- Bundrick Island
Not really an island, this peninsula on Lake Murray has several dirt roads and hiking trails, plus a sandy beach. It is a popular place for boaters.
- Cayce Historical Museum
This is a great place to learn about the early history of the South Carolina midlands area. The main museum building houses a number of historic artifacts. Additionally, there are several outdoor exhibits to show how people in Lexington County lived many years ago. An old bay-window caboose sits here. There is also a short hiking trail through the woods. The Granby Pavillion hosts several events throughout the year.
- Cayce Riverwalk (Cayce)
This is a southward continuation of the West Columbia Riverwalk along the Congaree River, and is part of the Three Rivers Greenway.
- Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve
The 627-acre preserve is loaded with history. Archaeologists have found tools, pottery, arrowheads, and other evidence that people have lived in and around the preserve for nearly 12,000 years. On adjacent property, earthworks still remain where Confederate soldiers dug in as General Sherman's troops headed to Columbia in 1865. Beginning in the early 1900s, clay was dug from pits here for the Guignard Brickworks. The clay pits now form several ponds, home to all kinds of wildlife. Hikers can enjoy an loop though the woods which is several miles long and goes by many historic features.
- Crooked Creek Park (Chapin)
This recreation complex is maintained by the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission. Located adjacent to Chapin Elementary School and Chapin Middle School, it features a large gymnasium, an excellent playground, ball fields, paved trails, and a disc golf course.
- Gibson Pond Park (Lexington)
The northern shore of the historic Gibson Pond is now a great place near Lexington to relax and explore. Several picnic tables overlook the pond, and a short paved hiking trail runs off into the woods. Kayaks may be rented on weekends and certain holidays from April to October. Note that smoking is not allowed anywhere in the park.
- Gibson Road Soccer Complex (Lexington)
Also known as the “Lexington Soccer Complex”, this area has a wide variety of sports facilities for soccer, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and basketball. A long, paved walking path also winds its way through the complex. A large picnic shelter is available.
- Guignard Park (Cayce)
This wooded park offers a relaxing break from the surrounding shopping and business district in Cayce. A creek runs through the park which is in a valley with walking paths. You can also find several picnic areas overlooking the scenery.
- Harbison Greenways (Irmo)
The Harbison residential development has an excellent network of paved walking and bicycling trails running through it. They pass by many residential areas, and they also go out to the malls and shopping centers on Harbison Boulevard. Several ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds, and exercise stations will be found along the way.
- Hilton Recreation Area
This small, wooded recreation area on Lake Murray offers a picnic shelter, a fishing pier, and a two-lane boat ramp. Two picnic shelters overlook the lake as well.
- Hope Ferry Road Landing
This boat ramp is directly across the river from Saluda Shoals Park. You will also find a picnic table and a rope swing here.
- Lake Murray Public Park
This recreation area, just south of the Lake Murray dam, is maintained by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company. It features a large swimming beach plus dozens of picnic shelters, some of which can be reserved for groups.
- Larry Koon Landing
This access point onto Lake Murray has a boat ramp and a few picnic tables, but not much more. The restroom building is open during the summer, but it is not well maintained.
- Lexington County Museum (Lexington)
The Lexington County Museum features on its site the oldest documented house in the town of Lexington. Several other buildings are located here, and tours are available.
- Peachtree Rock Preserve
Known as the “Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve” or the “Peachtree Rock Nature Preserve”, this property protects 460 acres of diverse ecosystems ranging from mountain to desert-like plant communities. Several hiking trails highlight the interesting and unusual scenery.
- Pelion Playing Station and Rail-Trail (Pelion)
The town of Pelion has a short paved walking trail built along the old railroad line. Along the way, you will find a playground and several picnic shelters.
- Riverbanks Zoo, Botanical Garden, and Picnic area (Columbia)
Columbia is fortunate to have an outstanding zoo on the banks of the Saluda River. Riverbanks is home for more than 2000 animals in surroundings that duplicate their natural environments as closely as possible. From the back side of the zoo, a bridge leads across the Saluda River to the Riverbanks Botanical Garden and a series of nature trails. Outside the zoo is a picnic area which provides access to the Saluda River. There are also several walking trails along the river. Since this is such a popular place, it can get crowded and noisy on summer weekends.
- Saluda Shoals Park
This nicely maintained park features a boat ramp, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station. Several hiking trails and horse trails lead off into the surrounding woods. Since canoeing and rafting are very popular on the Saluda River, it also features a special canoe launching bay. Most of the park's features are wheelchair-accessable. A variety of meeting facilities are available for groups.
- SCE&G North Recreational Area
This access point just north of the dam offers one of the nicer views Lake Murray. A boat ramp, vending machines, and fishing piers are available. Several small picnic shelters overlook the lake as well.
- Thomas Newman Landing
This boat ramp is located off the 12th Street Extension south of Cayce and near the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. It provides access to the Congaree River. A short hiking trail runs along the riverside, also.
- Virginia Hylton Park (Lexington)
This shady, well maintained town park has several picnic tables, gardens, a nice playground, a stage, and places to walk. Streams flow through the park and several asphalt walkways wind their way around them. Benches and picnic tables let you sit and relax here also. There is even a special playground for handicapped children.
- West Columbia Riverwalk (West Columbia)
This section of the Three Rivers Greenway runs along the west side of the Congaree River. It passes under two bridges and offers some fantastic views. Even in cold weather, this is a popular place for people to jog and walk dogs. Amenities include picnic tables, a riverside amphitheater, and a canoe launch bay.
