Aiken County, SC

Aiken State Natural Area

Swamps, creeks, and hiking trails will be found at this state natural area in rural Aiken County. Four spring-fed lakes and the South Edisto River make this a popular place for campers and fishermen.

Carolina Bay Nature Reserve

(Aiken)

This natural area is located in the city of Aiken, across the street from Virginia Acres Park. Here you can see and learn about the mysterious natural phenomena known as Carolina Bays. Trails lead you around the bay, where you will find plenty of interesting plants and animals.

Citizens Park

(Aiken)

This park has a large baseball and softball complex, plus a soccer field.

Fun Valley Sassafras Park

(Burnettown)

This town park has one of the most unusual playgrounds, made almost entirely of wooden beams and old tires.

Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve

This wildlife sanctuary in rural Aiken County is owned by the state government and is listed as a wildlife viewing area by the South Carolina Wildlife Association. There are some hiking trails throughout the preserve which consists mainly of sand and small pine trees, plus a pond.

Gyles Park

(Aiken)

This neighborhood park in Aiken features two railroad dining cars and a caboose, all awaiting restoration.

Henderson Heritage Preserve

This preserve has a number of hiking trails in the hilly terrain.

Hitchcock Woods

(Aiken)

Just outside of downtown Aiken, SC is a 2000-acre tract of land maintained by the Hitchcock Foundation for public use. The many hiking and horseback trails can provide for hours of fun exploring the interesting terrain.

Hopeland Gardens and Rye Patch

(Aiken)

When you first step into Hopeland Garden, you immediately get the feeling that you are in a different world. Magnificent old trees tower over the main entrance path, where you can see grassy fields, flower beds, magnolia trees, and an old horse stable. From there, many miles of paths lead you around the park thru a wide variety of environments. Along the way, you will find ponds, fountains, wetlands, old houses, museums, amphitheaters, and a rope swing.

North Augusta Greenway and Riverview Park

(North Augusta)

For people who enjoy active recreation, this park in North Augusta has a great deal to offer. The gymnasium has basketball and racketball courts, locker rooms, and a game room. Soccer and softball fields are available, plus tennis courts and a disc golf course. An abandoned railroad track has been paved over and is now a popular place for walking, bicycling, and roller skating. There is also a ramp for launching boats onto the Savannah River.

Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site

Redcliffe Plantation was the home of Governor James H. Hammond. Now, the house and grounds are open to the public as a state historic site. There is also a nature trail and a fishing pond.

Savannah Bluffs Heritage Preserve

This is the place to visit for some great secluded views of the Savannah River. A number of steep hills will be found with unmarked hiking trails where wildlife observation is possible.

Virginia Acres Park

(Aiken)

Plenty of sports and exercise facilities can be found at Virginia Acres Park, including a large gymnasium, and a paved path for walking, jogging, and roller skating. There is also an excellent playground.

Aiken Horse Country Explorer

12.1 kilometers

Gentle hills

This route runs thru both old neighborhoods and new neighborhoods in Aiken, SC. It also passes by nature areas and horse training facilities.

North Augusta Explorer

13.6 kilometers

Gentle hills

In only 8¹/₂ miles, this route takes you thru an amazing variety of scenery in two states.