Three Rivers Greenway offers outdoor recreation

A trip to South Carolina's capital city may include more outdoor recreation than expected. Just paces away from everything urban - hotels, upscale restaurants and shopping centers - Columbia visitors have access to a lush getaway in the Three Rivers Greenway.

Whether interests are sporty, splashy or serene, the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers provide fun and full days of activity to Midlands' residents and tourists, alike.

The River Alliance's Three Rivers Greenway project has already opened nine miles of pathway along the area's rivers. Lighted and paved trails equipped with emergency call boxes, clean bathroom areas, and water fountains wind through the cities of Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce.

Along these pathways, folks can stroll, jog, bike or blade. Casual walkers, handin- hand or hand- to- leash, can stop to read informational wayside exhibits on the history and habitat of the area, or to picnic at a scenic spot overlooking the water. All areas of the Greenway are dog friendly, and all paths are ADA accessible, accommodating baby strollers and wheelchairs.

The sportsman might opt to spend an afternoon reeling in the Congaree's signature striper and trophy fish. Some of the best fishing waters in the state can be found along the Greenway.

The more adventurous (and experienced) river rats can access the water at several points with their canoes or kayaks and challenge the white water rapids on the Saluda River. Or, if relaxation is the goal, families and friends can meet to float lazily down the Congaree River in intertubes.

Resting on a bench at sunset, simply absorbing nature's sights and sounds, might be the perfect river rendezvous with a loved one. The purity of the outdoors also offers inspiration for painting, writing or taking photographs. Bird watching and people watching are common pastimes on the Three Rivers Greenway.

Thanks to the Three Rivers Greenway, there is a wealth of things to do, see, and feel in the metropolitan Columbia area to reconnect with nature. Whether this city is home or not, make sure to take part in the glorious natural resources of the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers. Go to www.riveralliance.org for more information and a list of upcoming events.

The Congaree River

For guided tours and rentals during summer months, call Get Your Gear On (GYGO), 803-799-0999. GYGO offers kayak trips on the three rivers of Columbia for beginners to experts for only $30 per person. The price includes all equipment, guides, and river shuttle. Participants will experience the rapids, cool water, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and history. Trips are approximately three hours. GYGO also has the first outdoor gear consignment store in S.C., 730 Santee Ave. (behind Yesterdays) in Five Points.

River Alliance creates respite among three cities

 

Until 13 years ago, the Midlands' Congaree, Broad, and Saluda Rivers were seen as dividing lines between cities and counties. In 1994, these very same rivers united the Cities of Columbia, Cayce, and West Columbia and Richland and Lexington Counties as these municipalities began to look at what the Midland's over 90 miles of river could be. It was at this time the River Alliance was formed, and the concept of the Three Rivers Greenway began to develop.

Cycling

The River Alliance, governed by a 28 member board of directors is charged with creating a 13- mile urban linear park system (nine miles completed) designed for multiple recreational opportunities, as well as community and economic development. Mike Dawson is the chief executive officer, and the chairman is John McArthur.

The beauty and wonder of the rivers natural treasures are showcased and enjoyed due to the development of the Three Rivers Greenway. Daily visitors to the expansive riverwalk parks enjoy a broad range of outdoor recreational experiences.

The Three Rivers Greenway is dog friendly, with bridges, boardwalks, picnic tables and lighted paths, emergency call boxes, regular police patrols and accommodates all levels of physical access including baby carriages and wheelchairs. Conveniently located parking can be found near trailheads, and bathroom accommodations are easily accessible.

Canoeing

Whether it is enjoying a leisurely stroll through the winding river path, jogging the Greenway, kayaking white water rapids, exploring the treasure trove of natural habitats in a flood plain, learning about the history of the rivers or finding a spot on the bank to fish, the Three Rivers Greenway rewards visitors of all ages and physical attributes.

Currently nine miles of lighted riverfront path snake through the banks of the Congaree River and Saluda River on both the east and west bank, as well as along the canal front of the Broad River. Wayside exhibits tell the story of a Revolutionary War era time on the river, trading on the canal, Sherman's crossing of the river during the Civil War, wildlife inhabitants of the banks and unique botanical growth.

There is so much to do on the Greenway, that a visitor's biggest problem is deciding exactly what to do! For more information, log onto www.riveralliance.org.

Painting Dog walking Chillin' Fishing Eating