About: Spanning Clarendon and Sumter counties in the Midlands, Manchester State Forest has more than 28,000 acres of mixed pine and hardwoods and offers some of the finest outdoor recreation anywhere in the state. There are three easy-to-moderate loop trails for hiking. The other activities available at Manchester State Forest include using the rifle/pistol range, riding horses, ATVs, motorcycles and bicycles. Permits are not required for hikers using the trails. Permits are required for all other activities.
The predominant soil is light sand, interspersed with swamps and bays. Stands of non-native slash pine planted in the late 1960's are being gradually harvested and replaced with longleaf pine. In 1989 the forest was severely damaged by Hurricane Hugo with sixty-five percent of the timber base destroyed. Since then hundreds of acres have been salvaged and replanted.
Manchester State forest practices principles of high quality multiple-use and sustained-yield forest management. Multiple-use management includes timber production, fish and wildlife habitat, air and water quality, soil conservation, scenic beauty, scientific research and recreational opportunities.
As with all state forests managed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Manchester State Forest receives no state appropriations from the General Assembly and is self sustaining. Operating funds for the forest are generated from the sale of timber products, land leases, wildlife management area permits, and recreational use permits. In addition, Manchester State Forest pays twenty-five percent of its gross income to the local school districts in the counties in which the forest is located.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-12:30 pm / 1-4 pm for office at 6740 Headquarters Road, Wedgefield, SC 29168. Telephone: 803-494-8196.
Link: https://www.scfc.gov/state-lands/manchester-state-forest/
