News Summary
Columbia has announced a six-month closure of sections of the Riverfront Park trail to facilitate construction on the Columbia Canal, which is crucial for the city’s water supply. Despite the closures, some sections of the trail remain accessible. Meanwhile, the city of Cayce has also closed part of its riverwalk due to sewer overflow issues. Residents are encouraged to explore alternative outdoor activities while repairs are underway and stay updated on reopening timelines.
Columbia announced a six-month closure of part of the Riverfront Park trail effective May 30, 2025, as construction begins on the Columbia Canal, a critical water source for the city’s water treatment plant. The closure affects sections of the trail located south of the Interstate 126 bridge and the railroad trestle, which have been closed since June 2, 2025, to facilitate the construction of a new water intake.
Despite the closures, access remains available to a section of the Riverfront Park trail. Two miles are open from the park’s northern entrance, while an additional half-mile is accessible via the southern entrance.
In addition to Columbia’s trail closures, the city of Cayce has closed Phase Two of its riverwalk, which connects Lyles Street to Kelley Jones Park. This decision comes after a sewer overflow incident on May 24, 2025, and officials have not provided a timeline for when this section may reopen. Meanwhile, a half-mile portion of the West Columbia Riverwalk has been closed since September 2024 as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Repair plans are currently underway, although no specific reopening date has been announced.
On May 6, 2025, the city selected a contractor to oversee the repairs for the West Columbia Riverwalk, amid ongoing frustrations from residents regarding the prolonged closure and lack of clear timelines for reopening. Many have voiced concerns about the condition of the trails and the need for public access to these outdoor spaces.
The extensive damage to sections of the West Columbia Riverwalk has been attributed to erosion, undermining the trail and causing bank stability issues. Due to these complications, repair times are expected to be longer than initially anticipated. In response to these closures, city officials are working toward solutions and transparency regarding the status and plans for reopening the trails.
For residents and visitors looking for alternative outdoor activities while the trails are closed, six alternatives have been suggested:
- Saluda Riverwalk: This is the only fully open section of the Three Rivers Greenway, offering approximately three miles of paved walkways and boardwalks ideal for pedestrians and cyclists. This area also provides access for fishing and boating and is located near the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
- Timmerman Trail: A scenic trail encompassing 3.5 paved miles that circles around Congaree Creek, making it dog-friendly and accessible for a variety of users. It connects to the third and fourth phases of the Cayce Riverwalk, with accessible entrances at Scana Parkway and the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center.
- Congaree National Park: Located about 30 minutes southeast of Columbia, this national park features a range of trails, as well as kayak and canoe access to its waterways and numerous campsites. It is home to the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States, although some parts of its boardwalk are closed for construction.
- Sesquicentennial State Park: The park includes four trails, a six-mile mountain biking trail, and a fishing lake, available for a $6 admission fee for adults, with discounted rates for children.
- Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve: This preserve features six trails, a picturesque waterfall, and unique sandstone formations, including the smaller “Little Peachtree Rock.”
- Harbison State Forest: This area offers 18 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Broad River and includes a canoe landing for outdoor enthusiasts.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the updates on the trail closures as the city has planned an upcoming conference on December 17, 2025, to discuss repair strategies for the Riverwalk with representatives from FEMA and the City of Columbia. As the situation develops, the city remains committed to ensuring the restoration of access to its outdoor recreational spaces.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: West Columbia Riverwalk Closure
- Wikipedia: Columbia River
- Tri-City Herald: Local News Article
- Google Search: Columbia trail closures
- NBC Right Now: Columbia Park Trail Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia Canal
- KOIN: Cougar Stalks Hiker in Columbia River Gorge
- Google News: Oregon trail closures
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
