Richland County, SC

Barney Jordan Landing

(Columbia)

This landing has a dock and a boat ramp, plus some picnic tables with good views of the Congaree River.

Bates Bridge Landing

This boat ramp, near the tail end of the Congaree River, is located under the John M. Bates Bridge where US #601 crosses between Richland and Calhoun counties.

Blythewood Park

(Blythewood)

This town park has a playground, softball fields, batting cages, a soccer field, and a gymnasium. Access is easy from I-77.

Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

(Columbia)

Featuring plenty of river views, the Riverfront Park is a nice place to unwind and get away, being within walking distance of Columbia's business district. You can see the history of the Columbia Canal and Water Works while looking through one of the old pump houses. The main trail is also a good place for bicycling. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables along the main section of the park.

Congaree National Park

Located in southeastern Richland County is one of the last surviving old-growth swamps in the eastern United States. Now, a number of boardwalks and hiking trails are open to the public, so this is an excellent place to go for long hikes. Canoeing and fishing are also available here.

Earlewood Park

(Columbia)

Located in the historic Earlewood neighborhood just north of downtown Columbia, this park offers a playground, tennis courts, ball fields, plenty of trees, and a disc golf course.

Finlay Park and Arsenal Hill

(Columbia)

Finlay Park is one of the most elaborate city parks in the Southeast. It includes a man-made pond and waterfall, walking paths, two excellent playgrounds, porch swings, and two stages.

Granby Park

(Columbia)

This park has some nice scenic views of the Congaree River.

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.

Harbison State Forest

(Irmo)

There are plenty of hiking and off-road bicycling trails running thru the 2,176 acres of the Harbison State Forest. Camping is not permitted, but drinking water and restrooms are available at the picnic area. This is becoming a popular place since it is conveniently located in a growing community. A conference center is available for rental.

Maxcy Gregg Park

(Columbia)

This is a nice scenic city park with a creek, a formal garden, and a swimming pool.

Olympia Park

(Columbia)

This park in the Olympia neighborhood provides access to the Mill Villages Riverlink, a part of Columbia's Three Rivers Greenway.

Polo Road Park

Polo Road Park has a great array of sports facilities, including a recreation building with a gymnasium, softball fields, soccer fields, and a football field.

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.

Sesquicentennial State Park

Located near the interchange of I-20 and I-77 just outside of Columbia, this is definitely one of the most convenient and accessible of the state parks in South Carolina. Situated in the middle of the Sandhills region, it features a pond surrounded by nature trails and picnic areas.

Southeast Park

(Columbia)

This park has a scenic pond with a partially-paved trail circling it, plus a large number of tennis courts.

State Capitol Complex

(Columbia)

The nicely landscaped Capitol Complex is the center of South Carolina state government.

Trenholm Park

(Forest Acres)

Many sports facilities will be found in this park, including a gymnasium and a swimming pool. There are also playgrounds and picnic shelters.

W. T. Tolar Public Boat Landing

This boat ramp is one of the few areas which provides public access to the Wateree River. Plenty of paved parking is available.

Blythewood Explorer

24.7 kilometers

Moderately hilly

This route begins in the town of Blythewood and loops around to the north.

Wheeler Hill Ride

7.4 kilometers

Moderate hills

This short ride begins near the University of South Carolina and takes you thru the Shandon and Wheeler Hill neighborhoods.

Wildewood Ride

7 kilometers

Moderately hilly

This is an easy ride thru an upscale residential area. You will pass by several ponds and a golf course.