Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve: A 627-acre preserve just outside of Columbia, this area boasts a 2.7 mile hiking trail through wetlands and hardwood floodplain. Website. Directions. Trail Map.

Three Rivers Greenway: A 15.5 mile trail system, the three rivers greenway is a network of trails along the Congaree, Saluda, and Broad rivers. Spanning from North of the Saluda Riverwalk all the way South to the Cayce Tennis & Fitness Center, there a multiple access points to the trail system along the Columbia, West, Columbia, and Cayce sides of the River. With paved trails and scenic riverside views, these accessible trails are a great fit for family outings! Website. Trail Map.

Saluda Riverwalk: Technically part of the three rivers greenway, this trail is so nice we wanted to shout it out in particular! Come take a walk alongside the Saluda, and even make the 1.75 mile walk down to Boyd Island Sanctuary, a small but beautiful island with lots of wildlife and views of the Congaree confluence. Website. Directions. Trail Map. 

Harbison State Forest: Harbison boasts over 2000 acres of protected forest while being less than 10 miles from Downtown Columbia. There are over 18 miles of trails to explore across the mixed pine and hardwood forest, a number of which have great views of the bluffs off the broad river. Note: Parking at Harbison is $5/car. Website. Directions. Trail Map.

Saluda Shoals Park: Located along the Saluda River, this 480 acre park offers nearly ten miles of trails that meander through forest, open grasslands, a small wetland preserve, as well as the river itself. The park also offers two seperate boat launches, and rents kayaks, and tubes for exploring the river itself! Note: The park charges an entrance fee of $5/car.  Website. Directions. Trail Map. 

Local Parks: In addition to Saluda Shoals park, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Comission manages a number of beautiful parks perfect for observing wildlife in.  Find more information about parks in the area online! Website. 

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve: While its namesake rock formation is now unfortunately toppled, this preserve still has beautiful hikes, interesting sandstone rock formations, and the only waterfall in South Carolina's coastal plain. Since 2007, this site has also been a site of long-leaf pine restoration. Website. Direction. Trail Map.

Shealy's Pond Heritage Preserve: A small 62 acre preserve along Scouter Creek, this reserve is centered on preserving its namesake 6 acre lake as well as its associated wetlands. The 1.4 loop trail exploring the property is a great place to see birds, mammals, and herps associated with this wetland habitat. Website. Direction. Trail Map

Congaree National Park: A National Park, UNESCO Biosphere reserve,  and one of the best examples of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, Congaree National Park is a hidden treasure only 30 minutes from Columbia. The park has an amazing set of trails, including over 2 miles of raised boardwalk to let you get an up-close look at a floodplain swamp ecosystem. There's so much to do and see that this blurb can't do it justice; check out their website, or even better, check out the park!. Website. Direction. Trail Map.

Sesquicentennial State Park: Affectionately referred to as "Sesqui," this park offers over 12 miles of nature trails surrounding scenic Sesquicentennial lake. One of our favorite trails is the sandhills trail, a 2 mile loop meandering around the lake. Note: The park charges per-person admission; see website for details. Website. Direction. Trail Map.

Wateree Heritage Preserve: Located 17 miles East of Columbia on Highway 378, this preserve has a wonderful mix of upland hardwood, pines, and managed wetland areas throughout the park. While partially managed for game animals, Wateree's an awesome place to see animals like deer, waterfowl, and even fox squirels. The lookout also provides a bird's eye view of the forest that shouldn't be missed! Website. Direction. Trail Map.