Agencies & Organizations

Agencies with Trail Responsibilities

State Trails Program
State Park Service
SCDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Program
Governor's Council on Physical Fitness
SC Department of Natural Resources
SC Forestry Commission
Clemson Department of Forest Resources

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
State Trails Program

SCPRT
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201

803-734-0173
803-734-1042 fax
E-mail: bswanson@scprt.com

Offers guidance and advice on all aspects of trails and greenways, from construction and maintenance standards to advocacy techniques to fundraising. Resources for both motorized and nonmotorized use of trails are available. The program also administers grants through the federal Recreational Trails Program.

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
State Park Service
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-0156

South Carolina State Parks provide visitors with a variety of quality trail experiences from nature observation to exercise or simply the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and forested scenery. State Parks provide beautiful natural settings for outdoor enthusiasts with many types of interests. Currently, there are nearly 250 miles of trails on 48 South Carolina State Parks offering a wide range of recreational opportunities. The numerous walking trails range from self-guided nature paths to mountainous overnight backpacking trips. Other specially designated trails provide access for horseback riding, mountain biking, or paddling. These trails have been developed to meet the user's needs and interests while insuring compatibility with the State Park's resources. State Parks also offer rental facilities for a variety of activities and functions. Campgrounds with water and electrical hookups are available at many State Parks. Other favorite activities include fishing, boating, and interpretive programming.

Are you interested in working either as a volunteer or a career in park service? Click here for opportunities. State Park Service.

South Carolina Department of Transportation Bicycle/Pedestrian Program
Tom Dodds, Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator
South Carolina Department of Transportation
955 Park Street
PO Box 191
Columbia, SC 29202-0191
803-737-1052
803-737-0271 fax
E-mail: doddsdt@dot.state.sc.us

The program is responsible for creating and extending a bicycle and pedestrian transportation system throughout South Carolina. Offers technical assistance and guidance on bicycle lanes, shoulders, bicycling as transportation, and pedestrian issues.

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness (SCGCPF)
Executive Director
Jarrett Building, Box 101106
Columbia, SC 29211
803-737-3893

The SCGCPF was established in 1972 to promote the health and well-being of South Carolinians of all ages by advancing the levels of physical activity and fitness. The Council is composed of members selected at-large from across the State. The Council provides a forum for communication, collaboration and, coordination of individuals and organizations with an interest in physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The Council formed a Multi-Use Trail Committee in 1996 with plans to conduct a statewide trail inventory and produce a trail resource brochure.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Heritage Trust Preserves
PO Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
803-734-3893

The Heritage Trust Program was created in 1976 to preserve those natural features and cultural remains which are fast disappearing as the State grows. The Program's purpose is to inventory, evaluate and protect endangered plant and animal species and areas of historical, cultural, and archaeological significance. Over 67,000 acres have been permanently protected by 50 Heritage Preserves in 25 different counties. The preserves are open for public educational and recreational uses during daylight hours in accordance with Heritage Preserves regulations. Most have hiking trails and other opportunities for nature viewing.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Water Resources Division
Barry Beasley, Planning & Research Coordinator
2221 Devine Street, Suite 222
Columbia, SC 29205
803-734-9095
803-734-9200 fax

This agency is responsible for the Scenic Rivers Program, River Corridor and Watershed Planning Program, and river education. To protect "unique and outstanding" scenic, recreational, natural and historic values of scenic rivers, DNR works with landowners and community interests to develop scenic river management plans involving cooperative, voluntary management. River corridor and watershed management plans are developed in a similar manner, with the intentions of balancing human needs while maintaining the natural assets and guiding future decisions about the river or watershed.

South Carolina Forestry Commission
PO Box 21707
Columbia, SC 29221-1707
803-896-8831
803-896-8880 fax

The Forestry Commission is the State agency charged with protection and stewardship of South Carolina's woodlands. The Commission manages Harbison, Manchester, and Sand Hills State Forests for multiple forestry, public education, and recreation purposes.

The Forestry Commission requires a permit on Sand Hills, Manchester, and Harbison State Forests for the following trail activities: horseback riding, ATVing, mountain biking, and motorcycling. Individual daily permits are $5.00 and annual permits are $25.00. Hikers are encouraged to make voluntary donations at the trailheads.

Harbison Environmental Education Forest
5500 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
803-896-8890

Bounded along its northeastern edge by the Broad River, Harbison State Forest encompasses 2,176 acres of forestland only nine miles from downtown Columbia. Its unique urban location makes Harbison one of the largest public greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Over sixteen miles of roads and trails for hiking and biking weave through the pine and hardwood forest, crossing wandering streams and descending through leafy glades to the Broad River. Harbison's emphasis is on natural resource education, providing demonstrations of forestry practices as well as recreation. Visitors are encouraged to come, enjoy, and even volunteer to help with the development of this valuable urban forest.

Manchester State Forest
6740 Headquarters Road
Wedgefield, SC 29168
803-494-8196

Located in Sumter County, on the fall line between the piedmont and coastal plan, Manchester State Forest consists of more than seventeen thousand acres of ridges, sand hills, hardwood bottoms, bays, and swampland. It is a highly diverse, magnificent forest, rich in timber, plants, and wildlife. Horseback riding, motorcycling, mountain biking, and bird watching are popular activities at Manchester. The numerous firebreaks make excellent trails. Separate trails have been designed for horses, mountain bikes, and motorcycles and ATVs. The State Forest staff works closely with user groups to initiate and assure ongoing maintenance of these trails. Groups exceeding fifteen people must check with the headquarters office to apply for a special use permit before using the forest. Manchester is home to the High Hills of Santee Passage of the cross-state Palmetto Trail. The Palmetto Trail connects Mill Creek County Park to Poinsett State Park.

Sand Hills State Forest
PO Box 128
Hwy 1
Patrick, SC 29584
803-498-6478

The 46,000 acre Sand Hills State Forest is located between the piedmont and coastal plain of South Carolina in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties. Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of the most popular recreation areas in the sandhills region. Here you'll find picnic shelters, a fishing lake, and a nature trail. The sandhills also offer other forms of recreation such as bird watching, nature study, primitive camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Clemson University Experimental Forest
Department of Forest Resources
272 Lehotsky Hall
Box 341003
Clemson, SC 29634-1003
864-656-4851

The Clemson Experimental Forest is more than 17,500 acres of nearly contiguous land surrounding the University's main campus in Pickens, Anderson, and Oconee counties. The Forest extends approximately fifteen miles north to south along Lake Hartwell. The Forest has been used for education, demonstration, and recreation since it was acquired in the 1930's. The Fants Grove and Issaqueena Lake areas of the Forest permit hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on more than 40 miles of trails.