Checked October 2, 2026 on the SC Forestry Commission's Harbison State Forest page. Trails can close after wet weather; for trail status call (803) 896-8897.
Harbison State Forest is a 2,176-acre working forest on the Broad River, about nine miles from downtown Columbia. The SC Forestry Commission describes it as one of the largest greenspaces inside city limits east of the Mississippi. More than 30 miles of forest roads and trails run through pine and hardwood down to the river, and the Forestry Commission says biking the trails is one of its most popular activities.
The basics
| Address | 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 |
|---|---|
| Parking permit | $5 a day, or $25 a year |
| Main gate hours | 9 am – 4:30 pm |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Office phone | (803) 896-8890 |
| Trail status line | (803) 896-8897 |
Parking permits
Every vehicle that enters Harbison needs a parking permit:
- Daily permit: $5. Buy it at the permit kiosk in the entrance parking lot next to Broad River Road.
- Annual permit: $25. Buy it at the forest office during business hours, or order it online from the SC Forestry Commission permit sales page.
If you will come more than five times in a year, the annual permit is the better deal. Park only in the designated parking areas shown on the trail map.
Gates and access
The main gate is open 9 am to 4:30 pm. The Forestry Commission says the gates into the interior of the forest are temporarily closed Monday to Friday because of staffing limits, but every part of the forest can still be reached on the trail system. You can join the trails at the main parking lot on Broad River Road or at the Environmental Education Center.
The trails
Harbison has 10 trails totaling more than 18 miles for walking, jogging, hiking and biking, from moderately easy to difficult. Three short educational trails start at the Environmental Education Center:
- Discovery Trail: nine signs on forest health, tree types, invasive species and animal tracks. A pine gazebo in a meadow sits a short walk down it.
- Crooked Pine Trail: nine signs, past a steam-powered skidder, a restored Frick sawmill, a fire tower, a vernal pond and an ephemeral stream.
- Learning Trail: more than 30 labeled trees with their common and scientific names.
About a third of a mile north of the Gazebo Field is the Eagle Shelter, a picnic shelter. Download the printable trail map or the free geo-referenced phone map from the Forestry Commission's Harbison maps page before you go.
Mountain biking and e-bikes
Biking is one of the most popular things to do at Harbison. The rules:
- Helmets are required.
- Bicycles and Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on designated trails and on roads open to the public.
- Ride to the right and single file, call out before you pass, and take care at road crossings.
- Obey gate closures and trail signs, and don't alter the trails.
After heavy rain, trails may be closed to protect them; call the trail status line before you load the bikes.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on a leash: pets off leash are on the Forestry Commission's list of things not allowed. Bring water in summer and pack out what you pack in.
Paddling the Broad River
A canoe and kayak landing near the Broad River works as a put-in or take-out. There is no extra fee, but Harbison requires paddlers to file a simple float plan (the Richland County Riverside Dock Consent Form) at the Environmental Education Center or by calling (803) 896-8890.
Free things for families
- Junior Forester: Monday to Friday, 8 am – 2 pm, families can borrow a free backpack of nature-investigation supplies and an activity book (grades K–2 or 3–5) at the Education Center. Kids who finish get a Junior Forester badge and a Smokey Bear goody bag.
- Geocaching: find the seven geocaches on the Learning and Discovery trails, answer one question per cache, and turn the sheet in at the Education Center (Monday to Friday, 8 am – 4 pm) for an SCFC geocache coin.
- Unbeleafable: a free, kid-friendly tree identification guide, in a display box by the Education Center's front door.
- Orienteering: an 8-point compass course that starts and ends at the Coyote group campsite.
What's not allowed
Camping, fishing, hunting, fireworks, alcohol or drugs, picking or cutting plants, altering trails, littering, and pets off leash. Harbison is a working forest, so you may also see timber work or prescribed burning.
Getting there
Harbison is on Broad River Road in northwest Columbia. The forest's address is 5600 Broad River Road; the Forestry Commission's headquarters is next door at 5500 Broad River Road.
Make a day of it
- Saluda Shoals Park, another riverside park nearby: Saluda Shoals guide.
- Lake Murray Dam walk at sunset: Lake Murray Public Park guide.
- Bigger wilderness: Congaree National Park day trip, free to enter.
- City trail: the paved Three Rivers Greenway downtown.
- More outdoor ideas that cost little: free things to do in Columbia.
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get into Harbison State Forest?
There is no entry fee, but every vehicle needs a parking permit: $5 a day from the kiosk in the entrance lot, or $25 a year from the forest office or online from the SC Forestry Commission.
What are Harbison State Forest's hours?
The main gate is open 9 am to 4:30 pm, and the office is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The interior gates are temporarily closed on weekdays, but the whole forest can be reached on the trails.
How many miles of trails does Harbison State Forest have?
Ten trails totaling more than 18 miles for walking, running, hiking and biking, plus forest roads; the Forestry Commission counts more than 30 miles of roads and trails in all.
Are dogs allowed at Harbison State Forest?
Yes, on a leash. Pets off leash are not allowed.
Can you ride e-bikes at Harbison State Forest?
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on designated trails and roads open to the public. Helmets are required for all riders.
Where is Harbison State Forest?
5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212, in northwest Columbia near Irmo, about nine miles from downtown.