The City of West Columbia announced the full re-opening of the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater just in time for some of the best kind of weather for walking. 

After repairing damages from Hurricane Helene, the scenic route is now open from the Moffatt Street Entrance at 100 Riverside Dr. to the Cayce connection.

“The reopening of the entire Riverwalk is a wonderful moment for West Columbia," City of West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said in a release. "This space brings people together to connect with nature, exercise, and enjoy time with family and friends. We are grateful for the community’s support throughout the restoration efforts, and we are excited to see the Riverwalk once again serving as a gathering place for all."

This shaded path, perfect for a stroll in mild weather, is just one of many options for a good walk throughout Lexington County. 

Virginia Hylton Park

Virginia Hylton Park, located at 111 Maiden Ln. in Lexington behind Town Hall, is mostly shady, next to lots of playground equipment, and has a mile-long loop. It's best for walking and jogging. There are picnic tables, restrooms, gazebos and more.

It’s easy to go from this trail to nearby downtown shops and eateries.

South Carolina Trails says it’s accessible to people of all abilities.

Old Mill Pond Trail

Old Mill Pond Trail, located at 711 E. Main St. in Lexington, is near Virginia Hylton but is less shady.

The 1.15-mile paved loop wraps around the Lexington Mill Pond and is great for walkers, joggers or bikers.

If you're on foot, it’s easy to go from this trail to nearby downtown shops and eateries.

The town's website says it’s ADA-accessible.

If you're enjoying some coffee at Second Wave Coffee & Books, you can actually go behind the establishment and find wooded pathways that connect to the Old Mill Pond Trail.

Recently, the town finished paving a once-gravel lot right in front of the trail. Accessible from East Main Street, 73 parking spaces are available, but according to the most recent update on the lot, access from the parking lot to the trail is not available until the handrail installation. 

Cayce Riverwalk

Cayce Riverwalk is relatively flat and great for walking, jogging or biking. It’s shady, with excellent views of the Congaree River throughout.

There are several access points along the riverwalk. A popular place to start is behind H. Kelley Jones Park off Riverland Drive.

South Carolina Trails says it’s accessible to people of all abilities.

Timmerman Trail 

Timmerman Trail is part of the Cayce Riverwalk. It's three and a half miles long and paved with access at two trailheads. 

"It begins just west of the 12th Street Extension, then runs under the road and continues eastward," according to Cayce's website. "At several points along the way, there are beautiful views of the Congaree Creek and you may see snakes, alligators, and other wildlife."

Timmerman Trail can be accessed from two trailheads. One trailhead is near 12th Street Extension on Otarre Parkway, where there is a free public parking lot. The other trailhead starts near the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center at the 12,000 Year History Trailhead where street parking and Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center parking are free. The tennis center address is 1120 Fort Congaree Trail.

Fourteen Mile Creek Trail

Located in the Town of Lexington at 1104 N. Lake Dr., this 1.7-mile trail has 10-foot-wide pathways with bridges, designated areas for pets, places to sit and an outdoor classroom. Parking for trail access is available at the Exxon gas station in the back-right area, according to the town's website.

Gibson Pond Park

Gibson Pond Park, located at 241 Gibson Rd. in Lexington, has a half-mile-long trail with plenty of amenities for a great picnic.