🌲 Inside: A local family shares their favorite spots and tips for visiting Harbison State Forest with kids. Trails, wildlife, history, and even a sawmill—this outdoor destination is packed with adventure!
Are you looking for a fun and exciting outdoor adventure for the whole family? Look no further than Harbison State Forest! With over 2,177 acres of forest, trails, and waterways, Harbison State Forest is the perfect destination for a family outing. Harbison State Forest even has an ADA-compliant trail so everyone can enjoy the outdoors together!
Quick Summary: Harbison State Forest
🌳 A forest adventure just for your crew? YES, please.
Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC =
✅ ADA-accessible trail
✅ River views & shaded paths
✅ Geocaching + fishing
✅ Kid-friendly hiking (no bikes on Discovery Trail!)
✅ Dog-friendly too 🐾
Pro tip: Arrive early—weekend parking fills fast!
📍 5600 Broad River Rd, Columbia SC
🎟 $5 parking fee per day
Hiking Trails at Harbison State Forest
Harbison State Forest offers a variety of trails suitable for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Harbison has something for everyone. The forest boasts over 20-miles of hiking and biking trails, which wind through the woods, past lakes and streams, and over challenging terrain.
These trails are dog friendly so bring your furry family members along for the walk!
Kid-Approved Trails at Harbison State Forest
- Discovery Trail – Designed with kids in mind, this easy trail is bike-free (yes!) and perfect for young explorers who want to roam without dodging cyclists.
- Spider Woman II Loop – This family favorite offers scenic river views, a good workout, and access to restrooms and picnic tables near the parking area.
- Eagle ADA Pathway – This 1.1-mile accessible trail is flat, gravel-packed, and perfect for wheelchairs, strollers, or scooters. It also includes ramp-accessible picnic shelters and on-site accessible parking.
My family really enjoys the Spider Woman II Loop for a quick hike, view of the Broad River, and a picnic! It passes by the Broad River with restrooms and picnic areas at the parking entrance.
If you’re bringing little ones, the Discovery trail is kid-friendly and doesn’t permit mountain bikers which makes it a little safer for letting your kids roam freely. All other trails are shared between walkers and bikes.
ADA Trail at Harbison State Forest
Harbison Forest now has an ADA-accessible trail and shelter! The 1.1 Eagle ADA Pathway trail is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It’s wide and flat and made of hard-packed gravel. The shelter has ramp access and on-site accessible parking.
See more about this new addition to Harbison Forest, from the Friends of Harbison State Forest in the video below.
Explore the Educational Zone (Right Behind the Park Office!)
A short stroll from the parking lot, directly behind the park office, lies a fascinating area your kids will absolutely love. This space is often used for school field trips—and it’s easy to see why:
- 🌲 Tom Bailey Sawmill – A cool peek into the forest’s timber history
- 🐾 Backyard Wildlife Habitat – Keep an eye out for squirrels, hawks, and lizards
- 🪵 Log Skidder & Fire Tower – Climb, explore, and imagine forest ranger life
- 🏕️ Massive Shelter Area – Shady spot for lunch or just taking a break
Our son actually led us to this section on our visit—so don’t skip it!
More to do at Harbison State Forest
In addition to hiking and biking, Harbison State Forest also offers a range of other outdoor activities. You can bring your own canoe or kayak and paddle down the Broad River, go fishing in one of the two lakes, or have a picnic at one of the many areas scattered throughout the forest.
There is even GEOcaching set up throughout the forest! Visit the Harbison State Forest website to see where you can obtain the coordinates.
Easy Navigation: QR Codes, Badges & More
📱 New to the park or hiking in general? Harbison makes it easy to get around! Just scan the QR code posted near the park office, and you can navigate trails in real time using your phone.
Available at the info station:
- QR Code for live trail maps (track your distance and location!)
- Geocaching Q&A sheet
- Kid-Friendly Tree ID guide
- Forester Badges (fun for scout groups or curious kiddos)
This tech-friendly option is perfect for families who want to explore without getting lost.
Wildlife to see
This forest is also home to a variety of wildlife. During our adventures we’ve caught site of some squirrels, lizards, and hawks, but if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or even the occasional coyote or bobcat. This also is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 160 species of birds recorded in the area.
Visiting the forest
Visiting Harbison State Forest is a great way to connect with nature and spend quality time with your family. With so many activities to choose from, you can create memories that will last a lifetime. So why wait?
Here’s a Harbison State Forest Map to help!
There are also restroom facilities, drinking fountains, and shelters located throughout the forest.
Parking permits for the forest are only $5 per day or $25 for a year pass. Parking is located at the main entrance off of Broad River Road, and it fills up fast on the weekends, so try and get there early! Plan your trip to Harbison State Forest today and experience all the beauty and excitement that South Carolina has to offer!
Know Before You Go: Visitor Info
- Plan ahead: The interior road is closed weekdays, so you’ll need to use trails from the main lot to reach deeper parts of the park.
- Rangers are on-site during all open hours.
- Restrooms, picnic shelters, and drinking fountains are available throughout the forest.
- Main parking is off Broad River Road. Daily fee is $5, or $25 for an annual pass.
5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Main Gate hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday the road to the interior portions of the park is closed, due to staffing shortages. The park can be accessed via trails from the main parking lot or the Environmental Education Center.
If you’re looking for even more great hiking ideas, check out our guide for Hikes in Columbia.
Spend more time outside!
