The South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) is seeking assistance in the evaluation of recreational trail uses within our properties designated as state forests. Specifically, we are looking into the evaluation of expanded use of e-bikes. The SCFC has multiple trail types across three of our five state forests with the most use and concentration being at Harbison State Forest (HSF). The other two state forests with trails are Sand Hills State Forest (SHSF) and Manchester State Forest (MSF). HSF consists of approximately 2,176 acres of forest land within the city limits of Columbia, SC with 5.5 miles of forest roads. HSF has 26 miles of trails designated as non-motorized multi-use and sees approximately 200,000 visitors per year. The mix of users consists of hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. HSF is fortunate to have a dedicated user group known as the Friends of Harbison State Forest. The Friends of Harbison State Forest are a group of nature lovers, runners, bikers, hikers, and adventurers that make up a non-profit organization founded to preserve and promote the recreational and educational aspects of this urban forest resource. As a 100 percent volunteer organization, they support the state forest by doing trail work, fundraising, and organizing great events in the forest. SHSF consists of approximately 46,572 acres of forest land in Chesterfield and Darlington Counties with 125 miles of forest roads. SHSF has more than 30 miles of horseback riding trails for equestrian use and 1.62 miles of hiking only trails around Sugarloaf Mountain. MSF consists of approximately 29,830 acres of forest land in Sumter and Clarendon Counties with 68.5 miles of forest roads. MSF has trail designations for horseback riding (21.2 miles), off highway vehicle riding (motorcycles and ATVs) (18 miles), mountain biking (6.8 miles), and three sections of the Palmetto Trail (24 miles). MSF staff coordinates with two local user groups, the Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association (SERMA) and the Manchester Trail Riders.
