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Gist Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 465 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, South Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gist Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Tranquil destination for hiking, running, swimming and fishing, with a picnic area.
What runners say about Gist Park
“Extremely disappointed at the upkeep of such a beautiful place with so much potential in this active city.”
“A nice walk a little bit out of downtown, not far at all, yet it reveals a more calm and natural side of the city.”
Was traveling through the area today and decided to stop for a walk, and what a wonderful spot this was! So peaceful and scenic! It didn't hurt that it such a beautiful day, but this place is such a great resource for the residents here. Thank you for allowing me to partake, and I'll see you next time I pass by.
Small but with a nice view. Not too much to say, sometimes the pictures does equal thousands of words. The bridge amazed me because it has some details you don't usually see on bridges. So from underneath you can see the sunset and its light on the bridge that creates a nice scenery.
Beautiful! The walk was beautiful and relaxing, I love the historical fact boards about the area. The only thing off was the size of the trail. When people were passing from the opposite side of the trail I had to go in front of my dad who was walking beside me. Overall I love this park and will be returning.
Very relaxing place to walk next to river..But can be crowded at times..
Trail conditions & character
“Extremely disappointed at the upkeep of such a beautiful place with so much potential in this active city.”
“It was quiet and relaxing, and it was nice to admire the beautiful bridge.”
Plan your run at Gist Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitecolumbiasc.net
- Phone+1 803-917-5522
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
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Old pump houses shed light on the canal works amid natural hiking & biking trails & picnic tables.
Palmetto Trail: Capital City Passage
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Vista Greenway Trail
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