Riverfront Park North

Riverfront Park North is a 167-acre public park located along the banks of the Congaree River in Columbia, South Carolina. The park is part of the larger Three Rivers Greenway system and offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

The park features a paved 2.5-mile trail that runs along the old towpath of the Columbia Canal, providing scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. This flat, easy walking path is popular for jogging, cycling, and leisurely strolls. The trail connects to other segments of the Three Rivers Greenway, allowing for extended excursions.

Riverfront Park North includes both wooded areas and open green spaces. Visitors can observe local wildlife, including various bird species and turtles that inhabit the river and its banks. The park also preserves remnants of Columbia's industrial past, with visible sections of the historic Columbia Canal and informational displays about the area's history.

The park provides several vantage points and overlooks where visitors can pause to appreciate views of the Congaree River. Benches are placed along the trail for resting and river-watching. During spring, rocky shoals spider lilies can sometimes be seen blooming in the river, adding to the park's natural beauty.

At the northern end of the park, visitors will find the canal diversion dam, which creates a small waterfall effect, especially pronounced after heavy rains. This feature serves as a picturesque endpoint for many park-goers' journeys along the trail.