The Dreher Shoals Dam at Lake Murray holds back the Saluda River in western Columbia, but it’s not strictly utilitarian. The dam doubles as a park, with a 1.7-mile paved path across the top. There are beautiful views over the water, including some glimpses of the Columbia skyline. Start from Lake Murray Public Park or the North Recreation Area on North Lake Drive. The path roughly follows North Lake Drive north to south. The path does run alongside a busy road, but the water views are great.
Ralph Hightower
Features:
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Essentials
- 3.4 miles (5.5 km) out and back
- 20 feet
- Lake Murray Public Park
- North Lake Drive
Current Weather & Forecast
Columbia, US
5:05 am,
Jun 19, 2026
moderate rain
22°C
L: 21°
H: 22°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Today
5:00 pm
21° / 22°°C
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13 mph
65 %
1014 mb
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Tomorrow
5:00 pm
18° / 28°°C
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9 mph
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Sunday
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19° / 30°°C
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11 mph
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Monday
5:00 pm
19° / 30°°C
0.2 mm
20%
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Tuesday
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20° / 35°°C
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8 mph
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Today
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23° / 25°°C
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7 mph
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Today
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25° / 27°°C
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Today
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26° / 27°°C
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26° / 26°°C
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Today
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18° / 18°°C
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6 mph
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Other Routes in Columbia, SC
The most popular running route in Columbia. Starts from Riverfront Park and run north, or cross into West Columbia and run south. Up to 8 miles one-way.
A large wooded area bordering the Broad River in northwest Columbia. The 4.4-mile Firebreak Trail is the most runnable trail in the park.
Saluda Shoals Park has 10 miles of runnable trails along the Saluda River in northwestern Columbia, including the paved 2.25 mile Greenway Trail.
Sesquicentennial State Park, aka “Sesqui,” is another nice running option in northeast Columbia. The 3.5-mile loop trail is the best choice for running, but there are lots of connecting trails.
Columbia has no shortage of nice streets, sidewalks, and residential areas for running. The Shandon neighborhood is closest to downtown. We also love running in Lake Katherine, Lake Carolina, and Wildewood.
On the northern outskirts of Columbia, the Peak to Prosperity Passage is an awesome off-road option. 11 miles of dirt doubletrack weave through mainly wooded terrain from Alston to Eptings Pond. Includes 14 wooden trestles, including the 1,100 foot Broad River trestle bridge.
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