Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapColumbia's Three Rivers Greenway is comprised of a handful of disconnected segments of open trail, including sections through Riverfront Park and Granby Park, as well as the West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, and Saluda Riverwalk. This beautiful series of riverfront pathways, at the confluence of the Broad, Saluda and Congaree rivers, includes lighted trails and boardwalks, an outdoor amphitheater, restrooms, wayside exhibits, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
The paved paths wind through a forest of Southern hardwoods and are home to a variety of wildlife, including chimney swifts that nest under the numerous bridges. Another highlight is a view of the remains of the canal locks once used by riverboats.
You can also fish or toss an inner tube in the water on a hot day and float the river. In addition, the Three Rivers Greenway is close to shopping and restaurants in South Carolina's capital city.
There are several access points and places to park along the Three Rivers Greenway.
To Granby Park from Spartanburg: Take I-26 toward downtown Columbia. Veer off onto Huger Street and cross over Blossom Street. Make a right onto Catawba Street.
To the West Columbia Riverwalk from West Columbia: Take Meeting Street toward the Capitol and turn right onto Alexander Road before the Gervais Street bridge. Park by the amphitheater on the left beside New Orleans Restaurant.
To the West Columbia Riverwalk from Columbia: Take Gervais Street toward West Columbia and cross the Gervais Street bridge. Turn left onto Alexander Road. Park by the amphitheater on the left beside New Orleans Restaurant.
To the West Columbia Riverwalk from Spartanburg: Take I-126 from Spartanburg toward downtown Columbia. Veer off onto Huger Street and go about 1 mile; take a right onto Gervais Street and cross over the Gervais Street bridge. Turn left onto Alexander Road. Park by the amphitheater on the left beside New Orleans Restaurant.
Great walking trail, well maintained, but a bit narrow for bicycles, especially on the bridges and board walks.
Took my dog and we had a blast. It was so peaceful and serene. There are markers with information on them about the land which was interesting to read. It’s paved all the way through the trail we went on which was nice. Definitely will go back!
Can't wait to explore all of the trails along the Three Rivers Greenway. The Cayce Riverwalk is AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL.
Very nice paved connection of multiple trails!
The trail is well maintained but very short. The advertised 12.5 miles is not achievable the portion we were on was only 2.5 miles. The rangers in the area were of no help and much more involved in leaf blowing that any directional help. The farthest North trailhead (The broad River Canal Riverfront Park) was not an area I would recommend to anyone to leave their car unattended. Several cars with people just sitting, no bike racks and evidence via broken glass of a recent car breakin. The trail “terminated seemingly” at the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This was a very nice area, but designed for walkers and joggers. Absolutely no literature to help find your way across the bridge and on to the other side of the canal. If you are a walker or jogger, don’t miss this trail option. If you are looking to do some cycling....save the time unloading and move on......
What a lovely historic trail, with a lower and upper portion. There was also many rangers around working on different areas and so many people I felt very safe even on my own. The upper portion is fully lit and both portions are paved. The lower along the Broad river side is sidewalk style the upper is paved along the canal with signage on the original 1800 canal and lock keepers as you walk. This portion is close to 3 miles, out and back from my parking spot at far end of the trail in the Broad River Canal Riverfront Park. This portion runs along the east side of the rivers. The full Three Rivers Greenway trail appears to have never fully reopened and ends/starts at some Canal Riverfront living condominium and stores. There is free parking and an entrance at both ends of the Canal Trail. The official start appears to be from the parking lot at Blanding and MacDougall St. The trail is fenced closed at that point to continue south but runs north to where I started. The Three River trail appears to continue across the bridge at Klapman Blvd by the map, but I did not see a safe way to cross the bridge to access the other side of the rivers. I also note that I could see the trail where it used to continue to Klapman Blvd along the river but could not access it. It would be nice to know if Columbia ever plans to repair the full trail but there was no notifications anywhere. If i try the west portion I'll be sure to post on it also. 4 stars instead of 5 due it being a bit short for a bike ride, I like at least 7 miles but you could do it twice and get a more reasonable ride that way. It's a great walking spot and could give you a nice easy long walk/hike with spots you could stop to have a lunch along the canal.
First, this is a nice paved path.
For the majority of the trail, there is a sand path on the side.
It mostly level with only a couple small hills.
Nice scenary while in between the river and the canal, especially the spillway and the locks at the top end.
Enjoyed seeing a Great Blue Heron and a couple Cormorants, but no alligators. Just seeing one on the other side of the canal would be cool.
Second, the trail is marked every 1/4 mile, but only 2.5 miles long?
Not sure where the 8+ miles are as on the website. Made 2 passes to make up for the shortness.
So if in the area, as always, and looking to get a couple miles in, give this trail a try. You should enjoy it.
Very good ride. Went from the gervais st bridge to the lylees st entrance. I plan to ride the whole thing but I was on a time crunch. Great for roadbikes but Its also fun for mountain bikes. Has a few features you can take offroad, over some roots & dirt, sand, rock. You can skip some of the windy turns if you want or you can take them, up to you. A fair amount of people can be on the trail though so be careful. Great views overall and its a beautiful ride.
The trail is only 8 feet wide and often has a lot of pedestrian traffic, many of whom do not know how to share a trail. I have had to stop and walk my bike several times. Do not recommend for riding.
As of April 2018, much of the trail is still closed with no obvious signage explaining how to access the open sections. We could not find a printed trail map in Columbia, and those found online are deceiving and do not accurately reflect the closed sections. We walked the full 2.5 miles that was open north/upstream of Laurel Street to the top of the canal. Great parking, clean restrooms at each end, very interesting history, and great views of the river. The trail south/downstream from Laurel Street was gated, and also closed at the south end except for a few hundred feet. Too many walkers and too short to be a suitable bike ride, but recommended as a walk. The plan to expand the path and connect the various sections looks wonderful, but not suitable for a bike outing yet.
trail in need of repair as there are a few places that are barricaded off and so impossible to ride the trail. Please post this on site for future trail riders who will not be frustrated and disappointed with their attempt to ride the full 8plus miles. Thanks
Went to ride this trail this weekend and found the road to the upper parking area closed with police barricades. Then drove into Columbia to get on it at the Riverfront park and was told by ranger that the trail was closed due to the flooding last year. No mention of this was on the trails official website that I could find.
Nice meandering trail with plenty of shade and picnic spots by the Congaree River.
After 30 years, I returned to Columbia from Atlanta, and found this trail to bike. The website says it's 9.5 miles, but it's more like 3 or 4. Perhaps that's combined with both trails, but it's sooooo pretty! The ads weren't kidding, smiling faces, wide open spaces. ...everyone speaks on the trail. Not in Atlanta. Happy to be back.
On 5/10/2013 the flooding from the river has receded several feet below the path. It left areas covered with wet, gooey, stinky mud. Also, there are some areas with piles of debris left from the flooding. Crew are working to clear it but it going to need a lot of trail volunteers to help get it back to the beautiful trail condition of last year.
If you are biking, go SLOW or you will slip over.
Walking-you can expect to go through areas of several inches of mud.
The path along the Columbia Canal is actually separate from the West Columbia Greenway and Cayce Greenway on the other side of the Congaree River. We did both the same day. The West Columbia and Cayce sections are narrow and primarily used by walkers. Bike riding is possible. Once one gets away from the parking areas and concentration of walkers it is more enjoyable. It is quite scenic with views of the river.
The Columbia Canal path is wider and much more conducive to biking. It is much flatter and straight compared to the sometimes winding greenways across the river.
An enjoyable afternoon of riding or walking is possible on either section.
Can I just say this is one of the prettiest trails my husband and I have traversed! We started out riding the trail. Close to the rivers the trail winds and you must bike with caution to avoid walkers and curves but along the canal side trail is straighter and visability better. Lots of historic markers. A must see. Will definitely go back!
_0_nb.jpg)
_154007_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
