Congaree: Plan Ahead for Bridge K Being Out on Kingsnake Trail
Bridge K is currently out on Kingsnake Trail in Congaree, and going around it means encountering water that may be 2-3 feet deep or deeper.
By David Sanchez,
If you're planning a hike in Congaree, there's something to know before you head out. Bridge K on Kingsnake Trail is currently out. It's awaiting replacement. As you plan your route, we recommend locating this crossing ahead of time instead of assuming you'll be able to cross there as usual.
The area around the bridge poses a challenge, too. The bridge crosses a slough, so going around it involves more than a few steps on dry ground. The water may be 2-3 feet deep or deeper. Don't treat that range as a maximum depth when deciding whether to cross.
Don't assume going around the bridge will be a routine part of your hike. If your route takes you to Bridge K, take time to assess conditions before attempting to go around it. If you're unsure, turning back is the safer choice. Your safety comes first, even if you're tempted to keep going once you're there.
This alert concerns one specific spot on Kingsnake Trail. It doesn't mean the entire trail is closed or that other crossings present the same challenges. Likewise, the mention of going around the bridge doesn't guarantee that doing so will be easy or manageable for you.
See our Congaree National Park guide to plan your visit with this issue in mind. No reopening date has been announced, so for now, plan your hike without relying on Bridge K being available.