Columbiasouthern gem

Just nine miles from downtown Columbia sits the Harbison State Forest, one of the largest public educational and recreational green spaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the southeastern United States. Over sixteen miles of roads and trails weave through this remarkable forest, full of pines, hardwoods and other beautiful plants. You’ll find wandering streams and leafy glades along the 18 miles of trails specially designed for walking, jogging, biking and hiking, and a canoe landing near the Broad River provides an entry point for exploring the area by water. Visit the Harbison Environmental Education Center for an introduction to the forest, and walk a short distance from the center to the Eagle Shelter for a packed picnic lunch and an escape from the hectic pace of urban life.