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Saluda Riverwalk
4.9 ★★★★★ 687 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, South Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Saluda Riverwalk'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.
Popular public park featuring a 7-mile trail for walking, biking and kayaking, plus picnic areas.
What runners say about Saluda Riverwalk
“It is well kept, feels safe and has most of its area covered in lights for the evening and nights.”
“There is so much nature to observe, with majestic old trees (many with Spanish moss), a variety of wildlife, and beautiful river features.”
“This is my favorite place to walk or run.”
“Picnic tables and multiple seating areas and benches along the way, with many shady spots, make this a very nice walk.”
“Quite a few people on the trail (walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers), but nothing that impeded a relaxing walk.”
This was a very good place to spend an afternoon. The parking area is ample, and the public restrooms a blessing! You may walk towards the sanctuary at Boyd Island or the other direction toward the interstate with either portion being about 3.5 miles give or take.
This is my favorite spot in Columbia. It is a great place for a walk, bike ride, fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, or a picnic. It is a little slice of nature next to a busy city.
Had a wonderful, peaceful walk New years Eve here. 😌 very beautiful if you ignore the huge powerlines, lol. Regardless, it's a wonderful walk and beautiful river. I saw they had a place for people to go tubing, way too cold for that in the beginning of January though.
This is a really nice walk and park. The walk is a couple miles long and has some beautiful scenery. In addition, there are markers along the way that tell about some of the history of the location. William Sherman, an old mill, bridges and more! Great place to visit!
Trail conditions & character
“There is so much nature to observe, with majestic old trees (many with Spanish moss), a variety of wildlife, and beautiful river features.”
“Picnic tables and multiple seating areas and benches along the way, with many shady spots, make this a very nice walk.”
“We loved the elevated boardwalk and paved paths, which offer stunning river views and plenty of shade.”
“The bathrooms were pretty decent as well and I loved the little picnic tables.”
“If you turn right coming down from the parking lot, you'll have a 4-mile round trip walk.”
“Quite a few people on the trail (walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers), but nothing that impeded a relaxing walk.”
“5 miles with our dogs and loved every minute—highly recommended if you’re in town!”
“We loved the elevated boardwalk and paved paths, which offer stunning river views and plenty of shade.”
“All the trails are either paved or wood plank, absolutely wheelchair accessible.”
“It is well kept, feels safe and has most of its area covered in lights for the evening and nights.”
Plan your run at Saluda Riverwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance7 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparksandrec.columbiasc.gov
- Phone+1 803-397-6556
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
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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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