It's no accident that Columbia has three beautiful rivers running
through it. The capital city was selected to be at the geographic center of the
state. And, in the late 1700's river travel was a primary transportation
mode, so the capital city was laid out just up from where the Broad and
Saluda Rivers confluence form the Congaree River. These rivers are popular
for recreation and much development is happening along the rivers for the
benefit of all citizens and visitors.Photo at right: The Saluda River. This picture was taken from the footbridge at Riverbanks Zoo and just 1.5 miles from downtown Columbia!
Metropolitan Columbia has also been ranked among the Top 10 canoe towns in America by Paddler magazine!
The lower Saluda River from the Saluda Dam at Lake Murray down to Columbia is a beautiful and mostly undeveloped river. Most of this section of river (10 of the 11 miles) was designated a State Scenic River by the State Legislature on May 31, 1991. The waters, drawn from the bottom of Lake Murray, are clean and cold enough to support trout. So, the fishing is great and whitewater (Class II to V) and flatwater paddling are very popular.
The "rapids" just off I-126 near the Riverbanks Zoo are a popular place on
warm sunny days. But, water conditions here and at other places on the Saluda
River can be VERY DANGEROUS to river users. Before using this river be aware
that it has rapidly changing water levels, strong currents, cold water, and
large rapids. Many people have drowned, lost boats and equipment, and/or
have required rescue because of their negligence regarding the hazards of
this river. Water flow conditions can change drastically within a couple of
hours because of releases from the hydroelectric power facility at Lake
Murray. The river water comes from deep within Lake Murray and the
temperatures are cold, about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swimmers can experience hypothermia even in the summer. Significant rapids
begin downstream of the I-26 bridge. Mill Race Rapids should be portaged.
A portage trail begins in the power line right-of-way just upstream of Mill
Race Rapids on river right. Enjoy the river, BUT, be careful!
There are two public boat landings on the upper end of the lower Saluda River -- one is the south bank of the river off Corley Mill Road (Lexington side) and the other across the river off Bush River Road. Also, the Saluda Shoals Park, a 240-acre Regional park, will be developed just below the Bush River Road landing. Riverbanks Zoo and Botonical Garden, one of Amrerica's top zoos, is located along the Saluda River just 1.5 miles from downtown Columbia. A footbridge crosses the river between the zoo and the gardens on the West Columbia side of the river.
The Saluda is also a very historical river. The dam at Mill Race rapids (just above the zoo) was originally built to diver water into a canal on the north side, which provided a passage whereby boats could avoid the rapids. The Old Saluda Factory, on the opposite side, was built in 1834. Sherman burned the cotton mill in 1865. A half mile below the rapids are the remains of a bridge that was burned by Confederate forces to slow Sherman's advance into Columbia.
From downtown Columbia, and its start at the confluence at the Saluda and
Broad Rivers, the Congaree River settles into a more peaceful
flow for about 47 miles to its confluence with the Wateree River. The
Congaree offers excellent paddling, some of the best fishing waters in the
state and plenty of history along the river. Congaree Swamp National
Monument is also on the Congaree River.
The are two access points near downtown Columbia for the Congaree River. One is on the Cayce side of the river on Old State Road. This ramp is near the former town of Granby. It was established in the 1750's as a base for Indian trade. Old State Road, running west along the west side of the river was once known as the Cherokee Path and before the automobile was the main road between Charleston and Columbia. Farther down river, prehistoric Indian sites have been found on the bluffs along the river. The Congaree Swamp National Monument is also on the Congaree River.
The Broad River is the least accessible river flowing through Columbia.
Local residents find access points for the best fishing spots along the river.
Two hiking/bike trails at Harbison State Forest provide access to the river.
And, the trail at Riverfront Park and Historic Columbia Canal runs
on the east side of the Broad River for about 2 miles.
The Columbia Rowing Club is rowing from a county park on the Broad River being developed as a rowing center.
The River Alliance, formed in 1995, is now involved with redevelopment and development plans along Columbia's rivers. Their mission is to revitalize the urban waterfront areas with shops, restaurants and quiet residential areas and to protect the unspoiled, natural rural riverscape for the enjoyment of generations to come.
All About South Carolina's Rivers | Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina's Rivers | Lower Saluda River Scenic River | Lower Saluda Map | Lake Murray Information
Rowing on the Broad River
