Pine Island State Park is beautiful, but we aren't sure if you could call it a state park. It's…read moremore like a city park or a recreational area. There are no actual hiking trails at Pine Island, but rather a sidewalk that goes along part of Lake Murray. They have multiple picnic tables (large enough areas to hold a birthday party or other event), benches, a miniature beach with kayaks, a playground, and a new and clean restroom. They do charge you a fee of about $6 or $3.50 depending on the age of the visitor(s). Pine Island has many amenities that most South Carolina state parks do not have, but once again does not feel like a state park. It would be nice if they construct an actual hiking trail.

Beautiful addition to SC state parks. Just know that it is a very small park and there aren't…read moretrails like other state parks. There is one paved walking path, but there are full grassy areas to walk around in the open sun, so it can get hot for a stroll. Plenty of covered picnic spots or swings to take in the beauty of Lake Murray.

In Columbia on business and needed to get out and exercise. I am so thankful to have found this…read moretrail on Yelp. It is a safe environment with plenty of people out walking, plus it's dog friendly. Beautiful scenery and homes along the trail and not to mention you're surrounded by water and the sound of the stream will keep you going. I did see a few people out riding bikes as well. I'm a biker myself, but didn't think that the trail was large enough for large groups on bikes. But then again, are most trails ever?? If you're in the area please do plan to check it out and go for a stroll. Parking is limited, but also available down the street.

It's such a beautiful park the paths are sidewalks so I could get thru with my wheelchair, the…read morecarvings are beautiful and the rest of the art on the walk is beautiful, it's the perfect park!

NO FUN ALLOWED! SCE&G tightly controls it & closes the beach promptly after summer for the rest of…read morethe year, therefore, most of the time the beach is useless as there is no access. You can only look at it through chain-link fences along the dam. This isn't in the best interest of the public. I have to travel to Charleston for free beach so I spend my money & pay taxes there. In addition, since 9/11 the police have overreacted & the area is heavily patrolled in a police-state type of environment. Security cameras are foreseeable in the near future. Enjoy!

I've always enjoyed the exclusivity and peace that you can have near the SCEG Site. From the…read morewater. Fishing. So there, you have one of my favorite fishing spots! Thank you for a great place to enjoy the lake!

This is a great family outing…read more The lights are always well done. About half way through, you can stop for a hay ride ans race your kids down the hill on the slide. Kids can write letters to Santa and buy hot chocolate and snacks. It was a nice warm 48 degrees when we went there. Get out have some fun and make a few memories.

If you love Christmas lights, this is one of the best spots to be. The trail is 4miles long, and we…read morewere able to stroll through for the annual Sleigh Bell Trot. The light displays don't really change year after year, so if you've been last year, there aren't any new surprises this year. Still a fun night out! Safe and clean!

The park has a nice swimming area, with picnic shelters and grills. (You must bring your own…read morebriquettes etc). The water is clean and refreshing and lovely for swimming. Even though it was the weekend it was not too crowded. Parking is a bit tricky. Unless you have a reservation, you have to let them scan a QR code to your phone, and provide an email address so they can send a link to a payment portal. All of this pretty cumbersome, and the time it takes means that cars get backed up at the entrance. Add extra time for confusion if older people are trying to figure this out! Best to prepare by either having a digital native ready to take charge, or pay in advance. After all this is sorted, parking is easy and you can relax and have fun.

I spent a wonderful afternoon here. Parking does cost, however there is plenty of seating, grills,…read moreand swim areas. I especially loved the beautiful view of the lake! This is a great place for families, dates, or self care. The only downside was no dogs allowed.

The security team overseeing the park is very professional and keep the park and parking running…read morevery smoothly. I love to kayak there and feel bad when I have to ask folks fishing from paddle board/kayak launch. A courtesy sign for non-paddlers would help. Thank you Dominion and team that operates the park for boaters, paddlers, walkers, pavilion groups, and sunset watchers!

If you are going to Riverbanks zoo, turn right instead of left and the parking lot will be at end…read moreroad on left. This is one alternative for runners/walkers until the Canal Riverwalk is reopened off of Huger St. There are three main parking lots with overflow spots on side of the road. The paved walkway is scenically right beside a flowing river. Walking down to the path from the main stairs going left or right is about 3.1 miles down and back or the entire path is 6.2ish give or take. Taking the path downstream is more sunny at spots and includes this "island" you can walk on over a man-made bridge. It is a popular spot for walkers, runners, dog walkers, strollers, photographers, kayakers, picnics, fishers, swimmers. There is a park ranger on duty in either the building on-site on roaming grounds in ATV. There is public restrooms; signage says no alcohol and that gate to parking lot closes at 9pm. The downstream path goes underneath the Riverbanks zoo sky buckets which is sort of cool. You cannot see or hear any zoo animals from the path. There is wildlife along trail in form of rabbits, squirrels, sometimes hawks near river. Either path you take it is mostly shaded not a lot of straightaways for runners. Either side has lot of twists and turns so have to keep head on swivel for walkers ahead. Two water fountains for adults, small children and pets. I usually park in main lots but may be additional parking further down road going upstream.

A great hike walk or run when traversing the trail that ends at Boyd island. You can see a few…read morefishermen early in the morning along with the runners. Plenty of deer and other wildlife to gaze upon while you experience the river walk. This is one of my favorite trails in Columbia well put together in my opinion. Free parking and bathrooms at the start by the entrance.

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Congaree National Park was a canoe excursion with…read morePalmetto Outdoor and I'm not so sure we could have asked for a better experience. Our guide, Sean, was fantastic from start to finish. Before the trip even began, he was extremely communicative with my friend who made the reservation, ensuring we knew exactly where to meet, what to bring, and what to expect. As someone who appreciates clear logistics while traveling, this was greatly appreciated. Upon arrival, we met our fellow paddlers, many of whom were fellow National Park enthusiasts visiting Congaree for the first time. Everyone was friendly, excited to be there, and Sean helped create a welcoming atmosphere before we even launched our canoes. For a little context: I am absolutely terrified of snakes. In fact, during my first visit to Congaree a couple of years ago, I considered doing a canoe trip but ultimately chickened out because I couldn't stop thinking about my slithery nemeses lurking nearby. This time, I decided to be brave. While several members of our group did spot snakes along Cedar Creek, everyone was incredibly understanding of my fears. When one was spotted, my canoe companion and guide were kind enough to help turn our canoe so I didn't have to see it. It may sound silly, but it made a huge difference and allowed me to actually enjoy the experience rather than spend the entire trip anxiously scanning the shoreline. And enjoy it I did! Paddling Cedar Creek was really scenic and surprisingly relaxing. Between the reflections on the water and the towering trees at times, I felt like I was in a scene from The Notebook. If you're visiting Congaree National Park, I highly recommend adding a paddle trip with Palmetto Outdoor to your itinerary. Great communication, great guide, great group, and a fantastic way to experience part of the park that most visitors never do!

We took a guided canoe tour with Andy in Congaree National Park. Andy was very friendly and kept…read moreeveryone's spirits high. It was a beautiful day for a tour and the best way to see the park. The paddle was leisurely and Andy had a lot of good information about the park's history and ecology. He takes care of all the setup so you don't have to drag a canoe at any point. The cost was a good value for the experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking to visit.