These are the 10 best places to walk in Columbia SC. Here’s why they’re worth a try
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story had incorrect details about the Waverly Historic District.
If you’ve searched for a home to buy or rent over the past few years, you may have come across something called a Walk Score, a grade that attempts to quantify a neighborhood’s pedestrian friendliness.
So, how walkable is Columbia? We’ll get to that in a minute.
First, let’s dive into what measures this Walk Score. The company Walk Score, a subsidiary of the real estate website Redfin, collects and interprets data using their own methodology that helps determine the walkability of ZIP codes throughout the United States and some cities abroad.
When grading how walkable a neighborhood is, Walk Score takes into consideration proximity to amenities such as grocery stores, medical services, schools and even restaurants. It also takes into account population density, how long blocks are and how dense intersections can get.
Columbia, South Carolina, has an overall Walk Score of 35. Though by this score, Columbia is considered a “car dependent” city where most errands require a car, there are five neighborhoods that fall within the “Very Walkable” range.
Below are the most walkable neighborhoods in Columbia, according to Walk Score — and where we recommend going for a stroll.
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Note: Walk Score is measured on a scale from 0-100 and broken out into five classifications. Here’s what those scores mean.
0-24: Car Dependent where almost all errands require a car
25-49: Car Dependent but only most errands require a car
50-69: Somewhat Walkable meaning some errands can be done by foot
70-89: Very Walkable meaning most errands can be completed by foot
90-100: Walker’s Paradise meaning daily errands do not require a car
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University Hills
Walk Score: 84/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The University of South Carolina’s campus is generally pedestrian friendly, but the most scenic areas to go for a walk in University Hills is Gibbes Green and The Horseshoe. These two lush green spaces encompass the historic part of the university and give students and visitors alike tree-lined walkways to explore and take in the campus.
Distance: 47 acres
Martin Luther King
Walk Score: 81/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: You’ll find neighbors going to Martin Luther King Jr. Park for afternoon walks, to let their kids play on the playground, and to give their dogs green space to enjoy. In addition to a baseball field and community center, there’s a monument to Martin Luther King Jr. for which the park and the neighborhood are named.
Size: 10.7 acres
Shandon
Walk Score: 75/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Because it’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood, Emily Douglas Park feels almost like a backyard. Lined with trees, the park has a playground and a sprinkler that keeps kids cool while they’re playing. It’s also a dog friendly park, so feel free to bring the pups along!
Size: 2.9 acres
Sherwood Forest
Walk Score: 74/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: The W. Gordon Belser Arboretum, which is part of the Biological Sciences department of the University of South Carolina, is a nature escape from the city. The arboretum’s collection displays plant life across ten different biomes and a waterfall.
Size: 10 acres
Waverly Historic District
Walk Score: 72/100 Very Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Columbia’s first suburb is bounded by Gervais, Harden, and Taylor Streets and Millwood Avenue and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, then the African American Civil Rights Network in February 2021. Walk through the neighborhood to view notable sites, including Allen University and the former site of Waverly Five & Dime, once operated by George Elmore, an entrepreneur and political activist.
Size: 33 acres
Wales Garden
Walk Score: 68/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: With walking trails, a beautiful garden and an Olympic-sized pool, Maxcy Gregg Park is a favorite in the Wales Garden neighborhood. Take a stroll along the park’s sidewalks, take a swim, or enjoy the views from the park’s swinging benches.
Size: 18 acres
University of South Carolina
Walk Score: 66/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Nestled along the Congaree River, Granby Park is the perfect place to enjoy hiking and biking along the river. With access points for canoes and fishing spots, it’s a favorite among locals who enjoy time down by the river.
Size: 24 acres
Central Rosewood
Walk Score: 60/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: Just behind Memorial Stadium is a wooded area with an easy hike known as the Rosewood Nature Trail. You can stick to the trail and enjoy being tucked away among the trees, or use the trail to get to other recreational areas within Owens Field such as the skate park, the soccer fields, or the Frisbee golf course.
Distance: 0.6 mile
Eva P. Trezevant
Walk Score: 59/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: If you enjoy peaceful walks through well maintained gardens, head to Robert Mills House and Gardens. The historic landmark has a historically accurate English Formal garden full of species native to the region.
Size: 4 acres
Lyon Street
Walk Score: 58/100 Somewhat Walkable
Where to go for a walk: With a basketball court, a playground and an area for picnics, St. Anna’s Park is made for getting together with friends and family.
Size: 2.4 acres
This story was originally published July 25, 2023 at 6:30 AM.
