West Columbia’s Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater is one of the most-unique parks in the country. The park, a tree-lined trail, allows hands-on access to the Lower Saluda River as it converges with the Broad River to form the Congaree at the majestic Gervais Street Bridge. 

On any given day, the West Columbia Riverwalk is packed with anglers, runners, dog-walkers and baby strollers. Families picnic and soak their heels in the cool flow of the clear water. 

“It’s a wonderful attraction,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. “It took a lot of forethought, but building a spot that would be so revered, heavily-used and revisited is what was envisioned when the West Columbia Riverwalk was being planned. It is certainly the crown jewel of West Columbia and the Midlands. And all the feedback we receive supports that assessment of it.”

Miles also said the City of West Columbia has moved to add more and more parking around the site as the park has become more popular and discovered by more people. 

There are close to 2,500 Google reviews of the West Columbia Riverwalk. Visitors were impressed with: the clear water of the river, the variety of wildlife, the stately homes; the serenity; and the proximity to restaurants. Click here for a link to the reviews. Below are some of the comments from visitors to the West Columbia Riverwalk: 

Amber Gibbs said: “Lovely well kept park with an amphitheater for live shows and waterside walkways. It has paved paths and a series of workout machines spread out along the trail for the fitness oriented! The tubes launched at the Saluda river walk for floating also come in here to end their trip so in the summer it can be bustling and energetic right at the front. Restaurants of all styles and a brewery within walking distance (across the street!) make this a great spot to be for all kinds.”

S Brooks said: “I took my son here while he was visiting from California. He loved it, and so did I. What a beautiful place to stroll, have some peace, and enjoy nature at its best.”

Nicole LeVan said the West Columbia Riverwalk is: “Super clean! Always cool little things for my boys to do and look at. Love the Christmas tree made of kayaks also. Getting more and more art as the years go by….we kayak now and this area is the perfect put in.”

Joe Joe H said: “Great place for a little morning walk with your dog.  The views are amazing! There’s a public restroom as well.  If ever you have trouble finding a parking spot there’s a free public parking space just across the street.”

Lavonia Street said: “Went tubing with some friends. Had not been here much lately and it was their first time. I love the water its so peaceful. Check it out. I am sure you will love it.”

Kyle Robert said: “Beautiful stroll by the river on Easter Sunday!  So much nature and wildlife to observe surprisingly.  We saw ducks, geese, loons, turtles, snakes and more! Very relaxing.”
Doris Coleman visited Riverwalk in March. She said: “Walking along the Riverwalk is always calming for me. I love the scenery and being able to sit on a bench or even stretch along the path is a special treat. The Riverwalk is a place for calmness, serenity, reflection and even sometimes to pray.”

Aida Colombo said: “Ideal place to spend a weekend morning outdoors. Beautiful river views, water is surprisingly crystal clear, the area surrounding  Riverwalk is built up with playgrounds, exercise equipment, public restrooms, kayak rentals and great spots to fish from. The walk itself still looks new and is in great condition.

Bob Swarner said: “Very scenic and clean. The facilities seemed to be well maintained.”
Anthony Stone said: “Beautiful place to walk and relieve a bit of stress if needed. Very friendly atmosphere. The houses along the river are phenomenal.”

Michael Waddell said: “I love the Riverwalk! It’s got an awesome amphitheater and the trails go on for miles! It’s great to bike or walk! There’s some picnic tables right by the amphitheater that are a delight to eat at and look at the river. Pro tip: get Café Strudel to-go! It’s such a beautiful place and serene…..

• Playground: Great playground area nearby
• Restrooms: Clean and on-site when you walk up!
• Dog-friendliness: Very dog friendly, just pick up after your pet!
• Picnic area: There are picnic tables around that you can eat at.

With so many reviews, the consensus is that West Columbia’s Riverwalk is a crown jewel. Be sure to get out and enjoy it as soon as you can. 

West Columbia Public Parks

• B Avenue Ball Park – 815 B Avenue (Baseball, Football, Restrooms)
• Carraway Park at the Riverwalk – A Place for All Children to Play Together – 212 Hudson Street (Restrooms, Covered Picnic Tables (First Come, First Serve), All-Inclusive Playground
• Douglas Reeves Community Park – 761 Augusta Street (Tennis, Playground, Restrooms, Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Rosamunda Percell-Butler Community Park – 1100 Raleigh Street (Basketball, Playground, Picnic Shelter, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Fowler Community Park – 1800 C Avenue (Playground, Picnic Shelter)
• TriCity Leisure Center
• Howard Sports Complex – Baseball and Softball fields
• Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street (Interactive Art Sculptures, FREE Public Wi-Fi, Parking)
• Moffatt Street Entrance to the Riverwalk – 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater – 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, Restrooms, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Bark West Dog Park – 1940 Augusta Road (Membership required)