Broad/Congaree River: Diversion Dam to Jordan Landing

Skill Level: Moderate

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Rapids: Class I

Length: 5.50 miles

Duration: 1.5 - 2.5 hours

Portaging: No

What to Expect

You'll paddle through many shoals and islands, under all of the main bridges, and past downtown Columbia's skyline. However, this does not feel like a urban paddle as you float past wooded islands and rocky shoals spider lilies, and encounter osprey and bald eagles.

Access

Put in:

Columbia Canal Diversion Dam

North end of Riverfront Park at Diversion Dam

Access Details

A gravel road that follows the canal for about a mile leads to the parking lot at the diversion dam. Carry your boat across the diversion dam walkway to the put-in on the other side of the canal. Gate closes at 9pm.

Take out:

Barney Jordan Landing

611 Rosewood Dr, Columbia, SC 29201

Access Details

Double boat ramp with a dock.

Trip Details

Waterways:

Broad River
Congaree River

Comments (3)

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Brian Hartley

Aug 31, 2019 10:55 pm EDT

The dam is after the second railroad trestle, just before the takeout point. The lock is on the river right and looks like it’s just a wall until you get right up on it.

Jason Selin

Aug 29, 2018 10:00 pm EDT

This is a great paddle when you are looking for a quick river fix! Fun when the river is high or low.

Paula Cumalander

Mar 24, 2018 4:16 pm EDT

If canoeing/kayaking, be sure to go through the LOCKS on river right just after the railroad trestles to avoid the dam that is full of rebar, cement and wood.