually permitted to guide inside the park, which is no small thing. The crew’s fully trained in safety and rescue, but they’re also just really good at what they do—pointing out wildlife you’d miss on your own, keeping things easy for beginners, and making you feel like you’re on a trip with people who know and love this place.
Why Congaree’s Worth the Trip
- It’s the largest stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast!
- The trees can be taller than 16-story buildings—seriously!
- Home to river otters, wild pigs, deer, barred owls, and the occasional chill gator.
- With no humming highways, it’s one of the quietest national parks.
- You can paddle straight through the forest—no trail map needed, just keep your eyes on your guide.
Congaree is kind of place that reminds you South Carolina still has a few wild corners left—untamed, unbothered, and cooler than anything on your phone.
Spots fill up fast, and once the moon rises, you’ll wish you were out there instead of hearing about it later. Book it.
Then check out www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/sports-fitness and www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/arts-entertainment for more ways to make your weekends count.
