Columbia is home to three main rivers – the Saluda and the Broad converge in the heart of Columbia to form the Congaree. With ample riverfront acreage, Columbia boasts miles of beautiful parks along each of our three rivers.
RIVERFRONT PARKS
SALUDA RIVERWALK
650 Candi Lane
- 3 miles of paved and boardwalk greenway along the north bank of the Saluda River
- Connects to The Sanctuary at Boyd Island to its east, which sits between the Saluda and the Congaree rivers
- The accessible, pet and family-friendly paved walkway with elevated boardwalks, restrooms, picnic areas and a river access point
The Saluda River flows from Lake Murray to the mouth of the Saluda at The Sanctuary at Boyd Island. The more adventurous (and experienced) river enthusiasts can access the water at several points with their canoes or kayaks and challenge the Saluda River’s white water rapids. Land lovers can enjoy wildlife viewing including deer and bald eagles. A scenic overlook of the Millrace Rapids is a popular Lower Saluda kayaking spot. Or, if relaxation is the goal, families and friends can float lazily down the Lower Saluda to the Congaree in inner tubes. Fish, walk, run, bike or skate.
SANCTUARY AT BOYD ISLAND
650 Candi Lane
Located at south end of Saluda Riverwalk
- 7-acre island where the Saluda and Broad rivers converge to form the Congaree River
- One-half-mile loop around the island and through its interior
- Picnic tables, benches, seats, river overlook, a gazebo and sculptures
- Connects to the Saluda Riverwalk to its north and via a soon-to-be constructed bridge to the Columbia Canal and Columbia Riverfront Park
The Sanctuary at Boyd Island is more than a wildlife sanctuary. Amid native vegetation, river birch and sycamore trees, discover bald eagles, blue herons, river otters, geese, white-tailed deer, beavers and turtles. Exquisite sculptures handcrafted by artist Renné Bemis are scattered throughout the island. The works depict the species of the South Carolina Midlands in their natural environment. The focal point of the sanctuary is a gazebo uniquely shaped like the rare shoals spider lily.
This project is courtesy of the vision and generous donation of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation.
RIVERFRONT PARK
South Riverfront Park: 4120 River Dr.
North Riverfront Park: 312 Laurel St.
- Located on the east bank of the Broad River to the north and after merging with the Saluda River, on the east bank of the Congaree River
- Approx. 2.5 miles north and twice as much if a return trip
- Part of the Palmetto Trail’s Capital City Passage
The nearly 167-acre linear Riverfront Park is situated between Columbia Canal to the east and the Congaree River to the west, and offers exceptional views of the waterfront and beyond. Its amphitheater is also housed at the site of the world’s first electrically operated textile mill, and the city’s original waterworks and hydroelectric power plant, with self-guided tours. Damaged by the historic Flood of 2015, a recovery effort is underway to repair the canal, which stretches from the Gervais Street bridge north past U.S. Highway 176/U.S. Highway 321. Park users may be temporarily inconvenienced by repair work, as the canal continues to serve as the city’s main water supply.
GRANBY PARK
100 Catawba Street
- Southernmost segment of the Three Rivers Greenway
- Dog friendly park with bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and a half mile of lighted paved paths that accommodate all levels of physical access
- One half mile of off path trails for mountain bikes and runners
RIVERFRONT PARK DISTRICT (MASTER PLANNING)
The City of Columbia is advancing a collaborative, long-term vision for a connected riverfront destination along the Congaree River, uniting Riverfront Park and Granby Park into a cohesive public realm. This effort will define the district’s character, boundaries, and design framework to create an exceptional park experience that celebrates the river’s natural landscape, honors the area’s history, and balances regulatory requirements while supporting thoughtful, complementary private investment.
