Bates Ferry Trail
A historic ferry-road walk to the Congaree River on the quieter eastern side of the park.
Route overview
Bates Ferry Trail in South Carolina.
The trail follows a 1920s road associated with centuries of travel, colonial ferries, Indigenous movement, Revolutionary-era events, and later regional history before reaching the river near Bates Old River.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Carolina
- Distance
- 3.54 km
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No entrance fee or ordinary day-hike permit.
Safety context
The riverbank is steep and can be slippery. Stay on the marked trail; old side routes are neither cleared nor marked. Check US 601 access and river flooding. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
The riverbank is steep and can be slippery. Stay on the marked trail; old side routes are neither cleared nor marked. Check US 601 access and river flooding.
Highlights
Bates Ferry, Congaree River, historic road, eastern Congaree, easy hike
Why find a buddy
Useful for history-focused companions who agree to avoid unmarked side paths and maintain safe river-edge distance.
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.