Experience the calming beauty of nature without having to leave the city.
- Take a walk with a friend or exercise beside the Midlands’ three flowing rivers.
- Paddle through challenging rapids.
- Picnic on a river rock surrounded by the outdoors.
- Catch your own dinner with a fishing pole.
These are the moments that we remember forever.
These are the experiences that connect us all.
Over a decade ago, the Midlands’ Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers were an unknown resource. Today, they are the signature of the region and an expanding part of the daily life of the community. There are many things to do and see along the three rivers.
If you are interested in the Three Rivers Greenway, there are currently 12 1/2 miles of linear paths and growing, all of which are ADA accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Each portion of Greenway offers picnic tables, overlooks, historical interpretive signage along the way and beautiful views. For more information visit our Three Rivers Greenway page.
The West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater and the Riverfront Park Amphitheater also have events throughout the year.
If you are interested in water activities, may we recommend the Broad River Blueway or the Congaree River Blueway for canoeing. You can also participate in whitewater activities offered through local outfitters that offer trips on the lower Saluda River.
The Three Rivers Greenway, as well as other River Alliance projects, have so many things to offer!
Parking areas to access trails along the Three Rivers Greenway
(for GPS use)
Cayce:
Timmerman Trail: 3796 12th Street Extension, Cayce
The 12,000 Year History Trail: Cayce Tennis Center, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce
The Battlefield Connection: 180 Granby Landing Road, Cayce (Thomas Newman Boat Landing)
Cayce Riverwalk: 157 Old State Road, Cayce OR 321 Lyles Street, Cayce OR 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce
Riverland Park: 2601 Riverland Drive, Cayce
West Columbia:
West Columbia Riverwalk (Alexander Road): 121 Alexander Street, West Columbia OR 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia
Columbia:
Granby Park: 100 Catawba Circle, Columbia
Olympia Park: 1050 Olympia Avenue, Columbia
Riverfront Park: 312 Laurel Street, Columbia OR 4120 River Drive, Columbia
Saluda Riverwalk: 650 Candi Lane, Columbia
Venues
There are numerous venue rentals along the Three Rivers Greenway. Each is uniquely suited for an outdoor experience in the serene setting of the Midland’s own three rivers.
West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater– located on Alexander Road just past the Gervais Street Bridge. For more information on this venue, or to reserve your event, please contact the City of West Columbia at (803) 939-8614 or click here for an application.
Cayce Picnic Shelters – located near the intersection of State and Lyles Street, at the entrance of the Cayce Riverwalk. For rental of the Cayce Picnic shelter, please contact the City of Cayce at (803) 796-9020. You may also visit their website.
Columbia Riverfront Park Amphitheater – located behind the AT&T building on Laurel Street (just off Huger Street), contiguous to the new residential Canalside development. For rental of the Columbia Riverfront Park Amphitheater, please contact the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at (803) 545-3100 or visit their website.
Historical Wayside Exhibits
There are historical and educational wayside exhibits along the Three Rivers Greenway, as well. These wayside exhibits focus on historical, native wildlife and other educational aspects that the area has to offer.
Artwork
There are many different forms of art work located along the Greenway:
- The bathrooms at the north end of Riverfront Park, West Columbia Riverwalk, and Cayce Riverwalk all have bathroom tiles that have been decorated by local children at public schools located near that portion of Greenway. The tiles at the northern portion of Riverfront Park were painted by Logan Elementary in 2004. The tiles at the West Columbia and Cayce bathrooms were painted by Saluda River Academy for the Arts. Thank you to Jane Schwantes and the Mad Platter for assistance.
- There are also steel silhouettes of three Civil War-era riders located at the corner of Alexander Road and Meeting Street. A steel silhouette of a Revolutionary War-era dragoon is located at the southern portion of the Cayce Riverwalk at Lyles Street.
- A painted mural representing the steamboat The Ruth II is located underneath the Knox Abbott Drive Bridge on the Cayce Riverwalk portion of the Three Rivers Greenway. The mural was painted by local artist Ralph Waldrop & sponsored by the Leadership Columbia Class of 2004.
Historical Coloring Pages:
Educational Tours and Programs
There are several different opportunities for educational tours along the Greenway:
On the west bank of the Congaree River, there are walking tours of the Greenway as well as kayak/canoe led tours.
On the east bank, the City of Columbia offers Park Ranger programs with all parks located within the City. For more information on programs offered, visit their website.
Walking Greenway Tour App
Take your children on an audio tour of the Greenway by downloading the Android app, which is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian.
For other apps:
http://www.historysoft.com/