west columbia riverwalk

My family and I use this walk a lot. It is beautiful. There are many places to stop and rest. To people watch or watch the river flow by. It is located between (separates) Columbia and West Columbia. Along your walk there are, oh I don't know what they are called so I'll call them plackards that tells the history of this area and how the river was so important in moving goods from the ports in Charleston to the upstate. Also, info. on the birds and other animals in the area. This is a beautiful park like setting but instead of being wide, it is narrow and long. At the Gervais St, Bridge there are concerts in the summer on Friday nights. My family never grows tired of visiting the Riverwalk. Well worth visiting.

did this walk with a friend after lunch in the Vista. Well worth it. If you go to the left its a half mile to the end so you get a mile there and back. Not sure what it's like to the right but longer I believe. Easy walk. River is pretty. Wasn't too crowded when I was there but weather was pretty chilly. Clean bathrooms there. Also a little lending library so if you have books come drop them off.

Much more to do at the lake and the state park. Trails, views, and nature. Less uppity because if you ever spent any time in the Columbia are you would know they have more than their fair share of yuppie-dom. Seems like a lot of folks want to be something they are not. Way too many 50+ ladies over done up and acting their 30s.

I was in the area visiting family. I had to get 7 miles in (for my current race training schedule). I heard from a local running group that this place existed. It was a few miles from the hotel and was a gorgeous run. If I lived in the area I think my daily run would be closer to 5 miles instead of my current 3, because I would be here every day. Just beautiful.

This is an easy place to take a stroll in Columbia. My friend and I go walking her once a week, every week. It stays pretty shady in the summer, and its rarely mosquito y. Sometimes you can smell the sewage, but more often than not, its really peaceful

This was a great place to take a stroll after a long day at work. Very relaxing. Highly recommend a visit here.

Whenever I stay downtown, I make time to hit the riverwalk. Just a nice path beside the river but it draws lots of joggers, bikers and skaters. Not crowded.

This is a very nice walk, run or bike to see the river. Long trails, a lot of shade, good places to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Greenspace in the heart of the city, shared by all locals and all comers. Gurgling rapids, beautiful birdlife, views of the city skyline, old growth forest, and multiple eco-zones.

Riverwalk is really a beautiful place to ride a bike or jog, or to even just stroll. Sad thing is that there is so much history behind that walk that they don't even tell you about. A Prison was built along that walk before the walk was even put there, built by the prisoners. That same walk was where the prisoners had to walk their dead to the cemetery just off Elmwood Ave, where they were laid to rest is paupers graves. Perhaps if they gave that bit of history as you went to that walk,rather than try to "cover it up", it might make people more interested in taking that walk.

I enjoy walking and running on this section because it's cooler that than the section on the canal. The cool breeze off the chilly Saluda river is refreshing.

Here in the Columbia area, even the trails along the river can be uncomfortably warm on a hot and humid afternoon. Shade can help a lot, so when you choose the West Columbia Riverwalk for a stroll on a hot day, consider opting for a trail segment that offers a shadier, cooler round trip. Park in the little lot close to the Gervais Street Bridge -- its next to Stone River, the “luxury event facility” that replaced the New Orleans Restaurant. Walk down past the restrooms and amphitheater until you get to the trail, then turn left and follow it as it goes under the Gervais Street Bridge, passes through a long arbor, and meanders along under a mostly closed canopy providing lots and lots of shade. There will be ample opportunities to go down to the water’s edge, perhaps to look for water birds or watch people tubing and kayaking on the Congaree River. Some people wade or rock-hop in the shallow water, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In any event, there are roots, rocks, and chunks of concrete rip-rap to contend with, so be sure to watch your footing if you go off -trail.

the west Columbia is very good-much better than the Columbia side. nice paved walkway with historic markers provide a great experience. plenty of walkers and call boxes provide safety. plenty of parking. clean restrooms at the Gervais street bridge location. great free entertainment in Columbia metro.

A lot safer than the river walk on the Columbia side. Much more to look at and a lot more active. Great places alongside the walking path to lay down and sunbathe, put up a hammock and read or even just enjoy seeing the people walking by. This place can get a little hectic on the weekends so choose wisely when to come.

I recently went to Tartan Day South event and attended the Celtic Commotion on Friday night. The atmosphere was great and the weather was wonderful. I'll be visiting the Riverwalk again for future entertainment.