Lower Saluda River and Rawls Creek, an Outstanding Waterway in Lexington, SC

Rawls Creek, Off the Lower Saluda River

When I stood on the footbridge over Rawls Creek and looked in the direction of the setting sun, I felt immersed in the interconnected web of life that Hildegard von Bingen, physicists, yogis, poets, indigenous people, and environmentalists have so frequently described. The stillness of the water and the way the reflections completed the circle truly demonstrating the saying “As Above, So Below” so often quoted by spiritual people. The light was so soft and the glow of the light felt divine, but I also recognized that this beautiful light was present in this particular moment in this specific location on the planet. The riparian banks of the creek were totally natural, which was quite surprising since the park is in Lexington, a suburb of Columbia, SC..

Log with Reflections, Rawls Creek off the Lower Saluda River

This log in the stream with its arcing reflection and the diamond it created with a nearby tree and its reflection was a firm reminder of the impermanence of this earthly realm in what was for me a transcendent moment of beauty.

Lower Saluda River

The Lower Saluda River is designated as an outstanding waterway. It receives releases from the Lake Murray Dam, which brings cooler water into the river, so trout fishing is possible here. The river merges with the Broad River to form the Congaree River in the City of Columbia. The riverbanks are mostly forested and natural, which is beneficial for water quality. However, E coli is a often an issue with levels sometimes reaching 7 times what is considered safe. Though it is popular for trout fishing, paddling, and swimming, it is recommended to check water quality levels before venturing in the water. The water is monitored though and it is beautiful to walk along the path in the Saluda Shoals Park.

There are numerous places where you can walk out from the path on to the riverbank and the reflections of the trees are mesmerizing. There is a small island called Corley Island in the middle of the river here. The water that passes closest to shore is still and the reflections were spectacular.

Lower Saluda River with Fallen Trees, Reflections and a Starburst

There are various spots where the river meanders into small inlets. When water level runs high from extreme storm events, the trees on the banks topple, The trees provide shelter and nutrients for creatures along the riparian banks. It is a thick maze that braids life and death into a cycle of life. It is so important to leave these areas undisturbed. Meanders help water quality and slow the flow, helping the rivers the water flows into. What happens upstream always affects what is downstream, as in all aspects of life.