Three Rivers Greenway

The Three Rivers Greenway is a 15.5 mile (and growing) riverfront trail system that spans across three cities in the Columbia region - the City of West Columbia, City of Cayce, and City of Columbia. This series of pathways follows the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers and is your go-to network for fun in the outdoors. Looking for a map? The River Alliance has got you covered.

Access points to the Three Rivers Greenway are just steps away from restaurants, shopping, and hotels. No matter what level of outdoor enthusiast you are, you can find something to do for everyone. Take a stroll, jog, skateboard or bicycle along the path. If you consider yourself a history buff, linger by the wayside exhibits to learn more about the trails or drop into one of the nearby museums while you're in town. If you're looking for something more adventurous, rent a tube or kayak and hop on the rivers. Ready to hook a trout or a striper? Just step off the trail and cast your reel.

Things to Do on the Trails

All the trails along the Three Rivers Greenway are ADA accessible and lighted in the evening hours. Whether you prefer being active, adventurous, or just want to find a quiet place to relax and read a book, you’ll find the perfect place along the Three Rivers Greenway.

The latest part of the Greenway was built along the scenic Swiftwater of the Saluda River and runs behind the Riverbanks Zoo. As you enter the Saluda Riverwalk, you can turn left walking along a winding boardwalk and trail that will bring you behind the Zoo. Along the way, you will see people tubing, canoeing and kayaking on the water while listening to wild animal sounds. If you turn right at the entrance, you’ll find great areas to fish for trout or stripers. All along this trail, you’ll see geese floating down the water as well as other wildlife and flowers. This is one of the only places in the country where you'll find hanging Spanish Moss and whitewater rapids meet.

Want to explore a quiet island where the rivers meet? Cross the bridge and enjoy the tranquility of The Boyd Island Sanctuary (soon to open). Walk this short loop around the island where you can relax at unique granite and steel seating and picnic areas before heading on your trek back to the car.

Things to Do Near the Trails

Right off the Cayce Riverwalk is a unique arts district. Stroll the area to see wonderful artwork by local artisans. Grab a cup of coffee at Piecewise Coffee or fuel up with a cold beer and a burger from Henry's. 

Within walking distance of the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater, you can visit antique shops, dine at local restaurants like Terra or D's Wings (among several), or take a break at places like Savage Craft Ale Works or WeCo Bottle & Biergarten. There is also a local Artisan Market on Saturdays at the Interactive Art Park. 

The Three Rivers Greenway is also close to the South Carolina State Museum, The SC Military Museum and Confederate Relic Room, and EdVenture children’s museum.  

Events

With two amphitheaters along the Greenway, there are plenty of opportunities (and more to come) to enjoy events on the river. The West Columbia Amphitheater is home to Rhythm on the River concerts on weekends in the spring and fall, while the Riverfront Park shows family movies during the summer. Stay tuned to our calendar of events for the latest happenings.

Access Points to the Trails

Each of these access points includes an address for public parking near the trail. 

Cayce

Timmerman Trail, parking at 3796 12th Street Extension, Cayce
The 12,000 Year History Trail, parking at the Cayce Tennis Center, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce
The Battlefield Connection, parking at 180 Granby Landing Road, Cayce (Thomas Newman Boat Landing)
Cayce Riverwalk, parking at 157 Old State Road, Cayce OR 321 Lyles Street, Cayce OR 201 Naples Avenue, Cayce
Riverland Park, parking at 2601 Riverland Drive, Cayce

West Columbia

West Columbia Riverwalk, parking at 121 Alexander Street, West Columbia OR 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia

Columbia

Granby Park, parking at 100 Catawba Street, Columbia
Olympia Park, parking at 1050 Olympia Avenue, Columbia
Riverfront Park, parking at 312 Laurel Street, Columbia OR 4122 River Drive, Columbia
Saluda Riverwalk, parking at 650 Candi Lane, Columbia

History

The Three Rivers Greenway respects the environment and calls forth the history of the rivers. The 12,000 Year History Trail in Cayce is unique with its legacy of continuous human occupation. Walk along the earthworks from the 1865 Battle of Congaree Creek and go back through the ages along the winding Congaree Creek. Stop at Fort Congaree, once the limit of the British Empire and see why Native American cultures chose this spot so long ago. There are special events throughout the year focusing on the history and nature you’ll find there. The history trail connects to the Cayce Riverwalk where you’ll see lots of nature and runs along the river. If you look close enough, you may even see an alligator. 

For more things to do outdoors, head to our outdoor recreation page or use our outdoor enthusiast itinerary to start planning your trip.