Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Awesome trail with a wild surprise! Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is one of my favorite spots to run. The trail is smooth, scenic, and perfect for a peaceful workout or walk. You get a mix of nature, water views, and history all in one place. What made my last visit unforgettable? I spotted a real alligator swimming along the canal! Totally unexpected and a reminder that you’re in nature’s backyard. Don’t worry—it kept its distance, but it definitely made the experience exciting! Highly recommend this park if you’re in Columbia—whether you’re a runner, a walker, or just looking to enjoy a bit of wildlife in the city. 📍Trail: Clean & wide 🌳 Scenery: Green, peaceful, with water views 🐊 Bonus: Surprise gator sighting!

Nice place to stop by good for a walk , bike or a run. The view on both sides is peaceful with water flowing on its way. Lots of benches to relax or read a book. They have hammock stand just bring you hammock and enjoy the water sound or take a nap. They have clean restrooms available. Plenty of parking space.

This is a beautiful spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Whether you’re walking along the Congaree River or riding bikes, the path offers stunning views as it runs between the river and the canal. The towering trees and peaceful scenery make it a really enjoyable place to spend time. We visited in the evening and noticed it can get a bit busy with families, but there’s still plenty of space to spread out. There’s also a small workout area for adults if you want to add a little exercise to your walk, and bathrooms are conveniently located before you cross the bridge to the main path. It’s a well-maintained park with plenty to offer, and we’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a relaxing walk, bike ride, or just a quiet spot to enjoy nature.

Its a beautiful peaceful walk along the river. We saw Blue herons, turtles and the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily ( a rare species not to be picked). Beautiful and relaxing.

Not my favorite place but it’s still really nice. Took my wife and the dogs here today. Plenty of shade and days like today you’ll need it. I’ll likely go back because I didn’t see a gator today and I need that in my life. I’m a Florida boy so there’s that.

Beautiful park. Love the water house, since my nephew is into Mario Brothers, he enjoyed the waterwork pipes with all the dials and keys.

I absolutely love Riverfront Park, it's arguably my favorite non-sports related attraction in Columbia. I've ben coming to Riverfront Park since I was a high schooler going to cross country practice, and now that I'm an "adult," I come here to walk my dog and partake in a nice "Sunday stroll." It's a great place to catch up with friends, or spend some much-needed alone time in nature. There's so many great views of the river, and if you're lucky, you might even see an alligator lazing on the riverbed. All-in-all, 5/5 stars for Riverfront Park, a timeless jewel on the banks of the Congaree River!

The park was beautiful! It was a great exploration for our family. We saw many rangers cleaning up, but none of them were at the historical sights or informative. We did our own self-guided tour of the engines and canals. Overall it was a beautiful day out and a nice walk.

I absolutely love Riverfront Park, it's arguably my favorite non-sports related attraction in Columbia. I've ben coming to Riverfront Park since I was a high schooler going to cross country practice, and now that I'm an "adult," I come here to walk my dog and partake in a nice "Sunday stroll." It's a great place to catch up with friends, or spend some much-needed alone time in nature. There's so many great views of the river, and if you're lucky, you might even see an alligator lazing on the riverbed. All-in-all, 5/5 stars for Riverfront Park, a timeless jewel on the banks of the Congaree River!

I come here often after work to decompress and get a jog in. The park is always clean of trash and riff raff if you know what I mean. Tons of activities here to do for people of all ages. Also check out this giant tree I found here!

This is such a beautiful park. I've been really enjoying coming here and would definitely recommend if you're in the area and want to stretch your legs. It's a little over 2.5 miles one way and you'll have to run/walk back to the parking lot so it's over 5 miles total. You're always by the river so you've got some lovely water views to accompany you. The trail is pretty flat throughout. They've got spots for bird watching and several posters up with information about the canal and the wildlife you may see along the way. I've only ever seen birds but apparently they do have some reptiles. They've got tables and chairs set up as well so if you just want to sit and have a picnic or soak up the views you can do that too. Parking is free and there's a fair bit of it. I've come during the week and on weekends and I've always been able to find a spot.

This park intermingles with the waterworks, and the restrooms just downhill from the entrance have water fountains with some pretty robust water pressure. Parts of it were closed for repairs, but a long section of trail between the canal and river was open. Parking was ample. The views are of the river as it crosses the fall line, with rocks visible through the Spanish moss. The canal is not as aesthetically interesting, but the open space does get a nice breeze and the trail has several spots to stop and sit for a while.

Wonderful views along the canal and the river. Wooded trail offers more wildlife towards the end of trail coming back to entrance.

If you are looking for a paved hiking trail near the city, you have to check out this park. The space is well kept, not overly crowded and tons of open space. It gives you easy access to the riverbanks, ample places to sit, read and people watch. It a perfect place to walk your dog on leash.

We stopped by this park to fill some time before a kayak trip in Congaree. What a beautiful surprise! The grounds are well kept, there are many people walking and running and the views are beautiful across the rivers. Easy to park, easy to reach, clean restrooms and park rangers on patrol. We accessed it from the water treatment center. Highly recommend this hidden gem!

A great hidden gem in the city of Columbia, South Carolina. When I find myself in South Carolina's state capitol, I find myself heading here to enjoy a walk between the canal and the river through the park. Despite walking under traffic laden highway bridges, there is a tranquility within this park, a vibe that soothes and refreshes the soul, that sings a lullaby to the day to day stress and allows you both serenityand contemplation. Seek this place out, enjoy a moment away from the day to day, and simply be, if even for only that moment.

On a recent trip to Columbia, I spent the majority of a Thursday sightseeing. One of the last stops of the day was at Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park. Since I visited in July, it was steamy out there but that didn't take from all the park has to offer. When you arrive, they have a large parking lot so parking shouldn't be an issue. What I like about this park is that it has a lot to offer. Nature surrounds you with the river and canal and the vegetation that surrounds it. The park is dog-friendly. There are trails. There are bridges. There are plenty of areas to sit, including covered areas, benches, hammocks, and chairs. There's history spread throughout the park with signs pointing out different things of note. All in all, this is a pretty amazing park!

Awesome Park. Nice easy walk with a wide path along the river and canal. Park rangers very evident. So helpful also, they brought me my smart phone after my wife had asked them about a new bridge she had spotted across the river (they said it opens in Feb, and access is from the Riverbanks Zoo), and that was at least 10 minutes after we had spoken to them! Lots of walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, senior's, kids, and everything in between. FREE, dawn to 9pm. Already plan to be back!

I absolutely love this park, as it is right by my job. I go here often to walk, clear my head and get a few steps in. It is a very nice park. I see that they have made some improvements by putting hammocks around and chairs for folks to just lounge. I have only seen one side of the park because the left side has been closed ah CS I have been in Columbia. People are normally out walking, running, or bike riding. You see the park rangers often and they all are really sweet. I will continue coming out here for a little exercise, and fresh air

I absolutely love this park. It's beautiful and it's awesome for running and walking! I used to drive out here to run almost daily! I loved it. It's quiet, safe, great scenery. Parking isn't difficult. If you're a runner, this place is for you!

Wow. What a beautiful, educational, and interesting park. I wouldn't even just call it a park because of the educational material provided and the long trail available for pedestrian and bike access. Whether you are visiting or new to Columbia, you should definitely explore this park.

I love exploring cities through running and was elated to find out about the Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park! If you're like me and unfamiliar with Columbia, I'll try to make it simple for you. The address listed for the park will take you right to the parking lot and entrance for the trail (everything is free!). Once you get started, there are helpful distance markers every .25 miles which is great if you know you want to cover a certain distance. It's not a loop, so you run back and forth along the water which, in the morning, was so peaceful! I saw walkers, runners and bikers in the morning, but it was relatively uncrowded. I spotted lots of new birds and if I wasn't in a little bit of a rush, would've enjoyed reading the placards along the way to read a little bit more about the history. I would suggest skimming other reviews to get the lowdown on that. All in all, I would definitely recommend this spot for your next outdoor adventure in Cola. I cannot wait to go back!

Was in town for work, wanted to find a place to take the pup to and have a workout. What a nice scenic riverside park. Perfect!

Y hubby recommended I stop here- the parking lot is next to a water management facility- but the park... a winding trail down to the water front has plenty of shade from gorgeous trees lining the paved trail. Once you start to peek water- there is a giant piece of public art, an outdoor workout area, stairs leading up (condo's were up the hill from the park) and off to the left restrooms and a bridge across the canal. The bridge was a photo op waiting to happen- but across the bridge was just delightful! An open walk through pump house- a touch of history right there! Plus an open air amphitheater with some fantastic artwork around the seating area. Then you move a little father down and there are chairs and hammocks near the river waterfront (which is different from the canal the bridge crosses. There were plenty of joggers, cyclists, walkers too on the paths. I went down the hill to sit and enjoy the sounds of the river flowing over and around all the rocks in the river. Simply gorgeous! I took so many pictures too! Just a wonderful walk.

When I'm at Fort Jackson I enjoy running down at the Riverfront. It is never too crowded, plenty of room for all types. They even have a little workout area, I enjoy getting a little strength training in before or after I run, so definitely a plus. The only downside is that if you want to go for distance you'll be doing a lot of down & backs. When I first came to this place I knew it would be a beautiful place for someone to have pictures taken. Since then I have noticed baby pics, wedding pics, prom pics, senior pics & family pics being taken. It's a beautiful scenery all year long.

Stunning path and area to chill and enjoy the stunning scenery. Lots of sit down points to take a breath or to just enjoy. Super stunning. Can't wait to come back.

Columbia's outdoor jewel, where "kids" of all ages can walk, jog, ride, fish, stroll, follow their dogs and skate along beautiful Riverfront Canal for FREE. Added bonus, you get a free history lesson about the state capitol. Attractions highlights: - Broad River Bridge, the Civil War battle site that forced Columbia's mayor to surrender the city. - Former site of the world's first hydro-electrically powered textile mill, currently the municipal water plant (built in 1906). - The ruins of the state's first prison that operated until 1993. Some say it is still haunted by its formers "guests".... - Remnants of the Appalachian Mountains and a tectonic plates collision. Hungry for more? I have plenty of photos and more details on my blog at http://shoutaboutcarolina.com/index.php/2008/04/riverfront-park-fun-slide-show/

This is the place to run in Columbia! They even have distance markers for those who don't like to run with their phones. The course is paved and relatively flat with a great view of the river on both sides and shade provide by trees growing along the bank. I always feel so serene and safe when I am here. Even when there are a lot of people, everyone is courteous and generally keep to themselves. Everyone knows that this is a place for peaceful escape. They have clean bathroom facilities, a water fountain for you and your dog, plenty of parking and enough lights to light up the course when it starts to get dark. And if you're not a runner, this is still a perfect place to just walk and think...or ride you bike...or rollerblade. I've seen it all.

The Great Outdoors! Congrats to the city of Columbia! This is a very nice place for the people of Columbia to get outside and experience nature. The river walk is a nice place to take a run, walk, or ride your bicycle along the river, the trails along the river are paved and lighted. There are emergency call boxes all along the paved path that leads from Gervais Street, at the SC State Museum, all the way to to the diversion dam at Broad River Road. There is a parking lot off of Broad River that closes at 9PM. I was there for a late walk along the canal, got back to my car about 8:40 PM, lo and behold, there was a SC State truck with the blue lights a flashing waiting for me- I was the last one in the parking lot~

Reading some of the other reviews, I feel like I missed some of the historic relevance of this park. Civil War battle sites?! State prisons?! Anyway, I really enjoyed exploring this greenway and park. It's well maintained, parking is free and it would definitely be a nice place to jog, bike or just wander around.

BE CAREFUL WATCH OUT FOR ALL THE DOG SHIT‼ left on the trail..... A lot of people bring their dogs here and don't clean up after them! So if you have a toddler full of energy you might want to hold their hand because of the POOP on the trail! Other than that enjoy your walk and scenic views!

This was my third time visiting Columbia and I really wanted to go for a walk on a Sunday afternoon. The scene was beautiful - there were families walking, dogs playing, runners and joggers, people hanging out in the public hammocks reading, art installations and statues for Christopher Columbus, and I was very pleased with the whole experience. Although, as a first time visitor, I didn't immediately see the entrance and all I saw was the water processing plant, which was a little off putting lol.

Love this park. I wish Columbia advertised it better. Park rangers very friendly, great views. Really wish it wish Columbia used more of its waterfront like this park.

Strom's got nothing on this scenic workout facility. Rather than being cooped up inside, gazing out over workout equipment take your workout to the canal! I go to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park as often as possible. The path is paved and wide enough for at least 4 people across. The flat, wide path makes a perfect track for running, trail for biking or just a leisurely stroll with your pets. I go pretty frequently and see a lot of the same faces which is really nice. During the day it is really peaceful and you can almost always see turtles sun bathing on the rocks. Later in the day draws a larger crowd as school and work ends. With breath-taking views surrounding both sides of the river walk, you'll have a hard time returning to that hot, sweaty gym for your next work out.

Great place to walk, but during the summer it gets hottttt. Bring water. Also I wouldn't walk here past dark. But there are some really cool viewpoints of the canal and river.

Excellent place to go for a run. It's a pretty long paved sidewalk situation with no traffic to concern yourself with. From the main parking area to the dam is about 2.5 miles one way. So you can easily get in a pretty long run if you go out and back. If you turn left instead of right and head towards the museum you can easily add another .5 miles making it a total of 3 miles one way. There are also a couple of alternate paths and lower walkways. Plus it's nice and scenic. I love it here. You can find me at this park jogging or taking photos at least once a week.

Parks are mine and hubbys thing. Every new city we go to we try to find an amazing park and this one has been one of the absolute best we've found! There are so many hidden treasures here! Definitely worth checking out when you're here! I don't want to reveal too much because it was so fun to explore and find things for ourselves!

I give it five starts, because why not. It's a nice little trail that takes you 2.5 miles out and you make your way back with five miles under your belt. For the most part ppl stay to the right keeping traffic down. It's peaceful, fairly lit. There are a few dark spots if your out there past 8:30 it may feel a little sketchy...you never know if someone will jump out from the bike trail and grab ya! I'm kidding y'all! I watch too many crime shows. Just stay aware and enjoy your outing.

Beautiful. Peaceful. Calming. Great place to view wildlife. I was also happily surprised this was a great historical lesson. Great informative monuments, buildings and structures along the way.

I had the opportunity to visit Columbia. This trail was the highlight of my visit. It is beautiful and very well kept. It is one of my favorite river trails. I would love to come back with my roller blades- the path is very flat and paved. I did have some difficulty finding it because all of the streets in Columbia are one way or blocked off for whatever reason- but it was a delight once I got there.

Peacefull when you get away from the entrance area. Walk far on down the way and it is as good as it gets anywhere in the city.

Very nice place great views. Relaxing.clean bathrooms just a great little getaway from the city . You feel like you've gone away on a peaceful journey ...

Beautiful! Great place to walk, ride a bike or jog. It truly is the "Outdoor Jewel"

Beautiful! I always feel safe running and see lots of wildlife. So far my favorite thing about Columbia

Away from home on business I always struggle to find safe, secure, and aesthetically-pleasing parks to go running or walking. This one is great! There were several government-employed park rangers supervising the park- they were quite friendly and helped me find where to go. There are also plenty of people here on a nice day so it feels safe and fun. I saw lots of people with dogs and bike riders, all enjoying the day and the park. Walking by the water is calming and peaceful. I got a good 6 mile walk in and still didn't see all of the park!

It is a good place during the day, but I would stay away from it after dark! This place can get a little scary when the sun goes down.

Beautiful scenery and very clean! I was impressed! We went to walk the Three Rivers Greenway with the intention of walking 3 miles. But we enjoyed our walk so much that we ended up walking almost 5 miles! There are many benches throughout the park which came in handy when we needed a break. Can't wait to return!

A five mile run of asphalt and gravel, the Canal offers a unique entrance by the ruins of the old state prison. Scenic and busy, the trail is wide and safe. My wife and I used to frequent the Canal and Riverfront Park several times a week. Bring your dog or ride your bike...it's a nice way to enjoy the river on one side and the canal on the other. There are also some nice offshoot trails to get a little more wooded. The best part about the path is that it is lighted for those of us that get out in the evening. Thanks city of Columbia!

This is a clean, friendly park that is the perfect distance for a run. From my calculations, it's about 2.5 miles each way. A fun perk to running (or walking, if you please) here is that just about every cute dog in all of Columbia will be there as well. I particularly like running at evening time - you can catch some really beautiful Cola sunsets!

Other side of river is better trail. This one has a bunch of barricades for no reason and a hoard of pokezombies you have to navigate around while jogging.

This is a great little Park that is fairly well maintained with a paved walking and biking path. but make sure you bring water with you as we came across only one fountain that worked somewhat properly. Great views of the river and canal

Love, love, love this well maintained trail. There couldn't be a better place to walk with the river on one side of you and the canal on the other. Lots of things to see including all the turtles sunning on the rocks and logs and all the different types of birds, big and small. This place is relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. I walk in the early afternoon when the trail is shaded in many places. Would love to live in such a setting!!! The park employees are always visible and very friendly. Glad we have such a great place to enjoy.

Great place to get out and stretch your legs after a big breakfast. A lot of folks taking pics and enjoying the view.

Perfect outdoor spot. The river walk is well-kept, secure, and really easy to access. Even though the city surrounds you, within minutes you can really be immersed in some good woods with lots of shade and wildlife. There are accesses to get to the water. And it's big. There's lots of territory and lots of trail.

The canal park is a great amenity for the region. I have been coming here for years but it has only been the last couple of years that I have taken advantage of it as a safe place to run.

Heck of alot BETTER than finley park!! Clean, lovely and peaceful, is how I spent this forth of july at this park. My friend showed me this park, and I will make weekend visits here, for sure!! GREAT park, hands down!!!!

Good clean park to walk your dog. A little crowded but usually enough space to still enjoy the outdoors. Super convenient to downtown areas.