Harbison State Forest, State forest in Columbia, South Carolina.

Harbison State Forest covers 2,177 acres of woodland, meadowland and bottomland along the Broad River in Richland County, about 8 miles from downtown Columbia. It is named for Samuel P. Harbison of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who provided most of the funds for the land purchase.

The forest was established in 1945 when the South Carolina Forestry Commission acquired land along the Broad River and named it after a local benefactor. Since then it has served both as a protected woodland and a place for public use.

The Environmental Education Center here teaches visitors about how forests and rivers support life. You can see how people have learned to live alongside these natural systems through hands-on programs and exhibits.

The trails here are well marked and easy to follow, with parking areas and restrooms at the entrance. Bring water and wear good shoes, as paths can get muddy or slippery after rain.

The forest covers 2,177 acres along the Broad River, about 8 miles from downtown Columbia, which makes it one of the largest urban green spaces inside city limits in the eastern United States. It is named for Samuel P. Harbison of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who provided most of the funds to buy the land.