The Columbus RiverWalk is a 22-mile linear park along the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Georgia, with an asphalt trail and restrooms. Its multiple access points make it possible to walk or bike a downtown section, or connect with longer stretches of the riverfront route.
- Trail: 22 miles, with an asphalt surface.
- Hours: 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. every day.
- Admission: $0.00.
- Short route: A 1.754-mile round trip starts at 10th Street and 1st Avenue.
What is the Columbus RiverWalk?
The Columbus RiverWalk is a riverside park trail built in phases and now connected across a 22-mile network. Columbus Parks and Recreation describes it as a linear park with an asphalt trail and restrooms; Explore Georgia describes a route for walking or biking past historic monuments and markers, with river and native wildlife views.
The project began as a response to federally mandated sewage and water upgrades. Planning started in 1987/88, construction began in 1989, and Phase I opened on Columbus Day 1992. That first mile ran from the dam at The River Club to behind the Trade Center, with restrooms, ADA accessibility and downtown access at Bay Avenue.
Later additions extended the route through Golden Park, the Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park. Phase III added three miles to the Infantry Center at Fort Benning. The city describes links to the National Civil War Naval Museum, leisure pools and the Oxbow Environmental Learning Center, which has three canopy rope bridges.
How do you choose a section for a walk?
Choose a starting point based on how much ground you want to cover: the city’s posted short route is a 1.754-mile round trip, while the connected RiverWalk network spans 22 miles.
For a defined out-and-back walk, start at 10th Street and 1st Avenue. The city’s HR walking-trails route uses steps to reach the path, continues to the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge, then returns by the same way. The round trip is 1.754 miles.
For a longer outing, you can use the route’s access points to join the stretch that suits your plan. The city describes Phase II as extending the RiverWalk to 12 miles past Golden Park, the Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park; Phase III added three miles to the Infantry Center at Fort Benning.
The city identifies Lake Oliver and the National Infantry Museum as ends of the network, while Explore Georgia describes a 15-mile route between Lake Oliver City Marina and the National Infantry Museum.
Where can you access the RiverWalk?
The RiverWalk has access points along downtown streets as well as at parks and other sites, so you can enter near the section you want to walk. City access points include Bay Avenue and 11th Street; Front Avenue at 8th Street, using stairs behind the Space Center; and Front Avenue at Sixth Street, using the sidewalk.
Other entrances are Golden Park, with stairs and sidewalk access; the Civic Center, with stairs; Rotary Park; Rigdon Park, with sidewalk access; 23rd Street, with sidewalk access; Bibb Mill, with sidewalk access; Hemlock Park, with sidewalk access; and Lake Oliver. The downtown access at Bay Avenue was part of the first RiverWalk phase.
To set your walk in a wider city itinerary, the downtown Columbus neighborhood guide covers the surrounding area.
What can you see along the riverfront?
The RiverWalk follows the Chattahoochee and passes historic monuments and markers, with views of the river and native wildlife. Its connections also bring the trail near Golden Park, the Civic Center and other named points along the route.
The city’s history describes links to the National Civil War Naval Museum, leisure pools and the Oxbow Environmental Learning Center. The latter has three canopy rope bridges. These connections can help you pair a riverside walk with another destination, using the relevant access point to plan where to join or leave the trail.
What should you know before visiting?
The RiverWalk is open 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. every day, and admission is $0.00. Explore Georgia gives the address as 900 Front Ave., Columbus, Georgia 31901. Hours and access conditions can change, so check the official site before you go; the operator is the City of Columbus.
City rules prohibit motorized vehicles, swimming and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pets must follow leash laws, and owners must clean up after them. Fishing is permitted, vending requires a permit, and pedestrians have the right of way.
The city describes the trail as accessible to all persons, and the first phase included ADA accessibility. If you need a particular entrance or surface detail, use the access-point information to choose a route.
For a Columbus visit that includes the RiverWalk, guest rooms at SureStay Hotel by Best Western Columbus Downtown are about 0.4 miles from the RiverWalk.
If you are planning how to get between stops, the guide to getting around Columbus can help with the broader trip.
FAQs
How long is the Columbus RiverWalk?
Columbus Parks and Recreation describes the RiverWalk as a 22-mile linear park. Explore Georgia describes a 15-mile route between Lake Oliver City Marina and the National Infantry Museum.
Is the Columbus RiverWalk free?
Yes. Admission is $0.00.
Can you bike on the RiverWalk?
Yes. The route is described as suitable for walking or biking along the riverfront.
Are there restrooms on the RiverWalk?
Yes. Columbus Parks and Recreation describes the linear park as having restrooms.