Granby Park
Granby Park, near the historic Granby, Whaley and Olympia Mill Villages, opened in 1998. It is the southernmost segment of the Three Rivers Greenway. This 12-mile river park, will connect the cities of Columbia, West Columbia, and Cayce as well as Richland and Lexington Counties and will provide public access to the Congaree, Saluda and Broad Rivers. Granby Park has wonderful views of the river from deeply shaded paths.
Granby Park offers adventure-seekers and nature-lovers accessible river-related recreation and provides significant green infrastructure that enhances private housing options in the downtown area. A dog friendly park, its bridges, boardwalks, overlooks, and half mile of lighted paved paths accommodate all levels of physical access including baby strollers and wheelchairs. Granby Park offers one half mile of off path trails for mountain bikes and runners.
Starting from the park building, you can walk either direction on this easy walking paved trail, that passes through a very thick and shady wooded area. Helpful signs identify the various trees and other plants (watch out for the ones labeled "Poison Ivy"), and overlooks at either end provide a place to view the Congaree River. Near the south end, you will pass over what was once part of the old Columbia Canal. The trail is lit for evening walks. Bathroom facilities are available at the parking area in the replica saltbox Mill House that echoes the neighborhood architecture from the 1820's. Be aware that they are not always open.
As with almost all parks in South Carolina, bug repellant is strongly recommended.
To get there, take Huger St. to Catawba St. which you will see just before you cross over the train tracks. Turn right and the road will end at the Granby Park parking lot.
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