!!WARNING WARNING WARNING!!
It’s been noted in the comments below that this section can no longer be used on your own because the Zoo has closed off the put-ins. If anyone has any further information on this, please let us know or this listing will have to be removed from the site!.
!!WARNING WARNING WARNING!!
Description: This is probably the best section to inner tube in Columbia, SC. It’s a mixture of slow easy flowing water and small rapids that are easy to handle. The largest rapid is right at the beginning and the one shown in the video below. If you don’t have the right tubes for this river
You can enter the river in two places, both from the Riverbanks Zoo parking lot. If you follow the parking lot all the way to the right, down towards the power lines, you can extend your float and listen to the sounds of the animals in the zoo before you reach the rapids. If you want to jump in and hit rapids right away, follow the parking lot all the way to the left and you can enter the river by crossing some large boulders.
Length: 2.2 miles
Cost: Free
Note: This gauge does not tell the depth of the water throughout the entire float. It is measured in a single place to give an overall idea of the height of the river compared to other days measurements.
This trip is no longer viable, the zoo has closed down (as in put up 10′ fences) both river entrances to anyone but commercial tours. If anyone has another place to put in the info would be appreciated. I love this part of the river.
Ana, when you say commercial tours, do you mean Palmetto Outdoors is still allowed to put in here, but going without going through them isn’t allowed anymore?
You can put in at Saluda Shoals Park (requires an entrance fee), Meetze Landing (no entrance fee), or Gardendale Landing (no entrance fee).
You can take a right instead of a left to go to Riverbanks and put in. There’s an outdoor place up on the left that you can rent tubes, kayaks from.
Hey Judy, can you give more details about how to get to the outdoor place or what it’s called where you can rent tubes and go down the river? I’m new to the area.
Jenny this article should help read the whole thing
http://www.thestate.com/2013/04/05/2708483/no-easy-public-access-to-saluda.html
Palmetto Outdoors doesn’t answer the phone or return calls? are they open for business?