# 7 - Lake Murray Dam Walk-
Rated: Easy
3.4 miles, round-trip
The Lake Murray Dam Walkway is easy and popular!
Hince the name, this walk offers impressive views of
the 1.5 mile wide dam and expansive vistas of its lake.
About halfway into the walk, you'll get to see the dam's
hydroelectric intake towers. You might see ducks, geese-
-herons and egrets. Pro Tip: the dam parallels HWY-6;-
-it can be a little noisy. Bring your favorite music and-
-earbuds to help with this!-
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 3.4 miles, round-trip, across the Lake Murray dam and back.
Time: 60 - 90 minutes.
Trail Surface: Concrete.
Crowds: This trail is very popular; you're likely to see many others, even on weekdays.
Trailhead & Parking:
North Parking Area (near Bush River Road) - Lake Murray Dam North Recreation Area, 2102 N. Lake
Drive (HWY-6), Columbia, SC 29212.
GPS: 34.063417, -81.221306 or 34°03'48.3"N 81°13'16.7"W.
South Parking Area - Dreher Shoals Dam Parking Lot, 1836 N. Lake Drive (HWY-6), Lexington, SC 29072
GPS: 34.038139, -81.217139 or 34°02'17.3"N 81°13'01.7"W.
Fees/Permits: None.
Restrooms: Yes, for North Parking Area. As of Spring 2024, the Dreher Shoals Dam Parking Lot is under
renovation and this could affect restroom availability.
Precautions: The biggest precaution is weather. The dam is nearly always very windy! This could make it much
colder in winter and shoulder seasons. There is no shade or protection from the sun on this walk.
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
