Riverwalk Spotlight: Saluda Riverwalk
Roaring rapids, epic boardwalk, and Spanish moss galore: that’s the Saluda Riverwalk. Sharing an exit with the Riverbanks Zoo, the Saluda Riverwalk is minutes away from downtown Columbia. There’s always lots going on at this riverwalk, so we’ll walk you through its features, things to do, and what to know.
Kayaker walking on boardwalk beside Millrace.
Features
Millrace Rapid. Undoubtably the most striking feature of the Riverwalk when you walk down from the parking lot is the Millrace rapids. The class III rapids are a whitewater kayaker’s dream, and you can often spot kayakers whipping around the rocks. For those who prefer to stay dry, Millrace can be viewed from the boardwalk which wraps around feet above the river.
Immediate Amenities. Lots of the Saluda Riverwalk’s features are right below the parking lot, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy what the river has to offer. The riverwalk has TONS of picnic tables right below the lot, and more tables and benches lining the roughly 4 miles of trail. Also within steps of the lot are bathrooms, hammock stands, and a boat launch.
Boyd Island. A natural sanctuary minutes away from the capital city? That’s right! If you follow the riverwalk downstream from the parking lot you’ll eventually get to a red bridge. Cross it, and you’re on Boyd Island! This quiet escape lets you surround yourself with the river. Go explore for yourself!
Flat Rocks. Something that makes the Saluda Riverwalk unique is its flat rocks easily accessible from the trail (Hint: go upstream for the easiest rocks to get to). Bask in the sun, have a picnic, or read a book right by the water, but please be sure that you’re not disturbing the wildlife or leaving any trash behind.
Bridge to Boyd Island
Things to do
Take a walk. Not to state the obvious, but the Saluda Riverwalk offers miles of paved and boardwalk trails that go both upstream and downstream of the entrance. Like all of the riverwalks in the area, these trails are ADA accessible. Currently, trails extend roughly 1.8 miles in both directions.
Get active. Whether you paddle, run, bike, or walk, you can get your fitness on at the riverwalk. We love seeing people use the rivers as resources for staying active, and the plentiful green space and wide trails allow you to do just that.
Take a pic with the mural. Driving in you’ll see an awesome mural on the divider wall to your right. In March of 2019, PalmettoPride, Palmetto Outdoor and One Columbia unveiled the mural completed in an effort to help reduce litter and crime rates in the Columbia community and raise awareness about the litter issues across our state.
Fish. Fishing is not allowed from the boardwalk, but many people fish from under it or from the previously mentioned rocks. Trout fishing is popular in the winter and spring, and striper fishing starts around mid-April. Be sure to follow local fishing laws.
Mural seen behind our tube launch sign.
Other Things to Know
The Saluda and Palmetto Outdoor. Palmetto Outdoor shuttles tubers to our location on Candi Ln from where they walk down to the river. We plan to open our new shop in our building to tubers needing last minute essentials. The shop will also house bike rentals very soon!
Parking. There are two large, marked lots on Candi Ln and some street parking available. Lot gates are locked at 9pm.
Stay hydrated. It’s getting hot out there, so much sure you’re coming prepared with plenty of water.
The Saluda Riverwalk is the newest addition to the Three Rivers Greenway, but it has lots of rich history. Check out the wayside signs to learn more, and stay tuned for an upcoming “River Remnants” blog post talking about the history of our three rivers.