Mar 7 Columbia Canal Walks

Downtown Columbia SC is where the Broad and Saluda Rivers form the Congaree River. We are at the fall line, that geologic point at which the piedmont gives way to the coastal plain. Its the last set of rapids on rivers headed to the ocean. It also marks the location of a number of major eastern cities since it was as far as you could travel upriver before encountering obstacles. 

Back in 1820, the plan was to build a canal on the Broad River to navigate by the rapids created by the fall line, thus allowing access further upriver. The canal was finished in 1824 as was another one connecting the Broad and Saluda. The canal along the Broad is 3.1 miles and drops 34 feet requiring 4 locks.

Less than 20 years after its completion, the railroads came to Columbia and the canal became less important. It continued to be used until the civil war. Mills along the canal were converted to make Confederate gunpowder. After the war, in 1868, a plan was hatched to use the canal to provide drinking water for Columbia. That scheme managed failed. Residents got dirty water!

Columbia's Christopher Columbus

Electric power was generated by the canal water in 1891. The hydroelectric plant powered the first textile mill to run on electricity - Columbia Mill in 1894. The latest chapter of the canal, is one I got to experience first hand. It is now a greenway. The canal is not nearly as attractive as the river. 

The greenway follows the canal with the river on the opposite side. It is a good half mile across the river to the other side. Rapids and many islands give it some character. Numerous bridges cross. However, you are separated from the city. The canal is built in a natural ravine. On the other side of the ravine is room for a railroad before you encounter any development.

It was a pleasant walk. A flood in 2015 has closed off a section near the confluence with the Saluda. Otherwise the greenway would connect with another riverside greenway, eventually cross the river and continue along the opposite of the Congaree. There are about 20 miles of riverside greenways along the 3 rivers.