Important Message Here
MILES OF WATERFRONT, MOMENTS FROM HOME
In the 3RVRS region, the Three Rivers Greenway is a 15 ½ mile linear park located in Central South Carolina, bringing the rivers into the daily lives of local citizens and area visitors.
©2025 Eric Harkins
PROUDLY DESIGNATED A
NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL
Highlights of the Three Rivers Greenway System
SALUDA RIVERWALK
Overview
- 3 miles of paved and boardwalk greenway along the north bank of the Saluda River.
Runs from I-26 along the Saluda River behind the Riverbanks Zoo and connects to The Sanctuary at Boyd Island.
- The accessible, pet and family-friendly paved walkway with elevated boardwalks, wayside exhibits, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Parking
- 650 Candi Lane, Columbia
Riverwalk visitors can enjoy great birding and wildlife viewing, including deer and bald eagles. A scenic boardwalk overlooks Millrace Rapids, a popular spot to watch kayakers. If relaxation is the goal, families and friends can fish, walk, run, bike or skate. Wildlife abounds along the riverwalk.
THE SANCTUARY AT BOYD ISLAND
Overview
- 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 overlooks, a gazebo and sculptures.
Will connect to extension of the Saluda Riverwalk going up the Broad River.
Parking
- Saluda Riverwalk: 650 Candi Lane, Columbia
The Sanctuary at Boyd Island is more than a wildlife sanctuary. Beneath a canopy of river birch and sycamore trees, life thrives among native vegetation: eagles and osprey wheel above, blue herons stalk the shallows and river otters slip through the currents. Geese, deer, beavers and turtles share this serene space. Scattered throughout the island are exquisite works of art by artist Renné Bemis – handcrafted bronze sculptures that celebrate the diverse species of the South Carolina Midlands, depicted in striking realism within their native habitats. The focal point of the sanctuary is a gazebo uniquely shaped like the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily.
This project was made possible through the vision and generous support of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation.
COLUMBIA'S RIVERFRONT PARKS
Overview
Multiple sections of the greenway are situated near the east banks of the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda rivers.
- Granby Park: inaugural section of the Three Rivers Greenway in 1998.
- Visit the Esplanade at Canalside for spectacular views of the canal and adjacent river.
- The historic Waterworks at Riverfront remain open while much of the park is under construction.
Parking from South to North
- Olympia Park at the Mill Village Riverlink: 1023 Olympia Ave.
- Granby Park: 100 Catawba St.
- Coble Plaza: 209 Gervais St.
- Esplanade at Canalside, 618 Canalside St.
- Riverfront Park South: 312 Laurel St.
- *Riverfront Park North: 4122 River. Dr.
- *Saluda Riverwalk: 650 Candi Ln.
*Closed for construction
Riverfront Parks’ main trail follows the Columbia Canal levee for three miles. The canal, constructed in the 1890s, supplied energy to the hydroelectric plant at Gervais St. Damaged by the historic Flood of 2015, a recovery effort is underway to repair the canal. While sections of the park are closed, the historic waterworks buildings remain open, featuring interpretive exhibits on Columbia Water’s operations since the mid-19th century.
Beside the Congaree River, Granby Park reveals traces of our region’s history. Portions of Robert Mills’ 1824 canal remain, with earthen levees rising beneath the floodplain forest canopy. From the canal overlook, visitors can picture a time when this waterway was the city’s main transportation route.
Coble Plaza overlooks the Gervais St. Bridge and the Columbia Hydroelectric Plant—a historic site where, in 1894, hydroelectric power drove the world’s first AC-powered textile mill, marking a turning point in industrial progress.
The Esplanade in the Sola Station neighborhood at Canalside offers an elevated view of the canal and the confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers. From this vantage, it’s easy to see how fall line geography shaped the development of our region.
WEST COLUMBIA RIVERWALK & AMPHITHEATER
Overview
- 1.1 miles of tree-lined, paved trail and elevated boardwalk along the west bank of the Congaree River.
- Connects to Cayce Riverwalk to the south.
- Amenities: free public Wi-Fi, river access points, wayside exhibits, picnic tables, a bicycle repair station, outdoor workout equipment and a Little Free Library.
Parking from South to North
- 109 Alexander Rd.
- 212 Hudson St.
- 106 Oliver St.
- 310 Court St.
- 100 Riverside Dr.
The Riverwalk is one component of this city park. On the northern end, take in views of the river’s rapids.
In the shadow of the Gervais St. Bridge, the city’s amphitheater’s strategic location allows spectators to see river views while enjoying events, including concerts such as Rhythm on the River and Meeting Street Music Festival’s Waterfront Warm-Up.
Each season, greenway users will find new sensory experiences – flowering plants and trees in the spring, picturesque views in summer, colorful fall foliage and quiet moments in winter. Wildlife abounds along the riverwalk with regular sightings.
CAYCE RIVERWALK
Overview
- 8 miles of tree-lined, paved trail and boardwalk along the Congaree River.
- Connects to West Columbia Riverwalk to the north.
- Connects to 12,000 Year History Park & new Visitors Center (coming soon) to the south.
Parking from South to North
- The Battlefield Connection: 180 Granby Landing Rd. (Thomas Newman Boat Landing)
- Cayce Riverwalk: 2601 Riverland Dr.
- 201 Naples Ave. at Axtell Dr.
- 321 Lyles St. at State St.
- 157 Old State Rd.
Cayce’s portion of the Three Rivers Greenway encompasses 46-plus acres and was designed with conservation and preservation in mind. If you enter at Naples Ave., you will find a picnic pavilion, and a canopy of trees that provides shade and cooler temperatures during the summer heat.
Highlights of the riverwalk include the former colonial village of Granby, expansive vistas, historic bridges, canal locks, wayside exhibits, murals and sculptures.
Dense vegetation at its entrance is home to eagles, hawks and owls. Taking photos and birdwatching are two activities, along with walking and jogging.
12,000 YEAR HISTORY PARK & VISITORS CENTER
Overview
- Access to Cayce Riverwalk along raised boardwalk and paved trail.
- Weekend walking tours of the history park.
- Coming Soon: a Visitors Center at the southern entrance of Three Rivers Greenway.
Parking from South to North
- Cayce Tennis Center: 1120 Ft. Congaree Tr.
- 3796 12th Street Extension
The 12,000 Year History Park is a unique archeological area in Cayce, South Carolina, where history and nature converge. Over the last 120 centuries, the area has had an array of inhabitants, including mammoths, Native American tribes, and Revolutionary War soldiers. It includes earthworks still visible from the 1865 Civil War battle. Discover history through wayside exhibits.
At the southern tip of Three Rivers Greenway, the 12,000 Year History park is an approximately 3-mile section starting on the east side of Congaree Creek. Continue following the pathway through forested areas on the creek’s west side to complete the loop. Outdoor enthusiasts should be alert to wildlife, including alligators and timber rattlesnakes, the latter especially in warmer months.
NEARBY ACTIVITIES
Plan to stay longer and enjoy activities near the Three Rivers Greenways.
Near Columbia’s Riverfront Park is the Vista neighborhood with South Carolina State Museum, South Carolina Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children’s Museum and dining options.
Close by, discover the Governor’s Mansion, the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State House and dining along Gervais St.
West Columbia’s Carraway Park is a short walk from the greenway. A family favorite, it features an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities. A little further away, along and around Meeting St., find dining and hospitality options.
Many of Cayce’s attractions are situated along its riverwalk. Jump in your car to enjoy Cayce Historical Museum near Granby Gardens Park.Dining options can found along U.S. Highway 321/Knox Abbott Dr. and State St.
We invited you to visit the Cayce West Columbia Visitor Center website, or the Experience Columbia SC website.
RIVERWALK RULES
Saluda Riverwalk
Park Hours
Granby Park: 6:00 a.m. to Sunset
All Other City of Columbia Greenway Parks: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For the Comfort and Safety of Your Visit, Please Observe the Following Rules
- Adult supervision of children is required at all times
- Please keep off retaining walls and other hazardous features
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
- Tobacco products, vaping, and illegal drugs are prohibited
- Motorized vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas, vehicles are not permitted on park trails
- All animals must be on a leash and under control
- Pet waste must be collected and placed in trash receptacles
- Fires, grilling, and fireworks are prohibited
The Following Activities Are Not Permitted
- Littering or dumping in waterways
- Loitering or camping
- Removing, damaging, or disfiguring park property, including plants and wildlife
- Interfering with the enjoyment of others, including profanity, loud music, or disruptive behavior
- Vending, selling, or peddling goods without a permit
- Open carry of concealable weapons
Columbia's Riverfront Parks
Park Hours
Granby Park: 6:00 a.m. to Sunset
All Other City of Columbia Greenway Parks: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For the Comfort and Safety of Your Visit, Please Observe the Following Rules
- Adult supervision of children is required at all times
- Please keep off retaining walls and other hazardous features
- Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
- Tobacco products, vaping, and illegal drugs are prohibited
- Motorized vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas, vehicles are not permitted on park trails
- All animals must be on a leash and under control
- Pet waste must be collected and placed in trash receptacles
- Fires, grilling, and fireworks are prohibited
The Following Activities Are Not Permitted
- Littering or dumping in waterways
- Loitering or camping
- Removing, damaging, or disfiguring park property, including plants and wildlife
- Interfering with the enjoyment of others, including profanity, loud music, or disruptive behavior
- Vending, selling, or peddling goods without a permit
- Open carry of concealable weapons
West Columbia Riverwalk & Amphitheater
West Columbia Riverwalk Rules & Safety
- The conduct of the activity proposed will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly activity of the Riverwalk Park or the safe and orderly movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
- The conduct of the activity is not reasonably likely to cause injury to persons or property or to provoke disorderly conduct or create a disturbance
- No person shall play an audio device, such as TV, radio, tape, CD player, etc., at such volume as to disturb persons utilizing the park. No amplified band or group of musicians shall perform without a permit
- No person shall possess, discharge, or set off any fireworks, firearms, weapons, or other explosives without permission from the City Council of West Columbia
- The sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages is PROHIBITED
- No grills or other cooking apparatus are allowed
- No person shall litter – trash receptacles are provided
- No person shall carry on any commercial activity without the permission of the City Council of West Columbia
- No person shall solicit money or contributions within the Riverwalk Park without first having obtained permission from the City Council of West Columbia
- Metal detecting and/or digging in public parks/recreational areas is prohibited
- Vehicles are not permitted to stop or park except in designated parking, loading, or unloading zones.
- Strict adherence to safety standards is required. In case of emergency, contact emergency services by using the Emergency Call boxes located throughout the Park. They can also be reached by calling 911.
This park is under the jurisdiction of the West Columbia Police Department.
(803) 794-0721 ext. 221.
West Columbia Riverwalk Park & Amphitheater Fitness Equipment
The fitness equipment is designed to promote physical activity across a wide range of abilities.
For your safety, please adhere to the following:
- You assume all risk and responsibility for use of the exercise equipment at this facility.
- You must be at least 14 years old to use this equipment.
- Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.
- Any potential users with known adverse health conditions should not use this equipment.
- Inspect the machine prior to use. DO NOT use if it appears damaged or inoperable. DO NOT attempt to fix a broken or jammed machine. Call (803) 791-1880.
- Please wipe off equipment before and after each use.
- Perform exercises according to instructions on each piece of equipment.
- Do not exercise while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a safe distance from exercise equipment when in use by others.
The City of West Columbia shall not be liable for any personal injury to any person resulting from the use of the fitness equipment along the West Columbia Riverwalk Park & Amphitheater.
Cayce Riverwalk Park
Cayce Riverwalk Park Rules & Safety
Park Hours: Daily dawn to dusk.
Any vehicles left in the park will be towed at owner’s expense.
If your vehicle has been towed, call Police Dispatch at 803-794-0456.
PROHIBITED in the PARK
- No alcoholic beverages
- No unleashed pets unleashed
- No camping/sleeping
- No open flames/fireworks
- No motorized/electric vehicles
- No parking after dusk
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Saluda Riverwalk – Second Phase
A new pathway will soon connect the original Saluda Riverwalk near Riverbanks Zoo and the Sanctuary at Boyd Island to a new bridge crossing above I-126. This new 4,800- foot section is now under construction. This will provide dramatic views of the Broad River and Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.
The Broad River Bridge
This new bridge will span the narrowest part of the Broad River. It will link the Saluda Riverwalk and The Sanctuary at Boyd Island to the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Parks.
The 12,000 Year History Park Visitors Center
The History Park Visitors Center is now fully funded and approved for construction. It will serve as a southern entry point with focus on the History Park trails and entire Three Rivers Greenway. The facility will include parking and visitor amenities, along with exhibits celebrating the history of the area.
MAP
FAQs
Where can I find parking for the Three Rivers Greenway?
From north to south:
Saluda Riverwalk
The Sanctuary at Boyd Island
- 650 Candi Lane, Columbia
Columbia Riverfront Park
- *Riverfront Park North: 4122 River Dr., Columbia
*Closed for construction. - Riverfront Park South: 312 Laurel St., Columbia
- Esplanade at Canalside, 618 Canalside St., Columbia
- Coble Plaza: 209 Gervais St., Columbia
- Granby Park: 100 Catawba St., Columbia
- Olympia Park at the Mill Village Riverlink: 1023 Olympia Ave., Columbia
West Columbia Riverwalk
- 100 Riverside Dr., West Columbia
- 310 Court St., West Columbia
- 106 Oliver St., West Columbia
- 212 Hudson St., West Columbia
- 109 Alexander St. , West Columbia
Cayce Riverwalk
- 157 Old State Rd., Cayce
- 321 Lyles St.(at State St.), Cayce
- 201 Naples Ave. (at Axtell Dr.), Cayce
- Cayce Riverland Park: 2601 Riverland Dr., Cayce
- The Battlefield Connection: 180 Granby Landing Rd. (Thomas Newman Boat Landing)
12,000 Year Old History Park and Visitors Center
- Cayce Tennis Center, 1120 Ft. Congaree Tr., Cayce
- 3796 12th St. Ext., Cayce
- History Park Visitors Center, Cayce – Coming Soon
Where can I find restrooms along the Three Rivers Greenway?
Most of the restrooms are located on the greenway near the parking areas. See the above list of parking lots and then refer to the Three Rivers Greenway map above.
What are the closest restaurants, and where can I find nearby hotels?
Are there picnic tables available along the greenway?
Yes, picnic tables are located along all of the pathways.
The city of Cayce offers two picnic shelters:
Riverwalk Pavilion, 201 Naples Ave., with six picnic tables; accommodates 50 people
Congaree Shelter with two picnic tables; accommodates 10-16 people.
Reservations required. Contact Cayce City Hall 803-205-4434 to check availability.
West Columbia’s Carraway Park at 212 Hudson St., features covered picnic tables, restrooms, all inclusive playground. First-come, first-serve.
Are audio tours available, and if yes, in what languages?
Audio tours are not available at the present time.
Are e-bikes and skateboards allowed on the riverwalk?
Yes, they are permitted. Please check Riverwalk Rules above for the latest information.
Where can I rent a bike or rollerskates or rollerblades?
Can I bring my dog to the Three Rivers Greenway?
Yes, the entire greenway is dog friendly. Dogs are required to be on a leash and owners are expected to pick up after their dogs.
We encourage you to be alert for wildlife throughout your visit.
Are the greenways and riverwalk ADA and stroller friendlly?
Yes, Three River Greenway was designed with accessibility in mind so everyone can enjoy the pathways.
The pathways are family friendly and strollers are welcome.
Where can I find a public boat ramp?
Caution is encouraged, as the Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers all have a swift currents.
CAYCE – West Bank of Congaree River
Thomas A. Newman Boat Landing is located on New State Road just north of Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve at the end of Granby Landing Rd., Cayce, SC 29033
The boat landing features 2 launch lanes, a courtesy dock, paved parking lot with 75 spaces and fishing pier.
The boat landing is used by water sports enthusiasts for a variety of watercraft and powerboats, including jon boats and other fishing craft, pontoons, deck boats, Zodiacs, kayaks, canoes, and more.
(Latitude 33.94872, Longitude -81.02991) 33° 56′ 56.930″ N, 81° 01′ 46.253″ W
RICHLAND – East Bank of Congaree River
Barney Jordan Boat Ramp
This location offers 2 launch lanes and a courtesy dock, plus a parking lot with 65 paved spaces.
Latitude 33.964896, Longiture -81.035702
33° 57′ 53.624″ N, 81° 02′ 08.528″ W
Do I need a fishing license to fish?
If you are interested in fishing for the Congaree’s signature striper, (AKA striped bass, or rockfish), some of the best fishing waters can be found along the 3RVRS Greenway.
Keep in mind two things:
- You will need a fishing license to fish in South Carolina. Please visit the state’s Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website.
- Striped bass run from the end of March and run strong through August.
SCDNR also maintains an excellent website with details on where one can fish throughout South Carolna.