I can’t believe we have waited so long to visit Saluda Shoals Park.

My grandpa, Chuck McCurry, and I drove to Saluda Shoals around 1 pm after picking up a quick lunch.

 When we arrive at a park, we like to check out the visitor center to learn more about the park, its history, and what there is to do. 

The Environmental Center at Saluda Shoals did not disappoint us. The huge building has large displays and abundant information.

 One of the park staff told us about the park’s history and future plans. 

Let me share some of that with you.

The park became an idea in the mid-1980s to offer outdoor recreation on the Saluda River.

In 1992, the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission bought 265 acres from SCE&G for a riverfront park. 

In 1996, after public discussions, the commission developed a plan.

 In 1998, construction began and the next year the Hope Ferry Landing was opened to the public. 

Construction of the Environmental Center, River Center, trails and roads began and in April of 2002 the grand opening attracted 3,500 people.

We thanked the ranger and started hiking the park’s 4 mile paved trail outside the Environmental Center.

The trail’s clean concrete path disappeared into the forest, either side fluffed with leaves under the naked hardwood trees.

  The weather was perfect for a January day, mid 60s, sunny, with a light breeze. As we started hiking, almost right away we crossed another road and came to the river. The air felt cooler when we reached the bank.  It was the perfect place to take pictures. 

In a few minutes we were on the greenway trail.

Saluda Shoals has over 480 acres and 4 miles of paved and 6 miles of unpaved trail to explore. They can be hiked or biked and bike rentals are offered at the Environmental Center.

Two boat landings are available for a perfect  float down the 1.5 mile stretch between the landings.

The greenway reminded us of the Cayce Riverwalk.

 The trail has outlets that lead to benches with great views of the river.

Farther south, a little island parts the river. When the river is low, you can wade across the channel to the island but today the river was rushing so I settled for more pictures!

 We turned back and took the unpaved trail paralleling the Greenway for different scenery. In total we hiked a leisurely 2 miles.

We had a great time talking to othersl. You feel like part of a community when you meet people on the trail.

The River Alliance eventually hopes to extend the Three Rivers Greenway making it possible to bike or hike almost 20 miles from the 12,000 Year History Park and the confluence of the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers to Saluda Shoals way to Saluda Shoals, 

Do yourself a favor and visit Saluda Shoals on a sunny day. It has countless things to do for any age, group or classes.

Coming in February: ___________________

The monthly World Outdoors is written by Cole Stilwell, a 10th grader at Gray Collegiate Academy and the Chronicle’s electronics and social media intern.