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West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,112 Google reviews · Running trail in West Columbia, South Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater'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.
This park on the Congaree River features an amphitheater & connects with the Three Rivers Greenway.
What runners say about West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
“No matter what time of year you go, it’s absolutely beautiful, but I think it’s at its peak during the spring months, such as March and April.”
“A good chill spot plenty of seating in the amphitheatre and on the walk great place for running would hold off on the bikes because the path dose get crowded with people sometimes”
“Very shaded as compared to the Columbia canal & riverfront park (closest to downtown) which was all sun and under construction at 1/2 miles also.”
“Great place to go walking beautiful Serene.”
“I’ve been coming here for years, sometimes to run, sometimes to take a leisurely stroll, walk my dog, clear my head, converse with friends, etc.”
I had such a wonderful experience, it's just set up to awe you. First of all it's very clean. Next the sights and sounds are amazing. I walked about 7 miles now I just want to keep going back. Secondly it's very cool, pet friendly, child friendly.
I drove from Charlotte to visit the West Columbia Riverwalk, which is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive. I went alone to try something different from Carowinds or Wet 'n Wild, wanting to enjoy some time in nature. I didn't make an online reservation.
Great spot to walk the dogs. Lots of dog waste stations stocked with bags along the trail. There are some spots you can access to let them get in the water. The water areas mostly arent suited for shorter legged dogs. The parking access area has Water filling stations and bathrooms.
One of my favorite places for a walk or a run in Columbia SC. Dog friendly, kid friendly, shady and smooth pathways. Good for bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skating. In the summer, there is also tube rentals to go tubing down the river, which is a must-do every summer!
Trail conditions & character
“No matter what time of year you go, it’s absolutely beautiful, but I think it’s at its peak during the spring months, such as March and April.”
“I’ve been coming here for years, sometimes to run, sometimes to take a leisurely stroll, walk my dog, clear my head, converse with friends, etc.”
“Parking is free, with options ranging from across the street to a 5-minute walk, depending on where you park.”
“Very shaded as compared to the Columbia canal & riverfront park (closest to downtown) which was all sun and under construction at 1/2 miles also.”
“There is a bathroom facility at the start and we went right for 1/2 mile and then turned around.”
“Great place to go walking beautiful Serene.”
“The lights, the history behind the bridge and how they have the history written for every person to see.”
Plan your run at West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- 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 — 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.
- Websitewestcolumbiasc.gov
- Phone+1 803-791-1880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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