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As a dog owner in Columbia, South Carolina, I know how important it is to find places to hike and explore with your furry friend. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options in and around Columbia that offer beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and plenty of opportunities for your pup to sniff and explore. Here are some of my favorite hiking destinations for dogs in Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Harbison State Forest - Located just a few miles northwest of downtown Columbia, Harbison State Forest is a popular destination for hikers and dog owners alike. The forest features over 18 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that wind through pine and hardwood forests, along the banks of the Broad River, and over rugged terrain. Dogs are welcome on all of the trails at Harbison State Forest, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Sesquicentennial State Park - Another great option for hiking with your dog in Columbia is Sesquicentennial State Park, which is located in the northeastern part of the city. The park features over 12 miles of trails, including a two-mile loop around Sesqui Lake that offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding forest. Dogs are allowed on all of the trails at Sesquicentennial State Park, but they must be kept on a leash.
Congaree National Park - For a truly unique hiking experience, head to Congaree National Park, which is located about 20 miles southeast of Columbia. This park is home to one of the largest intact hardwood forests in the United States, and features a variety of trails that wind through the ancient trees, along the Congaree River, and through wetlands and swamps. Dogs are welcome on most of the trails at Congaree National Park, but they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the boardwalk trail.
Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve - Located about 25 miles south of Columbia, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is a beautiful destination for a day hike with your dog. The preserve features a variety of trails that wind through forests and along streams, and the highlight of the park is a large sandstone formation known as Peachtree Rock. Dogs are welcome at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the sandstone formation.
Lake Murray - If you're looking for a scenic place to take your dog for a hike, Lake Murray is a great option. This 50,000-acre lake is located just a few miles west of Columbia, and features over 500 miles of shoreline and a variety of hiking trails. Dogs are welcome on many of the trails around Lake Murray, but be sure to check the specific trail regulations before you go.
Dreher Island State Park - Another great destination for hiking with your dog near Lake Murray is Dreher Island State Park. This park features over 12 miles of trails that wind through forests and along the shores of the lake, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. Dogs are allowed on all of the trails at Dreher Island State Park, but they must be kept on a leash.
Palmetto Trail - For a more challenging hiking experience with your dog, head to the Palmetto Trail. This trail is a long-distance hiking trail that spans the entire length of South Carolina and offers a variety of terrain and scenery along the way. Dogs are allowed on many sections of the Palmetto Trail but be sure to check the specific regulations for each section before you go.
No matter where you choose to hike with your dog in Columbia and the surrounding areas, it's important to always follow the rules and regulations of the park or trail. Keep your dog on a leash, pick up behind your dog. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you and wear a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Always make sure that your pup is hydrated as well as yourself while out on an adventure with your pup!