The original canal was engineered in the 1820s to bypass the shoals of the Broad River.
The 1893 hydro-electric plant located on-site was one of the first in the United States to utilize canal water for power generation.
The park serves as a vital flood-mitigation zone for the city of Columbia.
The site features remnants of the brick locks used to raise and lower cargo boats during the canal's active shipping era.
The park is a designated stop along the Three Rivers Greenway, a multi-modal trail network.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park spans 167 acres along the Congaree and Broad Rivers in downtown Columbia. The site features a 2.5-mile paved trail that follows the historic 1820s canal system used for industrial transport. Visitors can view the original waterworks buildings and the repurposed 1893 hydro-electric plant. The park connects the Congaree River to the historic canal, providing a corridor for walking, cycling, and picnicking. Significant flood damage occurred in 2015, resulting in ongoing partial closures and restricted access to specific sections of the trail system. The park serves as an urban gateway to the river ecosystem, housing diverse riparian wildlife.
The red brick facade of the historic 1893 hydroelectric power plant reflecting on the canal water.
Check the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation website for current trail closure alerts due to ongoing repairs.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the riverside vegetation attracts significant insect populations in warmer months.
Use the Laurel Street entrance for the most direct access to the main parking area and trailhead.
Attempting to walk through areas marked with fencing or 'Closed' signage, as these denote sections still undergoing post-flood restoration.
Portions of the park may experience intermittent closures for maintenance and flood-recovery repairs.
Stay on marked paved paths to protect sensitive riparian habitats and avoid restricted construction zones.
