Cayce: Riverwalk, Nature and History

Cayce combines river landscapes, forest trails and an engaging history to create a varied destination in South Carolina. The Cayce Riverwalk stretches for 12 miles and offers views of the Congaree River. Those who want to incorporate exercise and nature into their stay will find specific places to visit here, as will visitors interested in the region’s past, art or life on the water.

Riverwalk and Nature along the Congaree River

The Cayce Riverwalk is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Its 12-mile length provides a clear framework for planning your day without requiring you to commit to a specific section of the trail. The Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve also offers a 627-acre protected area bordering the Congaree River and Cayce in South Carolina. Among the animals living there are snakes, turtles, bobcats, deer, wild boar, hawks, waterfowl and other birds.

For a walk with a different character, consider the Timmerman Trail. The paved trail is 3.5 miles long and runs through woodland on the outskirts of Cayce, near the intersection of I-77 and 12th Street Extension. It is accessible from two starting points and suitable for pedestrians, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs and roller skates. This allows you to tailor your day’s activities to the interests and preferred pace of your travel group.

History, Museum and Special Trails

The 12,000 Year History Park reveals a site with several historical layers: a Civil War battle took place here in 1865, and the park also contains historic earthworks. The guided tours cover the Battle of Congaree Creek, 18th-century trade and the ways of life of Native Americans. The Guignard Brickworks Trail is 2.5 miles long and runs past the remains of former clay pits in the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. The former clay pits give this trail a distinct historical connection that differs from the natural experiences along the river.

The Cayce Historical Museum adds a broad perspective on the local past. The main building is a replica of a frontier trading post established in the area in 1765. The museum contains local objects from prehistoric, colonial, antebellum and Civil War-era periods, as well as from the 20th and 21st centuries. The history of Native Americans is represented by a collection of more than 7,000 projectile points, tools and pottery shards. This allows you to combine nature trails, historic sites and the museum collection according to the different focuses of your trip.

Art, Water and Your Own Day Plans

The Cayce River Arts District on State Street provides a lively counterpoint to the historic sites. It features art studios, craft beer, pottery classes, brunch, coffee and live music. Depending on your interests, your stay can therefore take on a creative, culinary or musical accent. At Thomas A. Newman Boat Landing, there is a lit area and a fishing pier. The landing is used by jon boats, pontoons, deck boats, Zodiacs, kayaks, canoes and other watercraft.

When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home in Cayce, you can therefore first determine the travel style you want: Should the Riverwalk and forest trails be the focus, would you like to explore historic sites and the museum collection, or are you planning to spend time on the water?

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare Cayce with other places, you can also view Gaston, South Congaree, Irmo, Pelion, West Columbia and Lexington.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lexington.