Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
A shorter hike to the Congaree River can be made on the Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
Plan Around Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
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Bates Ferry Trail (#7) Details
For a shorter hike to the Congaree River, follow the Bates Ferry Trail (#7) 1.1 miles from U.S. Highway 601 in the park's eastern section. You'll follow a 1920s ferry road south to the Congaree River, where colonial ferries of a bygone era crossed the river. The first ferry was established on the Congaree in 1766 north of the current day park. Due to the changing river, a new ferry was constructed in 1840, which took on the name of its operating family, the Bates Family. The ferries served as connectors of rural South Caroline and dramatically improved communication and commerce in the area. Historical records suggest that in 1865 a skirmish took place between Union and Confederate at the site of Bates Ferry as well. This is the newest trail in Congaree National Park (and the first new trail since 1990), opening in 2015 with the installation of the Bates Ferry historical marker on Highway 601.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
2.2 miles
Estimated time
1.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
Compare nearby parks around Bates Ferry Trail (#7) when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bates Ferry Trail (#7) while the map context is still fresh.
7.6 mi away
Congaree River Gauge
Water levels can fluctuate as much as 10 feet on Cedar Creek, but the U.S.G.S. has it under control.
9.2 mi away
Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is one of Congaree National Park's major waterways.
9.2 mi away
South Cedar Creek Landing
Take an easy roundtrip paddling trip from South Cedar Creek Landing.
9.2 mi away
Cedar Creek Landing to Route 601 Landing
Take an overnight 20-mile paddling trip on the park's waterways.
