Both the West Columbia Riverwalk and the Cayce Riverwalk portions of the Three Rivers Greenway are located along the west bank of the Congaree River. Beginning north on the West Bank, is the West Columbia Riverwalk.

West Columbia Riverwalk

Spanning nearly two miles from Moffatt Street to Knox Abbott Drive, this beautiful stretch of the Three Rivers Greenway, boasts outstanding fishing hot spots, beautiful views of the pristine islands of the Congaree River and majestic Columbia skyline, as well as the tranquil sounds of water rippling over large river boulders.

Enjoying the West Columbia Riverwalk

Located just off Moffatt Street under Jarvis Klapman Boulevard, visitors can enjoy a lazy picnic at Rising Hopes Park, located adjacent to large river boulders and the many natural habitats of the Congaree River.  This park was made possible through a donation of land provided by the Guignard family and is described as “a place of enchanting beauty and human enrichment.”

Educational wayside exhibits dot the path sharing the history and information on the natural environment of the area.

The heart of the West Columbia Riverwalk section of Greenway is located near the picturesque Gervais Street Bridge.  The area houses an outdoor amphitheater that regularly hosts musical and theatrical events.  On-site restroom facilities are located in a quaint 1740’s River Inn, which includes tiles created by students at Saluda Shoals Academy depicting the natural wildlife of the area.

Canoe enthusiast and kayakers will want to take advantage of the convenient landing just under the Gervais Street Bridge for a fun paddle along the Congaree River.  Many trips start near the Riverbanks Zoo and end at the West Columbia Riverwalk boat landing located near the Amphitheater. Other trips start at the West Columbia Riverwalk boat landing and continue down the Congaree River south and take-out at the Rosewood boat landing or the Cayce boat landing.  You can also continue down the river by boat to the Congaree National Park to the boat landing at Highway 601.

Parking

Parking areas are located next to the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater on Alexander Road just off Gervais Street, or at the end of Moffatt Street off of Hwy 378.
  

Cayce Riverwalk

If you head south along the Congaree River from Knox Abbott Drive is the Cayce Riverwalk section of the Three Rivers Greenway.

This section provides approximately 2.5 miles of picturesque pathway along the west bank of the Congaree River. Its design evokes the natural quality and echoes the first riverfront settlement of 1750's Granby. This section continues along the west bank of the Congaree River, travelling under two railroad trestles where a protective covered shelter resembling an old railroad waiting dock has been built.

From there visitors will stroll along the edge of the Martin Marietta quarry on a lighted boardwalk that provides breathtaking views of the Congaree River. (Visitors are restricted from entering the quarry property by a seven-foot fence that extends the entire length of the new extension.)

At the end of the boardwalk, visitors will find themselves at the historic government locks. From this vantage point you will be able to see the old dam that runs to the Richland County side of the river.

From the locks, the secluded pathway travels on to connect to the Riverland Park subdivision.  Now bicyclists are cycling down Old State Road, crossing Congaree Creek bridge and turning right on the gravel path to access the Timmerman Trail.

Enjoying the Riverwalk

Natural wonders, wildlife habitats and history abound along this section of Greenway which boasts the longest stretch of boardwalk on the Midlands three rivers. Visitors can fish for Striped Bass in the Congaree or watch for eagles in the towering pines. It is a place of wonder in the heart of Cayce. Historical markers have been placed throughout the park to provide visitors with the background of the area.

The Cayce Picnic Shelter, a covered pavilion with capacity for 50 is available at the main park entrance on Axtell Drive and a second covered shelter a few yards down the pathway provides seating for 15 with unobstructed views of the Congaree River.

To reserve the Cayce Picnic shelter for your next event, please contact the City of Cayce at (803) 796-9020.



Parking

Parking is easily accessible at three locations along the pathway including the Cayce Picnic Shelters on Axtell Drive, at Pointe West Apartments at 215 Spencer Place, and at the Riverland Park Clubhouse at the intersection of Brookcliff Dr. and Riverland Dr. in the Riverland Park subdivision Bicycle and pedestrian access is provided from Knox Abbott Drive, as well as State Street.

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Have you ever thought of taking a "walking tour of the Greenway" on your phone? 

Check out these links to load your app! Available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian

For the Android app:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/three-rivers-tour/com.brinkman.ThreeRiversTour

For the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (Requires iOS 4.2 or later)
http://itunes.apple.com/ae/app/threerivers/id443059148?mt=8

For other apps:
http://www.historysoft.com/ 


Thanks to David Brinkman for developing these wonderful apps!
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Click on the blue flags below to locate parking areas for the sections of Three River Greenway on the west bank of the Congaree River.

View West Bank in a larger map