Checked October 1, 2026 against 3rvrs.net, the River Alliance's official site for the greenway, including its rules and FAQ sections.
The Three Rivers Greenway is a 15½-mile linear park along the Saluda, Broad and Congaree rivers in Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce. It is a designated National Recreation Trail, it is lit, and parking is free at every lot listed below.
The sections, north to south
Saluda Riverwalk and the Sanctuary at Boyd Island (Columbia)
Parking: 650 Candi Lane, Columbia.
About 3 miles of paved path and boardwalk on the north bank of the Saluda, from I-26 behind Riverbanks Zoo to the Sanctuary at Boyd Island, a 7-acre island where the Saluda and Broad meet to form the Congaree. The island has a half-mile loop, bronze wildlife sculptures by Renné Bemis and a gazebo shaped like a Rocky Shoals spider lily. Restrooms, picnic tables and a boardwalk over Millrace Rapids, a good spot to watch kayakers.
Columbia's Riverfront Parks
The main trail follows the Columbia Canal levee for about three miles. Parking, south to north:
- Olympia Park at the Mill Village Riverlink: 1023 Olympia Ave.
- Granby Park: 100 Catawba St. (the greenway's first section, opened 1998)
- Coble Plaza: 209 Gervais St., overlooking the 1894 hydroelectric plant
- Esplanade at Canalside: 618 Canalside St.
- Riverfront Park South: 312 Laurel St.
- Riverfront Park North (4122 River Dr.): closed for construction
Parts of Riverfront Park remain closed while the canal is repaired after the 2015 flood, but the historic waterworks buildings and their exhibits are open.
West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater
1.1 miles of paved trail and boardwalk on the west bank of the Congaree, with free Wi-Fi, a bike repair station, outdoor fitness equipment and a Little Free Library. Parking: 100 Riverside Dr., 310 Court St., 106 Oliver St., 212 Hudson St. (Carraway Park, with an all-inclusive playground and restrooms) and 109 Alexander Rd.
Cayce Riverwalk
8 miles of lit trail and boardwalk south along the Congaree, past the site of colonial Granby, canal locks and more than two dozen exhibits developed with the SC State Museum. Parking: 157 Old State Rd., 321 Lyles St. (at State St.), 201 Naples Ave. (at Axtell Dr., with a picnic pavilion) and Cayce Riverland Park, 2601 Riverland Dr.
12,000 Year History Park (Cayce)
A roughly 3-mile loop at the southern tip, with Civil War earthworks from 1865. Parking: Cayce Tennis Center, 1120 Ft. Congaree Trail, or 3796 12th Street Extension. The River Alliance warns of alligators and, in warm months, timber rattlesnakes here. A visitors center is funded and approved but not yet open.
Hours
- Granby Park: 6 am to sunset.
- Other City of Columbia greenway parks (Saluda Riverwalk, Riverfront Parks): 6 am – 9 pm.
- Cayce Riverwalk: dawn to dusk; cars left after dusk are towed.
- The West Columbia Riverwalk's hours are not published on 3rvrs.net.
Rules
- Dogs: welcome on the whole greenway, on a leash; pick up after them.
- E-bikes and skateboards: allowed. Motor vehicles only in the parking lots.
- Not allowed: alcohol, tobacco and vaping (Columbia sections), fires, grills, fireworks, camping and loud music.
- No rentals: there are no bike, skate or rollerblade rentals on the greenway.
- The paths are accessible and stroller friendly.
Fishing and boats
You need a South Carolina fishing license. Striped bass run from late March through August. Public ramps: Thomas Newman Boat Landing, 180 Granby Landing Rd., Cayce (two lanes, 75 spaces, fishing pier) and Barney Jordan Boat Ramp on the east bank (two lanes, 65 spaces). All three rivers have swift currents.
Coming next
Construction is under way on a 4,800-foot extension of the Saluda Riverwalk up the Broad River to a new bridge over I-126, and a planned Broad River bridge will link the Saluda Riverwalk and Boyd Island to the Canal and Riverfront Parks. No opening dates have been published.
Make a day of it
- Walk the Columbia side, then cross the Gervais Street Bridge at sunset: see free things to do.
- Pair the Saluda Riverwalk with Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, or go upstream to the new Saluda Shoals Riverwalk.
- More ideas: date ideas in Columbia.
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Three Rivers Greenway?
15½ miles across Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce, according to the River Alliance. The Cayce Riverwalk alone is 8 miles, the Saluda Riverwalk about 3, the Riverfront Park canal trail about 3 and the West Columbia Riverwalk 1.1.
Is parking free on the Three Rivers Greenway?
Yes. All of the greenway's listed lots are free, including 650 Candi Lane (Saluda Riverwalk), 312 Laurel St (Riverfront Park South), 100 Catawba St (Granby Park) and 2601 Riverland Dr (Cayce).
Are dogs allowed on the Three Rivers Greenway?
Yes, on a leash across the whole greenway. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
What time does the Columbia riverwalk close?
The City of Columbia greenway parks, including the Saluda Riverwalk and Riverfront Parks, are open 6 am to 9 pm. Granby Park closes at sunset, and the Cayce Riverwalk is open dawn to dusk.
Is Riverfront Park in Columbia open?
Partly. Riverfront Park North at 4122 River Dr is closed for construction while the canal is repaired, but Riverfront Park South at 312 Laurel St and the historic waterworks buildings are open.