Rivers Near Columbia, South Carolina

Several rivers near Columbia and the University of South Carolina provide research as well as recreational opportunities. The Saluda River flows through the city before joining the Broad River to form the Congaree, a truly large river that is part of Congaree National Park, the country’s largest preserved old growth flood-plain hardwood forest. The Wateree River is a highly regulated river that hosts the rare spider lily, and its flood plain is typical of the flood plains of coastal Carolina Rivers. The following images by Graf show the character of the regional streams.

• Images of the Saluda River




Saluda River north of Columbia

Saluda River at the Fall Line near Columbia

Saluda River above the Fall Line, near Columbia

Saluda River 2 km downstream from Saluda Dam

Bald eagle, a resident along the Saluda River near Columbia

• Images of the Wateree River




Spider Lilies on the Wateree River, Landsford State Park

A rainy day on the Wateree River at the Fall Line, with spider lilies, Landsford State Park

Flood-plain forest of the Wateree River, Poinsett State Park

• Images of the Congaree River, Congaree National Park




Congaree River at the “Devil’s Elbow,” a meander cutoff and newly formed oxbow

Congaree River along the Congaree National Park boundary

Congaree River by canoe

Congaree National Park from nearby bluffs, showing the flood-plain forest

  Back to Dr. Graf's homepage