Saluda Riverwalk — Attraction in Columbia

This is a park we spend a great deal of time at. Sometimes every day in good weather, even in winter.

Yesterday there was off leash dog(s) in a popular area (flat rock area), there was also a woman walking her dog on a leash but allowed it to take a big crap by one of the doggie bag stations and then she just kept on walking. Left this big stinking turd inches off the pavement where people still walk. Then there was another dog that took a massive crap ON the boardwalk and the owner just left it there so it had been stepped on and tracked and kicked all over the boardwalk.

This is disgusting. This is not a dog park, and this is not your dogs private bathroom. Every time we walk the trails there is dog crap on the trail itself and it’s clearly already been stepped in, sometimes being smeared all over. It’s entitled behavior from dog owners that really seem to think they own the place. The park is for everyone not just your mutt. If you don’t want to clean up after your dog, let it crap in your home.

Also wildlife is not at the Riverwalk to be your dogs personal entertainment. No, squirrels are not for chasing & fun. Your dog is not entitled to try and kill the wildlife. Do better.

Please do not let your dogs go up to other people, it’s not funny or cute, some of us have severe allergies that will send us to the hospital, keep your dog in your personal...

I Love Columbia and the Riverwalk, But This Was Disappointing

The City of Columbia is truly a gem, and the Saluda Riverwalk is one of its finest public spaces. I regularly visit and always recommend it to friends for its beauty, peaceful trails, and excellent upkeep. It’s one of the things that makes this city so special.

However, I recently had a frustrating and frankly disappointing experience with a staff member that I feel the city should seriously address. While trying to retrieve a small hand cart from the park area, I encountered a man who appeared to be a park ranger. He had a long beard and a prosthetic leg. Rather than offering help or even basic courtesy, he blocked my exit, refused to let me pass, and treated me with unnecessary disrespect, despite the fact that I was simply trying to leave without causing any disruption.

Columbia has built an incredible reputation as a welcoming and well-managed city. Incidents like this shouldn’t be allowed to damage that. I hope the city ensures that its staff represent its values, professionalism, respect, and service, to all residents and visitors.

Still giving five stars because I truly love this place. But I hope this message reaches the right people.

— A Proud...

My husband and I had such a great time at the Saluda Riverwalk. We started out by taking the trail on the left for a run and then switched to the trail on the right for a more relaxed walk. Both paths were nicely paved, easy to navigate, and offered gorgeous views along the way. The scenery really makes it special—peaceful river views, shady trees, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in.

What I really appreciated is how accessible it is for everyone. The Riverwalk works well whether you’re running, walking, biking, pushing a stroller, or bringing your dog along. It was nice to see people enjoying it in different ways—some out fishing, others hanging out by the little “beach” area near the water. Everything felt clean, safe, and well-maintained.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to get outside—whether for exercise or just to relax—the Saluda Riverwalk is definitely worth a visit.

Focused on running, check out pictures from...