About
One attraction to check out on your Columbus getaway is the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. This paved, 22-mile pathway begins at Lake Oliver, just north of town, and ends at Fort Benning.
Long before it was a gateway for outdoor adventure, Native American tribes relied on the river for fish and built their lives along its banks. Later, European settlers arrived, drawn by the river's value for trade. When the Industrial Revolution arrived, textile mills sprang up along the waterways. The river powered these factories, and Columbus soon became a leading cotton-producing city.
When the textile industry slowed in the 1950s, the mills shut their doors, and the riverfront lost its purpose and became run-down.
It wasn't until the 1980s that city leaders saw an opportunity to turn things around. It was an ambitious plan, but it would give the waterfront new life. One key component of the revitalization plan was the construction of the Riverwalk.
The design focused on reconnecting the community with the river while honoring nature and Columbus's industrial roots. In no time, old warehouses made way for welcoming brick walkways. Plazas and green spaces took shape where factories once stood. Historic markers dotted the route with stories of the area's past, while plaques explained the history of the brick buildings.
The historic Eagle and Phenix Mills, once prominent cotton mills, rise right beside the pathway. Today, the repurposed brick buildings are upscale apartments, connecting tenants to the river and downtown. The Columbus Iron Works, built in 1853, is also nearby. Once a center for the manufacture of machinery and weapons, it's now a modern convention center for events and gatherings.
Whether you set out to bike, jog, or walk, the Riverwalk connects you with the city's industrial era, the beautiful outdoors, and the mighty Chattahoochee River.
Chattahoochee Riverwalk: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One highlight is the world's longest urban whitewater course! City developers and engineers removed two historic dams, restoring the river's natural flow while designing thrilling rapids. Next, they regulate the water flow to create gentle rapids in the morning and Class IV whitewater in the afternoon. These attract kayakers and rafters, as well as tour companies like Whitewater Express, which offer various adventures.
For those who enjoy land-based water activities, visit the splash pad and playgrounds at Rotary Park. Here, your kids can play with the water features and playground equipment, while you relax on a nearby bench to take in views of the river.
Geocaching adds another layer of fun for those seeking an intellectual challenge. All along the Riverwalk, geocaches are tucked away, waiting to be found. Using your phones, you will hunt for these hidden treasures, many of which lead you off the main path to engage with other discoveries.
If you enjoy wildlife and nature, the Riverwalk is for you. As the trail winds through everything from cool, shaded woods to wide-open banks, keep your eyes peeled for blue herons, ospreys, and turtles sunning on river rocks.
Combine outdoor fun with history by visiting the National Infantry Museum at the trail's furthest point. This 190,000-square-foot facility offers diverse exhibits charting America's infantry from the Revolutionary War to today's conflicts. It is also home to family-friendly combat simulators and Georgia's largest Giant Screen Theater.
As you can see, visiting the Chattahoochee Riverwalk adds plenty of variety to your Georgia vacation. Whether you book a whitewater adventure, visit the parks with your children, or explore impressive historic buildings, there's something for everyone at this iconic landmark.
Local Tips
- Use a refillable water bottle to take advantage of the park's water fountains.
- Bring your own picnic so you don't have to buy meals at the riverside restaurants.
- If you didn't bring a bike, grab one from a bike share station.
- Head to the Riverwalk in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
- There is free parking in the garage on Bay Avenue.
