Saluda Shoals Park

Nature's Playground on the Saluda

Right next to the flowing Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina, Saluda Shoals Park spreads across 480 acres of natural beauty that's just waiting to be explored. It's one of those places where you can really disconnect from city life without having to travel far. There's a $5 daily entrance fee per vehicle, but if you visit frequently, annual passes offer a much better deal.

Trails That Tell Stories

The park's network of paved and unpaved paths accommodates both casual strollers and dedicated trail runners. As you wind through the wooded areas and alongside the river, keep your eyes peeled - you might spot turtles sunning on logs, river otters playing in the current, or even owls watching silently from the trees.

The Saluda Shoals Wetland Preserve feels like a little hidden world within the park. It's a peaceful place where native birds, animals, and plants thrive in their natural habitat. If you're looking for a moment of calm, this is where you can find it.

River Adventures

The clear, cold waters of the Saluda River are the park's crown jewel. With convenient boat ramps and dedicated canoe/kayak launches, getting on the water is a breeze. Whether you're hoping to catch some fish or just enjoy paddling along the current, the river provides a refreshing escape.

Don't have your own equipment? No problem. The park rents kayaks, canoes, and tubes for those impromptu river adventures. If you're new to paddling or want to learn more about the river ecosystem, their guided kayak tours are worth checking out.

Kid-Approved Fun

If you're visiting with little ones, Leo's Landing is a must-see. This inclusive playground is designed for children of all abilities. Kids can zoom down ziplines, scale climbing equipment, make music on outdoor instruments, curl up in reading nooks, or let their imaginations run wild on creative play structures.

When summer temperatures rise, Saluda Splash water playground offers sweet relief (for an additional fee). It's popular with families looking to cool down without the worries of river currents.

Get Moving

For sports enthusiasts, Saluda Shoals offers several options. Tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, and a disc golf course are available for matches or practice sessions.

Even four-legged family members have their own space to play. The Bark Park gives dogs the freedom to run off-leash and make new friends, but you're welcome to bring your leashed pup throughout most of the park as well.

Learn Something New

The Environmental Education Center brings the park's natural wonders into focus through engaging exhibits and programs. It offers hands-on learning about local ecology and conservation efforts year-round.

If you're planning a gathering, the park's picnic areas come with tables and shelters that you can reserve ahead of time. Some even have grills and fire pits for a great outdoor meal. For more formal occasions, the River Center offers meeting and event spaces surrounded by natural beauty.

Seasonal Magic

While beautiful year-round, the park transforms during the holiday season with the Festival of Lights. This drive-through experience features illuminated displays throughout the winter evenings.

Saluda Shoals Park balances developed recreation areas with natural spaces. Whether you're looking for an active day of sports or a quiet moment by the river, the grounds, amenities, and riverside setting offer something for every season.