Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park — Attraction in Columbia

This place is beautiful and a somewhat hidden gem of the city, I have lived in the area for years and never actually known about this parks location, I knew about the canal portion by the museum damaged by the 100 year flood and the other end where the canal starts a park down a dirt road off River Drive that is basically a dirt road with a part leading you to the ruins of the still working canal channel system that begins the long three plus mile track down the canal. This place was a spectacular find by the Columbia water plant there is an entrance to this gem, where a memorial garden is dedicated to Victims then a trail leading to a public Fitness zone perfect for getting strength training in the restrooms are right beside the Park Rangers office. Within the courtyard between the two you find statues dedicated to the hardworking Irish, then a steel beam bridge and an all access viewing theater and museum where you can freely walk through the old pump station building for the canal systems. The canal still releases water from various locations turning from one water fall to several depending on the waterflow needs which make for a beautiful sight. The location is moreso for adults, leashed pets, walkers, bikers, joggers, loungers, hammock relaxers and those looking to find that perfect spot for a blanket-on-the-ground picnic by the river. There are no picnic tables however there are several conversion benches that turn into tables perfect for getting that bit of studying in you might have been needing to complete. Most of the location is high atop a hill and requires steps to gain access to and from locations not wheelchair friendly however a motorized scooter might be okay the bathroom has a very steep edge and a motorized wheelchair will have difficulty going inside but there is a wheelchair ramp up to the bathrooms. There was one major hazard location noticed that seemed to once have hazard tape on it and that was located through the Fitness zone a double boardwalk ramp down to a wooden platform over the water it doesn't look safe at all and like the canal area blocked off I feel it too should be formerly blocked off to avoid injuries to guests. There were several PD callboxes throughout the walking trail no CCTV and rangers are generally seen on the move throughout the park maintaining the grounds and assisting people. A wonderful spot enjoy your time...

Relaxing & beautiful, relatively flat (1small hill), paved place to run. They have a lot of places to sit (benches, picnic tables) along the trail & trails off the trail so if you needed to sit, you can. I didn't see any restrooms along the trail before I hit 2.5 miles but I did see a sign close to the beginning of the trail that said use porta potties at the beginning of the trail... so if you have to use the restroom before 2.5 you may be screwed but maybe they are fixing it.

They have signs posted about the wildlife so be mindful of that.

I enjoyed my run out here. Did 2.5 down until I got to the huge dam then turned around. Im sure I could've kept going but not sure how much more. It was perfect for my workout though.

I went around 0830, there were quite a few people out but everyone stayed to themselves. There were people with strollers, runners, walkers, people on bikes and scooters. Every one was respectful. Did see one person (out of maybe 30 people during my 50 mins) with their dog not on a leash though. Not too bad but I hate that lol

I wouldn't recommend doing this path at night, I'm not sure how the lighting is but it's too many ditches, tree and debris next to the path and bridges you have to go under for me. There are also paths from the woods people were coming out of, so yeah.

It was very clean, didn't see any trash along the path, easy to find parking and the trail.

I would recommend this trail for running, biking,...

Beautiful well maintained and paved and lit walk way just shy of 3 miles from end to end. Tons of people out for a stroll a run or even a workout at the outdoor public use weight gym by the downtown entrance, but everyone seems to be respectful of their space and making room for others.

There is a lower area at the front of the downtown side where people picnic (no tables so bring a blanket) and play frisbee. Its equipped with hammock stands and offers great riverside views. There is a story board that gives children a small “walking book” that has a new page posted at every 1/4 mile or so and benches throughout for a rest if you need it. Theres even a broken up “lower trail” that is unpaved and allows riverside access for fishing and an up-close look at the waterway. Be prepared to climb in and out about 50ft elevation change with no stair.

THERE ARE NOT WATER REFFIL STATIONS. So be prepared or fill up at a sink in one of the restrooms. There are no water fountains or stores to buy drinks.

All in all its an amazing location where the city has really taken the time to make the outdoors open and enjoyable...