The Midlands and Upstate Places

Columbia

Canoeing and Kayaking

The Saluda River near Columbia has challenging Class III and IV rapids. Saluda access is out of town in Gardendale and Saluda Shoals Park, as well as at the Riverbanks Zoo. The Broad and the Saluda rivers meet in the center of town to become the calmer Congaree River. There's public access for the Congaree behind EdVenture on Senate Street at the Senate Street Landing.

Adventure Carolina. Guided Saluda, Broad, and Congaree river (Saluda and Broad have rapids, Congaree is calm) trips and swamp canoeing excursions can be arranged, as can canoe rentals, at Adventure Carolina. 1107 State St., 1 mi southwest of Columbia, Cayce, SC, 29033. 803/796-4505. www.adventurecarolina.com.

River Runner Outdoor Center. You can rent canoes and kayaks or sign up for guided river or swamp expeditions at the River Runner Outdoor Center. 905 Gervais St., Vista, Columbia, SC, 29201. 803/771-0353. www.riverrunner.us.

Saluda Shoals Park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Saluda Shoals Park. 5605 Bush River Rd., 12 mi northwest of downtown Columbia, Columbia, SC, 29212. 803/731-5208 or 803/213-2050. www.icrc.net.

Congaree National Park. Self-guided canoe trails traverse Congaree National Park, 20 mi southeast of Columbia. Free guided trips are offered throughout the year and there is a 2.5-mile boardwalk through the swamp. 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins, SC, 29061. 803/776-4396. www.nps.gov/cong.