Harbison State Forest is just nine miles away from Columbia's downtown district. It covers over 2,000 acres along the Broad River and offers 18 miles of trails for hikers along the river and through the woods. Trails range from easy and accessible to challenging. For something a little more urban and relaxing, Riverfront Park, in the heart of the city, offers a trail that's over two miles long and boasts scenic views of the Congaree River.
Columbia is an official Bicycle Friendly Community, as recognized by the League of American Bicyclists. To take advantage of this, rent a bicycle from Outspokin' Bicycles and ride the wide streets of the city. The shop offers road and city bikes for urban adventures, as well as mountain bikes that are suitable for the miles of trails in Harbison State Forest. The city's official bicycle Task Force, which works to make biking accessible to all, maintains free route maps for rides all over the city and surrounding areas.
Lake Murray, which lies north of downtown Columbia, covers nearly 78 square miles and is the site of nearly every kind of water activity you can imagine. Jet Ski and power-boat rentals are available there; for those with less extreme tastes, sailboats, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats are also available. Additionally, Harbison State Forest is the site of a landing on the Broad River that's suitable for canoes and kayaks. The Palmetto Outdoor Center leads rafting trips down the Saluda River and provides tubes with pick-up and drop-off services.
There are several public golf courses in Columbia that are open year-round. The city's Parks & Recreation Department maintains the James E. Clyburn Golf Center, which offers facilities for practicing and improving your game, including a driving range, a putting green and a short practice green. From spring through summer, the city operates two outdoor swimming pools, while an indoor pool is open year-round. Numerous parks throughout the city have sports areas, including the large Owens Field Skate Park -- the sole concrete skate park in the state.
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to thousands of animals, as well as plenty of kid-friendly exhibits and demonstrations. The zoo is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas days. The Carolina Children's Garden is an outdoor space with themed gardens, conservation education areas and demonstrations for kids. Admission is free, and it's an ideal spot for a family picnic.
