Stewardship Trail

Harbison State Forest is a large urban forest located just northwest of Columbia, South Carolina. The forest covers 2,177 acres and is one of the largest public green spaces in the State – offering a mix of recreational opportunities and conservation efforts.  Harbison State Forest is managed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission and it serves as a site for forestry research and environmental education programs in the area.  The forest also has over 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and running trails with the Firebreak Trail, Crooked Pine Trail, and Midlands Mountain trails being the most popular in the park.  

This hike is on the Stewardship Trail in Harbison State Forest.  To start this loop hike, drive to Parking Area #6 which is located in the northernmost section of the Harbison State Forest and walk in a counter-clockwise direction to match the profile map show below in the more details section. There are many pine and maple trees along the route, and the trail is part of a project known as Forest Stewardship which teaches responsible land-use management in the wilderness. There are several projects along the route demonstrating these principles, and this area is also known for some of the best wildlife in the Harbison State Forest.  Hiking counter-clockwise, the trail makes a rapid decent to the Broad River at about 175 feet. There are several benches and a short spur trail leading to the river here, and much of the forest in this area was destroyed in 1997 by the southern pine beetle. Many people take a rest stop along the Broad River to enjoy the ensuing views and the tranquility of the water.