Where would you go for an adrenaline-fueled adventure? New Zealand? Borneo? Alaska? Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for excitement right here in the United States mainland. If Columbia, South Carolina, isn’t on your list of the best places for adrenalin junkies, add it now! There are many outdoor experiences in and near Columbia that you’ll love, such as white water rafting on the Saluda River and riding the water slides at Palmetto Falls Water Park. Here are three experiences that will get your heart pumping in South Carolina.
White Water Rafting on the Saluda River
There are numerous spots for kayaking and canoeing in South Carolina, but if you’re craving something more intense, you won’t be disappointed. The Saluda River is a 200-mile tributary of the Congaree River. Though there are plenty of spots for outdoor activities along its banks, there are also stretches that only experienced paddlers can safely navigate.
River access is available along Lake Murray Dam to the Broad/Congaree confluence. From there, you can enjoy an 11-mile stretch of rapids that are up to Class 4 difficulty (requiring exceptional rafting experience). The most challenging rapids are the Blast o’matic and Mill Race Rapids. If you need to recover with something more relaxing, the area around the Saluda River is perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and biking.
Slip and Slide at Palmetto Falls Water Park
Palmetto Falls Water Park is an excellent family destination. It features an expansive main pool, a lazy river, and plenty of smaller slides, pools, and attractions for kids. Of course, there are also some monstrous slides that you’ll want to conquer! There’s a large corkscrew water slide and two large speed slides to get your heart rate up. The water park is located at 6511 Marion Ave. in Columbia. It’s open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily passes are $9.50, and family and individual season passes are also available.
Technical Mountain Biking in Sunset
Prep your bike, pack your gear, and put together everything you’ll need for the most challenging trail in the state. From Columbia, get on Interstate 26 heading east and make your way to Sunset, South Carolina. This city is on the North Carolina/South Carolina border, and the trail offers some incredible views of Lake Jocassee. But the sights aren’t why expert mountain bikers frequent these trails.
Horse Pasture and Bootleg Road are the only double black diamond–rated mountain biking trails in the state. This 12-mile venture is incredibly thrilling, and those who are up for the challenge will be rewarded with some incredible views of the country. The next most difficult trails are Oconee State Park (Sumter National Forest) in Mountain Rest and Coquina in Wedgefield. These are both black diamond rated.
Start Your Adventure in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is an excellent destination, whether you want to spend your days relaxing by a lake, speeding down a steep trail, or surging river. South Carolina has a bit of everything, and adrenaline junkies won’t be left out!
Image via Flickr by U.S. Army
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