STATE FOREST RECREATION

The South Carolina Forestry Commission currently manages the state's 4 state forests: Sand Hills, Manchester, Harbison, and Wee Tee. These forests provide a wide variety of benefits for everyone.

You will need a permit for trail activity on the State Forests for Horseback Riding, ATV’s, Motorcycles, and Bicycles. Permits are not required for hikers using the trails on Manchester or Sand Hills State Forests.No permits are required for recreation activities on Wee Tee State Forest at this time.

Parking passes are required at Harbison State Forest in Columbia. These passes can be obtained at fee boxes located in each parking area on the Forest. Parking pass fee is included in bike permits, so no additional fee is required of those who purchase a daily or annual bike permit.

Permits and parking passes can be obtained from each State Forest’s Headquarters, online (or at fee boxes in parking areas on Harbison). The cost for individual permits are : Daily - $5.00 Annual - $25.00
Parking Passes (Harbison only): Daily - $2.00 Annual - $25.00.
Permits are valid on any of the three State Forests for allowed activities.

All hunting and fishing is regulated under the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area Program. Regulations, bag limits, and seasons are available by contacting the SC Department of Natural Resources (opens in a new window) at 803-734-3886.

For infromation on all state-wide trail activities visit the SC State Trails Program .(opens in a new window)

Forest Directors

SAND HILLS

Sand Hills State Forest, a 46,000 acre tract in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties near Patrick.
Recreation available: Deer Hunting, Quail Hunting, Dove Hunting, Squirrel and Rabbit Hunting, Turkey Hunting, Pond Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding Trails, Individual Camping, Picnicking.

• Sand Hills Trail Guide
• H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area

MANCHESTER

Manchester State Forest , a 23,745 acre tract in Sumter County near Wedgefield.
Recreation available: Deer Hunting, Quail Hunting, Dove Hunting, Squirrel and Rabbit Hunting, Turkey Hunting, Pond Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding Trails, Bicycle Trails, Motorcycling, Picnicking, Rifle and Pistol Range.

• Palmetto Trail Guide
• OHV Trail Guide
• Mountain Biking Trail Guide
• Horse Trail Guide

HARBISON

Harbison Environmental Education Forest, a 2,200 acre tract in Richland County inside the Columbia city limits. No hunting or fishing is allowed on this Forest.
Recreation available: Hiking, Bicycle Trails, Scout Camping, Picnicking, Interpretive Nature Study. Canoe access to Broad River is available by permit.

• Harbison Trail Guide
• Harbison Environmental Education Center

WEE TEE

Wee Tee State Forest contains more than 12 miles of frontage on the Santee River. Included in the property is a 200-acre lake and numerous ponds and oxbows. These bottomlands and aquatic systems provide excellent fish and wildlife habitat. PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY OPEN FROM OFFICIAL SUNRISE TO SUNSET ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS ONLY.
Recreation available: Fishing, Canoeing/Kayaking. Biking and Hiking restricted to existing roads.

STATE FORESTS Long Range Plan

SKETCHES - A newsletter for the three state forests with information of interest on the forests.

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