Capital City/Lake Murray Country
Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? This year’s theme “Where
Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing
people together, and fostering the growth of our communities. In
recognition, we’re sharing 15 parks to visit in Lake Murray Country. Make sure to say “Hello and
Thank you” to the staff while you’re on the trail, and share your adventure with us on social
media by using #LakeMurrayCountry!
1. Doko Meadows Park
100 Alvina Hagood Circle | Blythewood, SC 29016
Enjoy a playground and six miles of walking trails and a 2,500-seat amphitheater.
2. Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road | Hopkins, SC 29061
Explore the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining
in the southeastern United States as you traverse 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles
of boardwalk.
3. Guignard Park
964 Axtell Drive | Cayce, SC 29033
This wooded park is located in the heart of Cayce.
4. West Columbia River Walk
109 Alexander Road | West Columbia, SC 29169
Soak up the natural beauty of the Congaree River on this waterside trail that is suitable
for walking, jogging, and more.
5. Owen’s Field Park/Skate Park
1351 Jim Hamilton Boulevard | Columbia, SC 29205
Explore one of the most unique parks in the City of Columbia, from a BMX-style bike
path to the skate park, and playground !
6. Gibson Pond Park
241 Gibson Road | Lexington, SC 29072
Gibson Pond Park is a beautiful wooded park on 15 acres with a fishing dock, picnic
Shelters, a BBQ, plus a loop trail.
7. Lake Murray Dam Parksites & Walkway
1797 North Lake Drive | Lexington, SC 29072
Take a walk on the Lake Murray Dam and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Murray and
the downtown Columbia skyline on this 3.4-mile round-trip trek.
8. Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road | Columbia, SC 29223
This 1,419-acre park, situated in the middle of the Sandhills region, features a beautiful
30-acre lake.
9. Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Road | Columbia, SC 29212
Located along the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, this 400-acre regional park offers
an all-inclusive playground, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; a river observation
deck; picnic shelters; boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch sites.
10. Harbison State Forest
5500 Broad River Road | Columbia, SC 29212
Hike, bike, jog or walk 18 miles of trails in one the largest greenspaces within city limits
east of the Mississippi.
11. Irmo Community Park
7507 Eastview Drive | Irmo, SC 29063
This lush park is home to the Prisma Health Amphitheater, two picnic shelters with BBQ
grills, and walking trails.
12. Crooked Creek Park
1098 Old Lexington Highway | Chapin, SC 29036
Crooked Creek Park is a state-of-the-art recreation complex that encompasses a
community center, 6 athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic tables, walking trails,
playgrounds, and a 27-hold disc golf course.
13. Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road | Prosperity, SC 29127
From recreational water activities to nature trails, top-notch fishing spots, and waterside
camping .
14. Lynch’s Woods Park
This 276-acre park full of large pines and old-growth hardwoods contains 7.5 of tranquil
hiking, and biking trails, and 6.1 miles of equestrian trails.
15. Saluda Park
416 S. Jefferson Street | Saluda, SC 29138
Grab the kids, pack a picnic, and head to Saluda Park to enjoy a paved walking trail,
playground, and gazebo.
Explore more of the natural wonders in the region by checking out the Palmetto Trail,
SC7, and the Kids in Parks program, and keep the adventure going all summer long! For
more information and to plan your next great Lake Murray Country adventure, visit
LakeMurrayCountry.com.
