Hiking trails provide an opportunity for students to get outside and away from the hustle and bustle of campus. Providing access to the comforting sights and sounds of nature, hiking trails are a great way to relax after a hard exam or a stressful paper.
Here are five trails that are perfect to get anyone out and exploring the nature and wildlife surrounding Columbia. The different paths will show you the diversity of the midlands, ranging from dense forests, flowing rivers and beautiful lakes.
Saluda Riverwalk
Established in 2021 as a part of the Three Rivers Greenway system, the trail stretches over 3 miles of boardwalks and paved paths along the Saluda River. The greenway offers a fun time for all skill levels and ages, with its scenic views of the Saluda River and the surrounding nature.
The route is friendly to walkers, runners, bikers and pets. The river walk is popular with kayakers and tubers as it offers an easy access point under the boardwalk to the Saluda River.
The the river walk can be found off I-126 by the Riverbanks Zoo, by turning right on Candi Lane to find the free parking.
Boggy Gut Trail
This trail can be found inside Congaree National Park, located at 100 National Park Road in Hopkins. It's one of the longest in the park, with a round-trip spanning almost 11 miles. The name was changed recently from River Trail to Boggy Gut Trail to discourage hikers from believing the trail provided a simple route to the Congaree River.
Boggy Gut Trail provides a great opportunity for people wanting a significant hiking challenge. The pathway’s difficulty comes from its dense vegetation and swampy environment. Hikers must be wary of the many roots and fallen trees that cover the trail’s floor. For park-goers willing to brave the path’s challenges, they will experience many great aspects of Congaree National Park.
The trail winds through a river levee forest and along Cedar Creek, which is supposedly haunted by Old Man Rogan, a cruel man who died along the creek. Ultimately, you will find yourself at the Congaree River, where you can find plenty of the park’s natural diversity. When the river is low, camping by the sandbar is a great activity for groups and individuals.
Palmetto Trail
The only cross-state trail in South Carolina, the Palmetto Trail currently covers over 400 miles. When completed, it will span 500 miles starting in the mountains of Walhalla and finishing by the coast in Awendaw.
The trail goes straight through the city of Columbia in the Capital City Passage. This passage highlights the beauty and history of Columbia by taking you by city parks, neighborhoods, the Capital Building, and the Horseshoe. The Capital City Passage is the first urban passage in the Palmetto Trail and reaches 10 miles long.
Starting just outside of Columbia and the Capital City Passage is the Fort Jackson Passage, which takes you through the woods surrounding the historic fort. While the path is relatively easy and flat, it is a long trail at over 16 miles. The trail allows hikers to observe the wildlife in the surrounding nature. This passage usually requires hikers to provide a Real ID to pass through, and the trail can close at the discretion of Fort Jackson.
Little Gap Trail
At 3677 State Park Road in Dreher Island State Park, the Little Gap Trail allows you to traverse one of the park’s three islands. Hiking this path will take you through a pine and hardwood forest, offering a perfect place to see the local animals, especially the birds. Hikers even have a chance to spot a bald eagle, as they nest in the area. The trail also features water access and spots for camping.
The park stays open from dawn to dusk and is accessible for all ages. Admission to Dreher Island State Park costs $3 for adults, $1 for children aged 6-15, and children 5 or younger get in free.
Sandhills Hiking Trail
This trail belongs to Sesquicentennial State Park, found at 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, and covers almost 2 miles looping around Sesquicentennial Lake. The path also goes through the park’s forest, giving an opportunity for adventurers to look at the local birds and wildflowers. Hikers can also get a view of a waterfall on the Jackson Creek Bridge.
The trail is made of pavement and boardwalks, so it is stroller friendly. Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. There is a fee to enter the park, with admission for adults costing $6 and children costing $3.50.