Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Columbia

The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park is a scenic 167-acre urban retreat nestled between the Columbia Canal, the Broad River, and the Congaree River. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, this public park combines natural beauty, historic significance, and recreational convenience in one easy-to-navigate destination.

At the heart of the park is a paved, flat, and tree-lined trail stretching approximately 2.5 to 3 miles, ideal for walking, jogging, or biking. The trail follows the former towpath of the 19th-century Columbia Canal-once a vital water route connecting upstate settlements to Fall Line towns before the rise of the railroads rendered it obsolete. Built in 1824 by indentured Irish labor, the canal is now preserved as a historic site and still generates hydroelectric power for the city.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Columbia Canal remains a focal point of the park, offering visitors a blend of engineering heritage and natural charm. Streetlights along the trail ensure safe early morning and evening strolls, while several benches and overlooks provide rest spots with sweeping river views. In the spring, visitors might catch glimpses of spider lilies blooming on the river’s rocky shoals.

One of the park’s highlights is the opportunity to explore a preserved old pump house, part of the city’s original waterworks. This site also housed the world’s first electrically operated textile mill and the state’s oldest functioning hydroelectric plant, still in use today.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet riverside walk, attending a community festival like Riverfest or Greekfest, or simply stopping by to appreciate a bit of South Carolina history, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park offers a uniquely peaceful yet engaging experience.