Three Rivers Greenway

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Three Rivers Greenway - near the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater. Photo by Jim Walla. Photo by Mike Dawson, The River Alliance

Three Rivers Greenway - near the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater. Photo by Jim Walla.

Notice the “bubbly” effect on the trail, which is the shadow of the trees at the time of the eclipse. Photo by Kelli Ricard.

Solar Fest West 2017. Photo by Kelli Ricard.

Solar Fest West 2017. Photo by Kelli Ricard.

The City of West Columbia held an Eclipse viewing event at the Riverwalk and Amphitheater. Photo by Kelli Ricard.

Christmas on the Riverwalk 2017. Photo by Adaylia Stark.

The entire Three Rivers Greenway system is dog-friendly.

The banks of the rivers in Cayce, Columbia.

Callboxes are located throughout the Three Rivers

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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 are 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.

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Fishing
• Heritage and history
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  May 29, 2013