Oakridge Trail

Dogs Unknown

This is a flat, easy hike through Congaree swamp. The well-marked trail meanders through cypress forest and old-growth pine, crossing and recrossing creeks. The National Parks Service has been kind enough to bridge the creeks and add boardwalks over the muddiest parts of the trail, so there's no particular reason to get wet. It's also far enough off the boardwalk that on the unlikely chance that you run into other hikers, a few moments' pause will give you the trail to yourself again. The entire trail is clay-based, so it will be slick if it's rained within the past 24 hours. The entire trail is also close to stagnant water, so mosquito repellent is advised between April and November.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife: deer, wild hogs, black fox squirrels, red-tailed hawks, and owls are frequently spotted, especially in mornings before the heat of the day. Golden silk orb weavers are also common along the trail, whose fascinating yellow-colored webs are worth keeping an eye out for (and not just to avoid walking into one face-first). Dogs are welcome.