Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, City Councilman Howard Duvall, and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department cut the ribbon. last week, for a new entry access point on the Saluda Riverwalk.

A Pedestrian Bridge is also being planned on the Saluda River beside the entrance to the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Gardens in West Columbia. Eventually the Riverwalks in West Columbia, Columbia and Cayce will be connected.

The new addition in Columbia increases river accessibility for canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats and increases water safety recreation overall. It’s just below the Mill Race Rapids near the Candi Lane parking lot, the access point will greatly increase river accessibility for canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats, and enhance water/safety recreation at one of the most popular locations on the Saluda River.

The Saluda River access point will provide:

• Safe ease of entry access to the Saluda River
• New access connection to the existing Saluda Riverwalk trail
• Access point with an opportunity for less experienced river users to get on the river below the class IV rapid of Millrace
• Upgrades tie in seamlessly at the existing Saluda Riverwalk trailhead and greatly improve one of Columbia’s most popular water recreation destinations. City of Columbia photos below