Lexington County, SC

Bundrick Island

This peninsula on Lake Murray has several dirt roads and hiking trails, plus a sandy beach.

Cayce Riverwalk

(Cayce)

This is a southward continuation of the West Columbia Riverwalk along the Congaree River, and is part of the Three Rivers Greenway.

Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve

The 627-acre preserve is loaded with history. Archaeologists have found tools, pottery sherds, arrowheads and other evidence that people have lived in and around the preserve for nearly 12,000 years. On adjacent property, earthworks still remain where Confederate soldiers dug in as General Sherman's troops headed to Columbia on Feb. 14, 1865. Beginning in the early 1900s, clay was dug from pits for the Guignard Brickworks. The clay pits now form several ponds, home to all kinds of wildlife.

Hikers can walk an easy 2¹/₂-mile trail loop in about 1¹/₂ hours.

Crooked Creek Park

(Chapin)

This recreation complex is maintained by the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission. It features a large gymnasium, an excellent playground, ball fields, paved trails, and a disc golf course.

Gibson Road Soccer Complex

(Lexington)

This complex has a wide variety of sports facilities for soccer, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and basketball. A long, paved walking path also winds its way thru the complex.

Guignard Park

(Cayce)

This wooded park offers a relaxing break from the surrounding shopping and business district in Cayce.

Harbison Greenways

(Irmo)

The Harbison residential development has an excellent network of paved walking and bicycling trails running thru it. They pass thru many residential areas, and they also go out to the malls and shopping centers on Harbison Blvd. Several ponds, picnic areas, and playgrounds will be found along the way.

Hilton Recreation Area

This small recreation area on Lake Murray offers a picnic shelter and a boat ramp.

Hope Ferry Road Landing

This boat ramp is directly across the river from Saluda Shoals Park. You will also find a picnic table and a rope swing here.

Lake Murray Public Park

This recreation area, just south of the Lake Murray dam, is maintained by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company. It features a large swimming beach plus dozens of picnic shelters, some of which can be reserved for groups.

Larry Koon Landing

This access point onto Lake Murray has a boat ramp and a few picnic tables, but not much more.

Lexington County Museum

(Lexington)

The Lexington County Museum features on its site the oldest documented house in the town of Lexington. Several old houses and other buildings are located here, and tours are available.

Peachtree Rock Preserve

Peachtree Rock Preserve protects 306 acres of diverse ecosystems ranging from mountain to desert-like plant communities. Several hiking trails highlight the interesting and unusual scenery.

Riverbanks Zoo, Botanical Garden, and Picnic area

(Columbia)

Columbia is fortunate to have one of the best zoos in the southeast. Located on the north side of the Saluda River, the Riverbanks Zoo is home for more than 2000 animals in surroundings that duplicate their natural environments as closely as possible. From the back side of the zoo, a bridge leads across the Saluda River to the Riverbanks Botanical Garden and a series of nature trails. Outside the zoo is a picnic area which provides access to the Saluda River.

Saluda Shoals Park

This park features a boat ramp, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station. Several hiking trails lead off into the surrounding woods. Since canoeing and rafting are very popular on the Saluda, it also features a special canoe launching bay.

SCE&G North Recreational Area

This access point just north of the dam offers one of the nicer views Lake Murray. A boat ramp and fishing piers are available.

Thomas Newman Landing

This boat ramp is located off the 12^th Street Extension south of Cayce and near the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. It provides access to the Congaree River. A short hiking trail runs along the riverside, also.

Virginia Hylton Park

(Lexington)

This shady, well maintained town park has several picnic tables, gardens, a nice playground, a stage, and places to walk.

West Columbia Riverwalk

(West Columbia)

This section of the Three Rivers Greenway runs along the west side of the Congaree River. It passes under two bridges and offers some fantastic views. Even in cold weather, this is a popular place for people to jog and walk dogs. Amenities include picnic tables, a riverside amphitheater, and a canoe launch bay.

Beech Creek Ride

28.4 kilometers

Moderate Hills

This route begins in the town of Lexington and runs thru some neighborhoods on the south side of Lake Murray.

Little Mountain Explorer

38 kilometers

Moderately hilly

On the first part of this route, you may feel as if you are in the mountains, especially if you ride in the fall. You will also see some nice views of Lake Murray.