Martin Luther King Jr. Park was an awesome public park, both for the way it honored Dr. King's…read morelegacy, as well as providing a nice public space and geographical information for city residents. I went to the park on MLK Day 2026 (1/19/26) and was happy to see that others had already stopped by to lay flowers and place a wreath at the park, and pay their respects to Dr. King. I took one lap around the park and liked reading the plaques about wetlands and detention ponds, as well as looking at some other symbolic markers around the park. To conclude, this is a great public park, and I'll definitely be back in the future to walk around and collect my thoughts. My favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote: "The time is always right to do what is right."

Not far from the bars and restaurants in the Five Points area, this park is bisected by a small…read morebrook (bigger than a stream, not quite a creek) with a large fountain on a brick path. There are a number of benches and picnic tables which would make this a good spot for bringing lunch from nearby. There did seem to be a small population of residentially-challenged but they kept to themselves and I was able to enjoy the park today. The large fountain is pretty and there are some other tributes to the late Doctor King including a stone carved with a small portion of one of his more famous speeches. There is some street parking. [Review 14036 overall, 1358 of 2020, number 673 in South Carolina.]

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 my favorite parks in Columbia! I love the paved sidewalk around the park that can be…read moreutilized as a walking path to get some exercising via walking or jogging. There's a gazebo with one table which is nice. There are also two or three more picnic tables throughout the park. The smaller children's playground is a nice size, and then there's a playground for the older kids, both of which is a basic slide or two and a couple things to climb. There's also a zip line for the kids which is really cool. The swings are on another side of the area park. It's either baby swing or your normal big kid/adult swing. There's open field space. And then, another reason this park is so great is the splash pad for the kids. I will say the water pressure is not hitting on much this summer. I'm wondering what's up with that. However, we are grateful for the little sprinkle that we are receiving when the water shoots out. Even still, this is a nice and sometimes shaded park. Just be prepared for the splash pad. Also, it's street parking.

Really nice park in the downtown area. Equipment for kids of all ages. The park has a splash pad…read moreduring the summer. It has a really nice green space and a zip line. #hiddengem

It was a beautiful day. Very nice walk. We pushed a stroller without problem. Loved seeing the…read moreturtles and even got to see a snake and egret. Just bummed that a large part was closed so wasn't able to get all my steps in.

Beautiful park. We were able to take a nice afternoon walk. There are some nice spots to take…read morepictures.

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.

Nice and close to the highway. Great green space and playground options. A pond with a fountain and…read morea lots going on every time we have stopped.

I visited the Irmo Community Park today to attend the 47th Okra Festival. This is a two day…read morefestival. I was a vendor this year, this was a huge success. Lots of foot traffic and people visiting my table. It is a very well maintained public park, and they have paved walking paths. There is also a hard standing building in the park that has both a male and female restrooms. Bathroom where maintained and clean. This park also has plenty of trees which allows you to excercise under the shade of the trees. Lots of vendors selling a large variety of items and food. Check the website for the entertainment line up. Security and the ambulance where in site for our safety, very much appreciated. This will be a yearly event for me to attend.

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 good- beautiful lake, lots of sites and amenities. The…read morebad- most items in tackle shop unpriced, busted up roadways, small sites, mostly unkept and broken. The ugly- mold in bathrooms, shower curtains ready to walk away on their own on the 80 loop. (Like, loose your campground host they're terrible) Not the best campground in SC, but you can have a good time here on the right site.

I stayed in camper cabin 3 the weekend of October 4th, 2025. The main reason we stayed in a camper…read morecabin was because it's a pet friendly cabin. The cabin itself is tiny. One full bed and one set of bunk beds. One small dorm-type refrigerator and a small microwave. One thing I learned quick was to not run the microwave while the refrigerator is also plugged in as the breaker will trip. So I unplugged the refrigerator whenever I needed to use the microwave. The refrigerator will hold several bottles of water, ham, cheese, mayo, etc. I also brought some soup and a soup mug to use in the microwave. Also to note, it's about a 30-45 second walk to the bath house, at least from cabin 3. The bed wasn't horribly uncomfortable. I had my pillows and sleeping bag from home and was quite comfortable. The little Gree mini-split unit kept the cabin at a great temperature. Now for the not-so-good things. First, a metal roof surrounded by trees, some of which were dropping acorns. Large acorns hitting a metal roof from high up make a very loud BANG when they hit the roof. Quite the scare in the middle of the night. That's my only complaint. There was a nice little front porch and a picnic table with fire pit close by. I must say it was a great weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life. I'm still giving this review 5 stars. The state park employees work very hard to make sure you have a great experience. And you have to want to be a state park employee. It's not just a job you get. You have to have a passion for it.