Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park

This park intermingles with the waterworks, and the restrooms just downhill from the entrance have water fountains with some pretty robust water pressure. Parts of it were closed for repairs, but a long section of trail between the canal and river was open. Parking was ample.

The views are of the river as it crosses the fall line, with rocks visible through the Spanish moss. The canal is not as aesthetically interesting, but the open space does get a nice breeze and the trail has several spots to stop and sit for a while.

Wonderful views along the canal and the river. Wooded trail offers more wildlife towards the end of trail coming back to entrance.

If you are looking for a paved hiking trail near the city, you have to check out this park. The space is well kept, not overly crowded and tons of open space. It gives you easy access to the riverbanks, ample places to sit, read and people watch. It a perfect place to walk your dog on leash.

We stopped by this park to fill some time before a kayak trip in Congaree. What a beautiful surprise! The grounds are well kept, there are many people walking and running and the views are beautiful across the rivers. Easy to park, easy to reach, clean restrooms and park rangers on patrol. We accessed it from the water treatment center.
Highly recommend this hidden gem!

Wow. What a beautiful, educational, and interesting park. I wouldn't even just call it a park because of the educational material provided and the long trail available for pedestrian and bike access. Whether you are visiting or new to Columbia, you should definitely explore this park.

I absolutely love this park. It's beautiful and it's awesome for running and walking! I used to drive out here to run almost daily! I loved it. It's quiet, safe, great scenery. Parking isn't difficult. If you're a runner, this place is for you!

A great hidden gem in the city of Columbia, South Carolina. When I find myself in South Carolina's state capitol, I find myself heading here to enjoy a walk between the canal and the river through the park.

Despite walking under traffic laden highway bridges, there is a tranquility within this park, a vibe that soothes and refreshes the soul, that sings a lullaby to the day to day stress and allows you both serenityand contemplation.

Seek this place out, enjoy a moment away from the day to day, and simply be, if even for only that moment.

On a recent trip to Columbia, I spent the majority of a Thursday sightseeing. One of the last stops of the day was at Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park. Since I visited in July, it was steamy out there but that didn't take from all the park has to offer. When you arrive, they have a large parking lot so parking shouldn't be an issue.

What I like about this park is that it has a lot to offer. Nature surrounds you with the river and canal and the vegetation that surrounds it. The park is dog-friendly. There are trails. There are bridges. There are plenty of areas to sit, including covered areas, benches, hammocks, and chairs. There's history spread throughout the park with signs pointing out different things of note. All in all, this is a pretty amazing park!

Awesome Park. Nice easy walk with a wide path along the river and canal. Park rangers very evident. So helpful also, they brought me my smart phone after my wife had asked them about a new bridge she had spotted across the river (they said it opens in Feb, and access is from the Riverbanks Zoo), and that was at least 10 minutes after we had spoken to them!
Lots of walkers, joggers, bikers, skateboarders, senior's, kids, and everything in between.
FREE, dawn to 9pm.
Already plan to be back!

I absolutely love this park, as it is right by my job. I go here often to walk, clear my head and get a few steps in.

It is a very nice park. I see that they have made some improvements by putting hammocks around and chairs for folks to just lounge. I have only seen one side of the park because the left side has been closed ah CS I have been in Columbia.

People are normally out walking, running, or bike riding. You see the park rangers often and they all are really sweet.

I will continue coming out here for a little exercise, and fresh air