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Columbia, South Carolina

Looking for the best photography in Columbia? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Columbia. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Columbia

  • Columbia, South Carolina

    Walk the University of South Carolina Horseshoe

    4.0
    Right in the center of the University of South Carolina's campus there is a gorgeous horseshoe. It is one of the most historic pieces of campus. While walking along the horseshoe, you can stumble across college students hurrying to class, people hanging in their hammocks, a photographer capturing...
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  • Columbia, South Carolina

    Photograph the South Carolina State House

    The South Carolina State House was built in 1855 and it's architecture proves that. From the gorgeous stone columns to the copper roof, this structure is picture perfect. The state house is in the middle of 11 acres of gorgeous scenery. Benches, statues, large trees and all sorts of plant life sp...
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  • Columbia, South Carolina

    Explore Columbia Riverfront Park

    4.5
    5 mi
    This park is located alongside of the Columbia Water Treatment Facility. You are able to walk on the paved path that has mile markers every 1/4 of a mile. Or, you can hike along one of the nature trails placed throughout the park that run right alongside the river. Bikes are allowed anywhere alon...
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  • Hopkins, South Carolina

    Hike the Weston Lake Trail, Congaree NP

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 0 ft gain
    If you're looking for a longer hike in Congaree National Park than just the Boardwalk Loop, try adding another 2.0 miles to the Boardwalk Loop by hiking the Weston Lake Trail.   From the visitor's center, take the Boardwalk Trail and stay straight at the intersection with the Bluff Trail. The ele...
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  • Lexington, South Carolina

    Hike the Fourteen Mile Creek Trail

    5.0
    1.5 mi
    This tucked away trail is well-hidden. I actually needed air in my tire and this was the closest gas station. As I was circling the parking lot to see if they had an air pump, I saw there was a sign that read "14 Creek Mile Trail". As I'm an adventure lover, I immediately parked my car and follow...
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  • Lexington, South Carolina

    Explore Gibson Pond Park

    3.7
    0.4 mi
    I started exploring this park when I was about 14 years old. My mom was a huge fan of the park and took us to it as kids. However, I did not realize that there was a path until I was roughly 20 years old. That path is beautiful. It is a paved loop that covers about 0.4 miles. There are smaller pa...
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  • Cassatt, South Carolina

    Kayak the Goodale State Park's Canoe Trail

    Put in your personal canoe or kayak near the spillway and paddle across Adams Mill Pond. Once you reach Pine Tree Creek, follow the white trail signs and wind through a forest of bald cypress trees for 1.5 miles. At the point where two logs are downed across the creek, turn around and return foll...
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  • Little Mountain, South Carolina

    Take a Stroll on the Palmetto Trail across the Broad River Trestle

    4.5
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Palmetto Trail is a mountains-to-sea trail in South Carolina that will stretch 425 miles across the state when completed. Currently there are sections of the the trail that are complete and can be hiked or biked on. One of these sections is in the Midlands of SC and is called the Peak to Pros...
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  • Santee, South Carolina

    Hike through Santee State Park

    10 mi / 0 ft gain
    From Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue 28.3 miles along this road until you enter the small town of Elloree. Here you will turn left onto E Cleveland Street/ State Rd S-38-10...
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  • Santee, South Carolina

    Hike Santee National Wildlife Refuge

    5.0
    1.25 mi / 0 ft gain
    From Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue about 34 miles until you enter the town of Santee. Turn left onto I-95 Northbound and continue another 3 miles. You will see a large wo...
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  • Santee, South Carolina

    Bike the Marsh at Santee National Wildlife Refuge - Bluff Unit

    5 mi / 0 ft gain
    From Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue about 34 miles until you enter the town of Santee. Turn left onto I-95 Northbound and continue another 3 miles. You will see a large wo...
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  • Kershaw, South Carolina

    Forty Acre Rock Loop

    1.82 mi / 187 ft gain
    This loop hike near Kershaw, SC is somewhat strenuous at some points, but altogether not too bad.  The scenery is beautiful with great views and a waterfall! Be sure to pack plenty of water if you hike on a hot day. 
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