Are you looking for a great way to enjoy the beautiful rivers at a riverwalk?
Columbia, SC has several riverwalk options on the Three Rivers Greenway Trail and the Saluda Riverwalk. No matter what time of year, the riverwalks within the Three Rivers Greenway Trail provide a fantastic place to exercise, take a leisurely stroll with your family, enjoy a picnic, fish, learn how to bike ride, and so much more.
Below we’ve got all you need to know about the West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, and the Saluda Riverwalk!
Quick Summary: Columbia Riverwalks
The Three Rivers Greenway Trail connects the West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, and Saluda Riverwalk — offering:
✅ Family-friendly biking, walking, and picnicking
✅ Art displays, shaded trails, and river views
✅ Seasonal tubing and kayak rentals at West Columbia Riverwalk (May–September)
You’ll find wide paved paths, historic markers, workout stations, and plenty of spots to relax.
📍 Three Rivers Greenway Trail – Columbia, SC
Columbia Riverwalks at a Glance
All three riverwalks are free to visit, fully paved, and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Here is how they compare when you are deciding where to go today:
| Riverwalk | Length | Address | Hours | Parking | Restrooms | Best known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Columbia Riverwalk | 1.1 miles of paved trail and elevated boardwalk | 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC 29169 | Sunrise to 3 hours after sunset | Free paved lot (very limited on tubing days) | Yes — ADA restrooms and a shower | Amphitheater, outdoor workout equipment, free Wi-Fi, bike repair station, Little Free Library, tubing shuttle |
| Cayce Riverwalk | About 12 miles of lighted paved pathways and boardwalks | Main entrance: 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce, SC 29033 | Dawn to dusk | Free | Yes | Historical markers, local art, two covered shelters you can reserve free of charge |
| Saluda Riverwalk | 3 miles, plus a half-mile loop on Boyd Island | 650 Candi Lane, Columbia | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Free | Yes | Elevated boardwalks, Millrace Rapids overlook, walk-out to The Sanctuary at Boyd Island |
Dogs are welcome on all three, on a leash. Alcohol, grilling, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
Be sure also to check out our list of 50+ totally FREE things to do!
Riverwalk Columbia, SC: The Three Rivers Greenway Trail
There are 3 main “Riverwalks” in the Columbia area – West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, and Saluda Riverwalk. All three of these trails make up parts of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail. The Three Rivers Greenway is a 15 ½-mile linear park today, and it is still growing — more connections are planned.
The Three Rivers Greenway Trail, including these 3 riverwalks, is all paved, wide, and perfect for all different types of activities and fitness levels – biking, walking, jogging, rollerblading, bird watching, backpacking, picnicking, and fishing just to name a few.
What’s even better is that the majority of the trail is shaded and runs along the different rivers providing great views, a bit of a breeze, and the ability to dip your toes in on a “famously hot” Columbia day. Dogs are welcome on all of these trails; however, they must remain on a leash, and please don’t forget to clean up after them!
While the Three River Greenway Trail is a popular hiking destination here in Columbia, there are several other enjoyable places to go hiking that we think you’d love!
West Columbia Riverwalk
The West Columbia Riverwalk runs along the banks of the Congaree River and offers so many fantastic amenities! This part of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail is relatively flat with only small hills and curves. The trail runs under two bridges, offers great shade, and is open daily from sunrise until three hours after sunset.
We recently took my son here to get some practice on his balance bike, and it was the perfect place to do so! We also had our foldable wagon with us for my younger daughter, and although we did pass several other groups of people, there was plenty of room for everyone, and we never felt like we needed to leave the paved path to let others through.
Amphitheater at West Columbia Riverwalk
The main attraction here, aside from the trail itself, is the large amphitheater which can be used for concerts, fundraisers, theater events, and more. This is also a great place to rest and enjoy the beautiful views, stretch, or even add in some extra cardio by using the amphitheater steps.
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Tubing and Kayak Rentals
The tube, canoe, and kayak rentals are another great opportunity at the West Columbia Riverwalk. There are several different tubing options — double, Star, deluxe, and standard tubes — as well as guided canoeing and kayaking tours. Do read the fine print before you plan a family float: this stretch of the Lower Saluda contains class II rapids, so Palmetto Outdoor lists the trip as “adventurers only,” requires that children be at least 10 years old, and asks that guests be moderately active.
You will park and check in at the riverwalk and then be shuttled up to the Saluda River to begin your adventure. The whole trip takes about three hours. Coolers are permitted; however, they do not allow glass bottles or Styrofoam coolers. You can make reservations online with Palmetto Outdoor or even walk up to rent your equipment. If you decide to walk up, please be mindful that they accept cash only.
Plan around the season. Tubing is offered May through September, weather and water levels permitting, and the hourly shuttles run only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Palmetto Outdoor is closed on Wednesdays, and tubing hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with shuttles leaving at the top of each hour. Outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day window, call ahead. They also ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your shuttle time, and they note that parking at the riverwalk is extremely limited on tubing days.
Other Fantastic Amenities at the West Columbia Riverwalk
One of our favorite amenities at the West Columbia Riverwalk is the permanent workout equipment all along the trail. This workout equipment is easy to spot and provides movements such as dips, arm presses, elliptical-style workouts, and more! I love this feature as it mixes two great things – outdoors and fitness, a perfect combination!
There is also a large restroom facility, plus benches and picnic tables along the trail, a paved parking lot, and water stations for both people and their furry, 4-legged friends! While here, don’t forget about Carraway Park right across the street from the main riverwalk parking area!
West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater
Address: 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC 29169
Hours: Sunrise to three hours after sunset
Length: 1.1 miles of paved trail and elevated boardwalk
Cayce Riverwalk
Like the West Columbia Riverwalk, the Cayce Riverwalk can also be found along the Congaree River. Throughout this section of the riverwalk, you will find several historical markers that provide information about this area of town, once known as the Colonial Village of Granby. There are also restrooms here, free parking, and emergency call boxes throughout the pathways.
You Can See Beautiful Art Along the Cayce Riverwalk
Several local artists have pieces on display along the Cayce Riverwalk. You can search for animal sculptures carved into the wood of fallen trees, an iron bench shaped like the face of a lion, and a beautiful mural under the Blossom Street bridge.
Free Shelters for Rent
There are two covered shelters that can be reserved FREE of charge at the Cayce Riverwalk — just call Cayce City Hall at 803-205-4434 to book one:
- The Riverwalk Pavilion
- Located in the main parking area of the Cayce Riverwalk
- Includes 6 picnic tables, with electricity available on request
- Holds up to 50 people
- The Congaree Shelter
- Located at the “T” intersection from the main entrance
- Provides a fantastic view of the river
- Includes 2 picnic tables
- Holds up to 16 people
Cayce Riverwalk
Address: Main Entrance – 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce, SC 29033 (at the intersection of Axtell Drive and Naples Avenue)
Secondary Entrance – Intersection of State Street and Lyle Street
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Length: About 12 miles of lighted, paved pathways and boardwalks
Saluda Riverwalk
The Saluda Riverwalk is one of the newest expansions of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail. This pathway runs for 3 miles of paved greenway and elevated boardwalk along the north bank of the Saluda River, starting near I-26 and running behind the Riverbanks Zoo. It is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, a river access point, and a scenic boardwalk overlooking the Millrace Rapids — a great spot to watch kayakers. In the future, there are plans to connect the Saluda Riverwalk to the rest of the Three Rivers Greenway Trail and downtown Columbia.
How do you get to Boyd Island in Columbia, SC?
One super cool thing about the Saluda Riverwalk is that it leads to Boyd Island! To get here, go left once you park and enter the gate. It can be a bit confusing because the paved trail ends, making it seem like you’ve reached the end of the path but keep going!
You will come to a bridge that will then lead you onto the island where you can continue your adventure and day of sightseeing.
Officially called The Sanctuary at Boyd Island, it is a 7-acre island at the point where the Saluda and Broad rivers meet to form the Congaree, with a half-mile loop trail around and through it. Keep an eye out for the bronze wildlife sculptures by artist Renné Bemis and the gazebo shaped like a rare Rocky Shoals spider lily, and bring the binoculars — bald eagles, blue herons, river otters, deer and turtles all turn up here.
Saluda Riverwalk
Address: 650 Candi Lane, Columbia, SC 29210
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Length: 3 miles, plus a half-mile loop on Boyd Island
Columbia Riverwalk FAQs
Is there a fee to visit the Columbia riverwalks?
No. All three riverwalks are free to walk, and parking is free at each one. The two covered shelters at the Cayce Riverwalk can also be reserved free of charge by calling Cayce City Hall at 803-205-4434.
What time do the riverwalks open and close?
The West Columbia Riverwalk is open from sunrise until three hours after sunset. The Cayce Riverwalk is open dawn to dusk. The Saluda Riverwalk, a City of Columbia greenway park, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Are the riverwalks stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. All three are paved and wide, with boardwalk sections on the Saluda and West Columbia riverwalks, and the Cayce Riverwalk is ADA accessible. Cayce also offers golf cart tours of its riverwalk for seniors and visitors with limited mobility — call 803-602-2571 for details.
Can you bring a dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome on all three riverwalks as long as they stay leashed and you clean up after them. The West Columbia Riverwalk even has water stations for four-legged visitors.
When can you go tubing on the Saluda River?
Palmetto Outdoor runs tubing trips May through September, weather and water levels permitting, with hourly shuttles from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are closed Wednesdays, and tubing hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The float takes about three hours and includes class II rapids, so children must be at least 10 years old.
Which riverwalk is best with little kids?
For a short, flat outing with a restroom close by, start at the West Columbia Riverwalk — it is just over a mile, has the amphitheater to rest at, and Carraway Park is right across the street from the main parking area. The Cayce Riverwalk is the pick when you want the most distance and shade, and the Saluda Riverwalk is the one for boardwalks and river views.
What is your favorite way to spend time at the riverwalk?
Want more paved trail options that are perfect for strollers and wheels of all kinds? Here’s our Stroller-Friendly Parks list.
There’s lots more outdoor fun in Columbia, SC! We have ideas for everyone!
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