Saluda Shoals Park, developed and managed by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, is one of the newest parks for the Columbia and Midlands areas. It is a regional park unlike any in the United States. The park, at 5605 Old Bush River Road, is located on the banks of the lower Saluda River, approximately eight miles west of the Riverbanks Zoo. It is situated on 270 acres of land off of Bush River Road near St. Andrews Road.

Most of the land is densely forested and this section of the Saluda River receives South Carolina’s highest water quality rating. The sparkling clear waters offer some of the best trout fishing in the country. All of this only a few miles from downtown Columbia! The park was created with one idea in mind: to give the people who live in the community ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the river.

Canoe Launch At Saluda Shoals Park

Fish Cleaning Station

This park, an anchor park for the river alliance effort, will preserve an important combination of woodlands and wetlands, yet allow families and individuals to come to the river for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, nature study, picnics, walks through the woods and even arts performances. Children can play on playgrounds, go tubing, or learn about plant and animal life. Also, there will be an outdoor amphitheater, top-notch tennis courts, picnic shelters and meeting/banquet facilities. A greenway on the banks of the river will allow unobstructed views of the water.

Construction on Phase Two will begin after the opening of Phase One in April 1999. Contact the Saluda Shoals Foundation at (803) 772-3903 for more information.