Frequently asked questions.
Where do you meet your guide for Congaree National Park trips?
Google “South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing”. You meet your guide for the Congaree National Park canoe tour by the restrooms at the Kingsnake trail head.
South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing, Gadsden, SC 29052
It is important to note that the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing is different than the Visitor Center that many people are familiar with at Congaree National Park.
What items should I bring for a canoe tour with Palmetto Outdoor?
If guests apply insect repellant, it must be applied before entering the park. Insect repellant can be extremely harmful to the native species that live within the park.
We suggest wearing clothes and shoes you're comfortable getting possibly dirty or wet, although unlikely, there is always the possibility of a canoe capsizing.
We also suggest leaving a dry pair of clothes in your car, just in case.
Many groups will also bring a small cooler with lunch or drinks. No glass or styrofoam is permitted on any trip with Palmetto Outdoor.
What items should not be brought on a canoe tour?
Do not bring anything that you are NOT willing to get wet or lose. This includes phones, keys, wallets, passports, IDs, sunglasses, jewelry, wedding rings etc.
Palmetto Outdoor is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Are there any age restrictions for children?
YES there is an age limit for children for our guided canoe tours. Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate, due to the remote location of this tour. It is important to note, from May-July the park is extremely active with wildlife, such as snakes, spiders, and mosquitos. Due to safety concerns, young children are discouraged on tours during these months.
Additionally, our youth life jackets fit from 50-90 lbs. If your child is under 50 lbs and cannot fit into our life jacket, you are responsible for providing your own. Children without a life jacket will not be permitted on the tour.
Restrictions & Requirements
5 years or older
Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Comfortable around water
Weighs more than 50 lbs. or bring your own life jacket
Can I bring my dog on a canoe tour?
Yes, we do allow dogs to go on our river trips as long as you provide a life jacket for them. Trips are generally 3 hours in length, be sure your pup has the right temperament for the trip duration. For balance purposes, all dogs must sit up front regardless of size.
How many people fit in a canoe?
Our canoes have two seats- one in front and one in back. There is also space in the middle of the canoe for a child or a guest with mobility challenges. Let us know, and we will bring an additional seat if there will be 3 people in a canoe. No more than 3 people per canoe.
What if our group has an odd number?
If there is an odd number in your party, we have a couple options:
We can bring along a removable third seat for a small child to sit in the middle of the canoe. However, no more than 3 people per canoe. (more people= more unstable)
Someone can always ride with one of our guides, if another group hasn’t previously requested this accomodation.
On rare occasions during busy seasons, we may have to pair odd number groups/solo riders together. We appreciate flexibility and will do our best so everyone enjoys their tour.
How long are canoe tours?
Generally tours are about 3 hours in length and 4 miles in total distance, with several stops along the way. River levels and weather could affect the length or duration of the trip.
What happens if there is bad weather?
All trips go rain or shine.
Please be aware of the following Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the date of your trip will receive a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip (but less than 30 days), will receive store credit good for one year from the trip date.
No shows on the day of the activity and cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to your trip date will not be considered for store credit or a refund.
These strict policies are in place to ensure that all guests are treated equally and fairly.
-Refer to the Terms & Conditions page or give us a call at 8034048254 for any questions.
Tubing FAQ
What items should I bring for a tubing or kayaking trip with Palmetto Outdoor?
If we have our own tubes or watercraft, can we ride the shuttle?
What classification are the whitewater rapids in the Three Rivers Region?
After my trip is over, where will I go to get my keys/ID back?
Where does my group meet Palmetto Outdoor prior to starting our trip?
Is there storage for my personal belongings during my river trip?
If we have our own tubes, will Palmetto Outdoor inflate them for us?
What if there is bad weather on the day I planned my river trip?
What items should I bring for a tubing or kayaking trip with Palmetto Outdoor?
Shoes are required. It is important to have some type of foot protection for entering and exiting the river (sandals, crocs, water shoes).
We suggest wearing anything you're comfortable getting wet (bathing suit, shorts, t shirt) as well as protective footwear.
Some type of sun protection is also important, such as sunscreen or a hat.
Many groups will also bring a cooler with lunch or drinks. These groups should either bring their own tube to float the cooler down, or rent an extra Deluxe tube to use as a cooler tube. Palmetto Outdoor does not allow styrofoam coolers or glass bottles on any trips.
What items should not be brought on river trips?
NO Styrofoam coolers allowed
NO glass bottles are allowed on ANY rentals, trips or tours
Do not bring anything that you are NOT willing to get wet or lose. This includes phones, keys, wallets, sunglasses, jewelry, wedding rings etc.
Palmetto Outdoor will not transport any electronics like speakers, video equipment, etc.
Palmetto Outdoor is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
If we have our own tubes or watercraft, can we ride the shuttle?
Palmetto Outdoor offers shuttle service for guests who have their own tubes or kayaks. Tubes must have a “Boston Valve” in order to be transported on our shuttle. There is a fee per person and per piece of equipment. Shuttle fee prices can be found on the Rates/Services page. There is no public river access at the Riverbanks Zoo. Guests can bring their own cooler tube, but it must have a “Boston Valve” and it will be charged as an additional personal tube.
Are there any age restrictions for children?
YES there is an age limit for children for our river trips. Children must be at least 10 years of age to participate, due to the whitewater rapids on this stretch of river. For children younger than 10, we suggest renting a Grab-n-Go tube and floating along West Columbia Riverwalk where there is calm water.
Restrictions & Requirements
10 years or older
Minors must be accompanied by an adult
Comfortable around water
Weighs more than 50lbs.
Do I need reservations or do you accept walk-ups?
We do accept walk ups the day of, but it is cash only upon arrival. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged on weekends and holidays. Whether you sign up online or are a walk up, please arrive at least 30 minutes early in order to find parking and check in with a booth attendant. All guests over 18 will fill out a waiver, a group leader must sign a lease agreement regarding equipment fees, and a vehicle key or state drivers license must be left in exchange for the equipment being rented out.
Will I have to check in if I have already reserved online?
Yes, once you have arrived at our booth location you must check in and all guests must fill out a waiver (unless completed online prior to arrival), a group leader must sign a lease agreement regarding equipment fees, and one set of keys must be left in exchange for equipment being rented out. Even if you have a reservation, please arrive at least 30 minutes early in order to find parking and check in.
What classification are the whitewater rapids in the Three Rivers Region?
The section of the Lower Saluda river where the majority of both tubing and kayaking trips take place, includes both Class I and Class II rapids.
Class I- Ripples <1 foot tall; no experience needed with little to no consequence of capsizing or danger
Class II- Small waves 1-2 feet tall; some experience helpful but not necessary, slight possibility of capsizing with few external risks
Due to the possibility of falling out of your tube or kayak while floating through the rapids, children must be at least 10 years of age to participate. Additionally, if you cannot swim or moderate physical activity is difficult, we suggest trying our Grab-n-Go tube rental option first. This beginner friendly trip allows guests to “get their feet wet” first before committing to a more challenging trip.
Are coolers allowed on river trips?
Yes, coolers are allowed on river trips, with the exception of NO STYROFOAM COOLERS and NO GLASS BOTTLES. Palmetto Outdoor will not allow any styrofoam coolers on the river due to their fragile nature. It is recommended to rent an additional Deluxe tube for your cooler to sit in and bring rope to tether it to other tubes.
We no longer allow free personal cooler tubes. If we have to blow the tube up, carry it or drop the cooler/tube off at the put in it is $15 cash.
Do not bring large coolers. If you can not wrap your arms around your cooler it is too big and will spill out in the rapids.
How big of a cooler can fit in a tube?
Do not bring large coolers. If you can not wrap your arms around your cooler it is too big and will spill out in the rapids. Medium sized and soft sided coolers work best.
What type of deposit is required for and during a rental?
We require each group at check-in to assign a group leader who will be responsible for insuring that everyone returns their equipment. The group leader also agrees to voluntarily surrender either a vehicle key or state drivers license to secure the rental.
Different Types of Security Deposits
Vehicle Key
State Drivers License
Groups are required to have a group leader who will be responsible for the use of and return of all associated rental equipment. Upon checking-in prior to boarding the shuttle, a group leader will review and sign an itemized Lease Agreement that will list the equipment and any fees included within the specified rental. Therefore, Palmetto Outdoor will be unable to return any security deposit until all included participants have exited the river and returned all the rental equipment.
We advise that when multiple groups are planning to float separately or if any participants anticipate finishing the trip early are NOT assigned to be a group leader. Before your trip, discuss your float plan with the group to determine a suitable leader that will be responsible for insuring all the rental equipment has been turned in before we can return the security deposit (vehicle keys or state drivers license).
ProTip: Large groups that have participants who plan to exit the river/trip at differing times are suggested to break into smaller clusters. However, this will require a separate security deposit and Lease Agreement to be filled out.
After my trip is over, where will I go to get my keys/ID back?
Once you have completed your trip and turned in ALL of the equipment, you can collect your keys/ID at the booth where you dropped them off.
Can I bring my dog on tubing or boating trips?
Yes, we do allow dogs to go on our river trips as long as you provide a life jacket for them and if floating, you must rent an extra deluxe tube for your dog. Trips are generally 3 hours in length, be sure your pup has the right temperament for the trip duration. Please review our Lease Agreement for any associated damage fees.
Where do we end our tubing trip?
The trip will end at the steps under the Gervais Street Bridge at the West Columbia Riverwalk. Your group can also exit just upstream of the Gervais Street bridge and follow the West Columbia Riverwalk back to our rental booth.
Can I follow the shuttle with my own tube?
No, where the shuttle drops off is private property. Only Palmetto Outdoor volunteers and individuals who are on our shuttle may access it.
Are Group Rates available?
Group rates are not offered on weekends (Saturdays/Sundays) or holidays.
Specific dates, times, and group size affect the availability of our group rates.
We do offer military discounts.
Are the Saluda River tubing trips guided?
No, prior to launch all guests are given a detailed safety speech and an explanation of where to exit the river, but this is a self guided trip. Once you have launched you will be responsible to float back to the exit/ West Columbia Riverwalk. Therefore, it is important for all individuals participating on a river trip to have the capability of self rescue. Guests are responsible for getting all equipment back to the take out in order to receive their keys/collateral back.
How long are the river tubing trips?
Tubing trip lengths are greatly affected by several factors such as river levels and the size of your group. Generally trips are about 3 to 3.5 hours in duration and about 2.5 miles in distance (water levels, wind, and weather permitting). Please plan accordingly as this length of time is just an estimation and may change the day of.
Are there any life guards?
No, there are no lifeguards on this trip. All water activities will be done at the participants own risk.
Do I have to wear my life jacket during my river trip?
Palmetto Outdoor suggests that all guests wear a life jacket at all times. People who are not wearing their life jacket, or do not have a life jacket with them, are subject to a fine issued by DNR.
Where does my group meet Palmetto Outdoor prior to starting our trip?
Unless otherwise specified, all tubing and kayaking trips begin at the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater. The address is 131 Alexander Road, West Columbia SC 29169
The West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater is located just off of the Gervais Street Bridge (Highway 1), on the West Columbia side of the River.
Unless otherwise specified, all guided Congaree National Park canoe tours will begin at the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing.
Are military discounts offered?
Palmetto Outdoor offers discounts for active military. There are two discount options military can choose from:
An active service member (valid per military ID) may upgrade their rental equipment from a standard tube to a deluxe tube for no extra charge.
-Or-
An active service member could receive a free deluxe tube, to be used as a cooler tube, for their entire group.
Where should I park for tubing and kayaking trips?
Parking can be done at the following locations:
West Columbia Riverwalk - 131 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC
Carraway Park – 212 Hudson Street, West Columbia, SC
West Columbia Free Parking Garage – 310 Court Avenue, West Columbia, SC
Capitol Square 475 Sunset Blvd. West Columbia, SC (5 minute walk)
None of these places will tow but never block driveways or right of ways. Street parking is allowed in designated areas. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your desired shuttle time in order to find parking and check in.
Palmetto Outdoor suggests using a ride service like Uber or Lyft to help alleviate parking issues.
Palmetto Outdoor is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
Can I park at Stone River?
There are certain days where Stone River, the venue hall next to our booth, allows our guests to park in their parking lot. It is $10/vehicle and it is only available on certain days. If your vehicle is at Stone River on a day the parking lot is not available, your vehicle may be towed. There is a chalkboard sign posted on days when the lot is available.
If I purchase a Grab-n-Go rental, can I park upstream?
There is currently NO PUBLIC PARKING upstream (Riverbanks Zoo Region) and our shuttle route/launch site is private and only accessible when using our shuttle service.
What are the payment options?
You can reserve online ahead of time and use a credit card. We do accept walk ups the day of, but it is CASH ONLY at that point.
Is there storage for my personal belongings during my river trip?
Palmetto Outdoor can hold on to car keys, using our key check system.
All other personal items should be stored in your vehicle, especially items you do not want lost or damaged.
All additional personal items brought onboard the shuttle bus upstream will be your responsibility to get back downstream.
What kind of rapids are on my tubing trip?
Lower Saluda River: has generally calm water, with sections of Class I and Class II rapids. A Class II rapid consists of waves 1 foot to 1.5 feet tall, with small whitewater crests on top of the waves.
Broad River: has generally calm water with several Class I shoal rapids that merge with the Saluda River to form the Congaree River. A pristine network of islands carved out by these two mighty rivers is often referred to as The Three Rivers confluence.
Congaree River: has calm water for the entire length of the trip. We oftentimes run this section of river when the water on the Saluda River is at higher flows.
When does equipment need to be returned by?
All equipment (tubes, kayaks, life jackets, paddles, etc) must be returned to Palmetto Outdoor by 7:00 PM the same day as rented. A late fee will be issued to EACH piece of equipment that is returned after 7:00 PM. Once you have completed your trip and turned in ALL of the equipment you can collect your keys at the booth where you dropped them off.
Which trips include a shuttle service?
Shuttle services are offered on multiple trips. Super Star tube, Deluxe tube, Standard tube, Guided Saluda River kayak tour, and Guided Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Kayak tour all include a shuttle service.
When are shuttle services offered?
Weather and water levels permitting, Palmetto Outdoor offers regularly scheduled shuttle services from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your desired shuttle in order to find parking and check in. During these dates, shuttle times are as followed:
Monday-Friday: 12:00 PM -4:00 PM, shuttle leaves* at the top of every hour
Saturday: 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM, shuttle leaves* at the top of every hour
Sunday: 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM, shuttle leaves* at the top of every hour
For shuttle services before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, please call and check on availability.
*Shuttles leave at the top of the hour and cannot be held for late guests. Guests who have not completed the necessary sign up information before the top of the hour will be asked to wait for the next shuttle. In order to maintain the shuttle schedule, there are no exceptions.
If we have our own tubes, will Palmetto Outdoor inflate them for us?
Palmetto Outdoor offers shuttle service for guests who have their own tubes. Bring your tubes deflated, and we will inflate them after your shuttle upstream. All tubes must have a “Boston Valve”.
What are the temperatures of the rivers?
Broad River: temperature varies through the year but is the warmest from Aril-September. During these months the temperature averages between 80-90 degrees due to miles of unrestricted watershed that has ample time to warm up.
Congaree River: temperature varies through the year but is the warmest from April-September. During these months the temperature will average 75 degrees.
Saluda River: temperature varies through the year but is warmest May-August. During these months the water temperature will average about 65 degrees. The waters of the Lower Saluda River are fed from the bottom of Lake Murray which affects its temperature.
How long is the walk to the river?
Guests walk their own equipment from where the shuttle drops off down to the river. It is a 200 yard gravel pathway mixed with some uneven rocks when approaching the waters edge. There is a steep section with loose gravel. You must be able to move around obstacles with your tube in hand. Even though we are happy to assist guests with their walk. currently we suggest individuals have the ability to cross moderate terrain on their own. Because of this walk to the water, we all guests must have some sort of foot protection (crocs, water shoes, sandals).
https://cloud.threshold360.com/locations/8462923-722161117
Above is a link to a 360 view of our put in.
What happens if it starts raining while I am on the river?
If it starts raining while you are on your trip you can continue to float through it. If it starts lightning we recommend getting off on the riverbank and take shelter to wait for the storm to pass. Generally bad weather passes over in about 20 minutes; be patient and stay safe. The trip is 2 miles and it takes about three hours to complete and there are no guides or get off points along the way. It is important to note, once guests are launched on the river, all guests must complete the entire trip. There are no alternate exits once your group has launched.
Heat related storms in South Carolina typically accumulate in the late afternoon. On overcast days, an early start is suggested to avoid the possibility inclement weather joining your trip.
Please review the Terms and Conditions page regarding refunds and reschedules.
What if there is bad weather on the day I planned my river trip?
If conditions are still safe, Palmetto Outdoor will generally still offer shuttles even if it is raining.
Please be aware of the following Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the date of your trip will receive a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the date of your trip (but less than 30 days), will receive store credit good for one year from the trip date.
No shows on the day of the activity and cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to your trip date will not be considered for store credit or a refund.
These strict policies are in place to ensure that all guests are treated equally and fairly.
-Refer to the Terms & Conditions page or give us a call at 8034048254 for any questions.
Are pregnant women allowed on river trips?
Although you are in an extremely stable craft and chances of coming out of your tube are slim to none, it is not recommended for pregnant women. There is no access to immediate medical attention until you exit the river.
Is there parking for a large RV or bus?
Currently there is no parking for RVs or larger vehicles at the West Columbia Riverwalk. For large vehicles, we suggest parking in the public parking lot across from the Meeting Street Artisan Market (425 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 29169). This is about a 5 minute walk from the West Columbia Riverwalk.
Is there a weight limit for the tubes?
All Star, Deluxe, and Standard tubes have a weight limit of 275 lbs. We also have XL life jackets available. All XL life jacket have a weight limit of 275 lbs. Guests can bring their own tubes and coast guard approved life jackets. There is a 200 yard walk down to the water- about half is paved, half is gravel with larger rocks at the river’s edge to maneuver around. All guests should be comfortable with a self rescue if a tube were to capsize.
Are river trips suitable for seniors?
River trips are about 3 hours in length and about 2.5 miles in distance- with a mix of flat water and class II white water rapids. All guests should be moderately active, and comfortable with a self rescue if a tube were to capsize.