Before there was a thriving forest, there was depleted farmland. Since 1939, Clemson University foresters, researchers and students have transformed that land into the Clemson University Forest. At 19,200 acres continuous with the main campus, it is the largest forest connected to a public university. Within its pine and hardwood forests, faculty members teach and research. Students learn by experience. Hikers explore meandering trails, and cyclists speed down fast descents. A landscape reclaimed through decades of conservation and stewardship, the forest protects the region’s flora and fauna while standing as one of Clemson’s defining natural resources.
Here’s a look at its scale.
By the Numbers
- 150 miles of forest roads and trails
- 60,000+ visitors annually
- 1,400+ plant species
- 13+ billion gallons of filtered water provided to Lake Hartwell as public drinking water supply
- 1 in 20 Clemson faculty use it for teaching
- 44 active research projects
- 1 in 5 faculty say it contributes to their quality of life
- 75% of the staff who recreate in the forest do so with their family
Explore the Clemson University Forest at clemson.edu/campus-life/cu-forest/.
