Nature's Gym
Harbison State Forest
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Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Two bikers enjoy exercising on the Harbison State Forest's trail.

Harbison State Forest offers many hiking and biking options for the fitness lover or those who want to experience the forest's natural beauty.

According to Harbison State Forest's website, www.state.sc.us/forest/ref harb.htm, the South Carolina Forestry Commission purchased 2,200 acres of land from the Board of National Missions for the Freedmen of the Presbyterian Church. The Church stipulated the area be named Harbison Forest in honor of a major benefactor.

Harbison State Forest didn't acquire its trail system until around 1989, explains Jerry Shrum, the Forestry Commission's environmental education coordinator. Currently, Harbison State Forest has 26 miles of trails and roads within the forest, Shrum adds.

Driving into Harbison State Forest, located just off Harbison Boulevard, the forest covers visitors like a blanket, enveloping them in a scene of undisturbed elegance.

After turning into the forest, visitors can go to the Environmental Education Center.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson The Mountain Trail starts with this bridge.

The Firewalk Trail is the forest's second longest trail at four miles. Hiking roughly the first mile of the trail, there is a thickness of the forest canopy, clay on the ground, and an abundance of pine trees and dogwoods.

Squirrels frolic and play close to the trail route, letting visitors know the trail is home to more than just plants.

The trail also runs close to Harbison Blvd., but with four miles to discover the area's natural wilderness, the sound of a car or two will be little than a minor annoyance.

The Firewalk Trail is also a biking path. Bikers should be aware the trail is aggressive with small rocks jutting along the path and numerous shifts in elevation.

The Firewalk Trail is only one of 10 trails in Harbison State Forest. The Forestry Commission also recommends the Midlands Mountain Trail and the Spider Woman II trail as two of the most photogenic trails within Harbison State Forest.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Beautiful leaves are found throughout the trail.

Shrum is clearly proud of the work the Forestry Commission does and notes that Harbison State Forest is self- sufficient, meaning it does not have to rely on taxes for funding. "This goes for all four forests in the system," Shrum said.

Harbison State Forest generates revenue through user fees, facility rentals, and the sale of forest products. Parking passes are required for all visitors and may be obtained at the fee box located just inside the park.

Harbison State Forest is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from city life or those looking for a vigor- ous workout in a natural setting.

For more information, contact Harbison State Forest at 896-8890.