Find the top rated running trails in West Columbia, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We parked at Kelley Jones park and the trail is closed. There was a police officer stationed there on a golf cart. We asked him if there was another way to ride this section of the trail. He told us the railroad is doing construction (not communicated to the city per this police officer) and the trail is closed from 7:30am-4pm Mon-Fri for 2 weeks. He told us about another segment a few miles away at the Newman boat ramp. We went there and rode the 4 mile loop. It’s a better walking trail than bike trail but still pretty.
It’s not perfect , but it is to me. I always start in the south at the Timmerman trail head near I-77 . You go north & follow to the connection at the boat ramp, then follow the signs for the on street connection to the next portion moving north . I look forward to the river decks reopening and doing the whole trail again! The trail does get busy near the West Columbia Main Street area, but that’s most trails. Stay south if you are looking for fewer folks on the trail.
It is not connected to the other side of the river. Live and learn, I will start further down the trail on the west side of the river next time.
Rucked it up and back yesterday, full trail. Super clean, easy trail. No incline. Minimal views, good for getting in your miles. Rocks were a pain in the a**. Definitely need some trail friendly shoes. Feet got beat up pretty good. Some campsites along small streams. 6/10. Good for getting time on feet. Won’t be back except for straight forward mileage. Bikes would be solid for stacking miles on a simple trail.
Just want to let runners know this trail has a very irregular surface with rocks and grassy patches. I don’t recommend it for running.
I regularly ride the Trail for training. Once you clear the walkers at the trailheads you can complete efforts with no stops. Several sections have big, loose rock so you’ll want to let some air out.
Never ran this before. It hasn’t rained in a week or so. The trail was maintained and looks great! 6.2 mile complete
I enjoy walking and jogging this trail. It’s a great way to get a quick workout into your day.
Did the whole thing yesterday (and of course back). It’s in great shape. Some rocky stretches that is akin to riding in a gravel road. But those are infrequent and temporary. A couple dead spots in a couple trellises but a very nice ride and other than the first terrain after leaving the eastern parking it’s flat.
If you are lucky enough to regularly ride a horse, you are indeed a lucky person. If you are a horse person and have an opportunity to ride in Hitchcock Woods then you are a rarified rider for sure. The beauty, peace, depth and rare expanse of Hitchcock Woods is a place that defies description. Whether you walk/run or ride the trails of Hitchcock Woods I doubt you will find many places that will surpass its beauty. Trails by the names such as Devils backbone, Cathedral Aisle, Swampy Cut loop, Mrs. Allen’s ride and Lovers Lane in itself will entice any adventurer to step into this fairytale forest. You won’t be disappointed. Hitchcock woods is a rare gem, a preserved urban forest thanks to the Hitchcock families’ fore-site to maintain an equestrian ‘play ground’ for future generations.
9/12/22 -- Downed trees are now taken care of.
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