Three Rivers Greenway

One of the River Alliance's greatest accomplishments is the Three Rivers Greenway. Recently named by the Department of Interior's Great American Outdoors initiative as one of the country's most promising ways to reconnect Americans to the natural world, the Three Rivers Greenway is a must-see in the Capital city. This beautiful series of riverfront pathways - where the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers meet - includes 9 1/2 miles and growing of lighted trails and boardwalks,outdoor amphitheaters, restrooms and breathtaking views of the Columbia skyline. It is dog friendly and ADA accessible environment that everyone can enjoy.

A trip to South Carolina's capital city may include more outdoor recreation than you expected. Just paces away from everything urban - hotels, upscale restaurants and shopping centers - Columbia visitors have access to a lush getaway in the form of the Three Rivers Greenway.

Whether your interests are sporty, splashy or serene, the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers provide fun and full days of activity to Midlands' residents and tourists, alike.

The River Alliance's Three Rivers Greenway project has already opened 9.5 miles of pathway along the area's rivers. Lighted and paved trails equipped with emergency call boxes, bathroom areas and water fountains, wind through the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce.

Along these pathways, folks can stroll, jog, bike or blade. Casual walkers, hand-in-hand or hand-to-leash, can stop to read dozens of informational wayside exhibits on the history and habitat of the area, or to picnic at a scenic spot overlooking the water. All areas of the Greenway are dog friendly, and all paths are ADA accessible, accommodating baby strollers and wheelchairs.

The sportsman might opt to spend an afternoon reeling in the Congaree's signature striper and trophy fish. Some of the best fishing waters in the state can be found along the Greenway.

The more adventurous (and experienced) river rats can access the water at several points with their canoes or kayaks and challenge the white water rapids on the Saluda River. Or, if relaxation is the goal, families and friends can meet to float lazily down the lower Saluda to the Congaree River in inner-tubes. Be sure to visit our "Safety on the Greenway" to ensure a safe trip to the river.

Resting on a bench at sunset, simply absorbing nature's sights and sounds, might be your perfect river rendezvous with a loved one. The purity of the outdoors also offers inspiration for painting, writing or taking photographs. Bird watching and people watching are common pastimes on the Three Rivers Greenway.

Thanks to the Three Rivers Greenway, there is a wealth of things to do, see and feel in the metropolitan Columbia area to reconnect with nature. Whether you call one of these three cities home, or are visiting the area, make sure to take part in the glorious natural resources of the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers.

Since 2013, two extensions have been added by the City of Cayce, the Battlefield Connection extension and the 12,000 Year History extension.

Additional Information

Activities

Biking

Boating

Canoeing

Kayaking

Dog Walking

Fishing

Sightseeing

Walking

Hiking

Trail Running

Rollerblading

Skateboarding

Wildlife Watching

National Recreation Trail Details

Length: 8 Miles
Loop Trail: No
Primary Trail Type: Greenway
Additional Trail Types: -
Agency: Nonprofit
Entry Fee: -
Fee Notes: Free Public Access
Parking Fee: -
Permit Fee: -

Trail Use Notes:
None

Seasonal Use Notes:
None

Location: The Three Rivers Greenway is located in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, along the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers.
County: Lexington, Richland
State: SC
Townships: Cayce, Columbia, West Columbia

Driving Directions:
The Three Rivers Greenway offers many access points to its visitors in Cayce, Columbia, and West Columbia. Download a current map at www.riveralliance.org for directions. To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the northern portion of Riverfront Park in Columbia, South Carolina - Merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, Take exit 107B for I-20 E toward Florence (0.3 mi), Merge onto Interstate 20 E (0.7 mi), Take exit 65 for US-176/Broad River Rd (0.4 mi), Turn right onto US-176 E (0.6 mi), Turn right to stay on US-176 E (1.4 mi), Turn left into entrance to park and continue down to parking lot area (0.5 mi). To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the southern portion of Riverfront Park in Columbia, South Carolina - Merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, continue onto I-126 E (3.1 mi), take the exit toward Huger St (0.2 mi), Merge onto US-321 S (0.2 mi), Turn right onto Laurel St - Destination will be on the left (0.3 mi). To access the Three Rivers Greenway via Granby Park in Columbia, South Carolina, visitors must take US From I-26 E toward Columbia, South Carolina - merge onto I-126 E/US-76 E via EXIT 108B on the left toward Downtown Columbia. Take the exit toward Huger St/US-21 S/US-321 S/US-176 E (0.2 mi), merge onto US-321 S (1.4 mi), continue onto Huger St (0.3 mi), Turn right onto Catawba St (0.2 mi), continue straight onto Catawba Cir and destination will be on the right. To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the northern portion of the West Columbia Riverwalk in West Columbia, South Carolina: Merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, South Carolina. Continue onto I-126 E; take the exit toward Huger St (0.2 mi), merge onto US-321 S (0.4 mi), turn right onto Taylor St (0.1 mi), slight left onto Williams St (400 ft), slight right onto S Carolina 12 W/Klapman Blvd, continue to follow S Carolina 12 W (0.5 mi), take the U.S. 378 W/Sunset Boulevard ramp to Lexington (0.2 mi), merge onto US-378 W/Sunset Blvd (0.2 mi), turn right onto N Leaphart St (72 ft), take the 1st right onto Moffatt St - Destination will be on the right To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the southern portion of the West Columbia Riverwalk in West Columbia, South Carolina: Merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, South Carolina. Continue onto I-126 E (3.1 mi), take the exit toward Huger St (0.2 mi), merge onto US-321 S (0.8 mi), turn right onto Gervais St (0.2 mi), Gervais St turns slightly right and becomes U.S. 1 S/US-378 W/Gervais St Bridge, Continue to follow U.S. 1 S/US-378 W (0.3 mi), Turn left onto Alexander Rd and destination will be on the left To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the northern portion of the Cayce Riverwalk in Cayce, South Carolina: Merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, Continue onto I-126 E, Take the exit toward Huger St (0.2 mi), Merge onto US-321 S (1.4 mi), Turn right onto US-176 E/US-21 S/US-321 S/Blossom St, Continue to follow US-176 E/US-21 S/US-321 S (0.7 mi), Take the 2nd left onto Axtell Dr - Destination will be on the left To access the Three Rivers Greenway via the southern portion of Cayce Riverwalk in Cayce, South Carolina merge onto I-26 E via the ramp to Columbia, Slight right to stay on I-26 E (signs for Airport/Charleston) (3.5 mi), take exit 111B to merge onto U.S. 1 N/Augusta Rd toward W Columbia (2.1 mi), Keep left at the fork (446 ft), turn right onto 12th St (1.5 mi), Continue onto 12th Street Extension (0.9 mi), Turn left onto Godley St (0.3 mi), Turn right onto New State Rd (0.7 mi), New State Rd turns left and becomes Riverland Dr - Destination will be on the right (0.4 mi)

Average Grade: -
Maximum Grade: 5%
Elevation High: 188 Feet
Elevation Low: 109 Feet
Elevation Gain: -

Average Width: 96 Inches
Minimum Width: undefined Inches
Primary Surface: Concrete
Additional Surfaces: Asphalt, Boardwalk

Year Designated: 2013

Websites

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