Future Events
Woodside Trail Group Hike Program for January Through May 2025
GRAYLYN LAKES COMMUNITY POND WALK
When: Saturday March 22, 2025, Beginning at 9:30am
Hike Leader: Jim Parker Email: [email protected] Phone 803-443-5223
Description: A community nearby Woodside Plantation that has a quite pleasurable 2.5-mile loop stroll on a walking path that is well maintained, mostly flat and winds its way around 3 consecutive terraced man-made woodland ponds.
Meeting Place: Roadside parking along Gallant Hill Drive. Suggest leaving via Woodsides’ Anderson Pond Gate. Turn left onto Anderson Pond Road. After 2.4 miles turn left onto Gallant Hill Drive. After 0.1-mile, park on the grassy area on the right (just past a trail leading into the woods on the right.)
Hike Distance: 2.5 miles
Terrain: A couple of small ups and downs but mainly flat easy walking on dirt/gravel and/or pine straw. As normal in a wooded area there are some exposed roots, depressions, etc.
Bring: Would not expect any muddy areas, so any comfortable closed walking shoes with reasonable traction. Optional to your desire: drink, walking stick or snack.
About Dogs: Since we will be visiting another community with the trail running along many of their residential backyards, please do not bring dogs on this hike.
Rain: RAIN CANCELS If uncertain on the day of the hike, call Jim Parker (803 443-5223)
OPTIONAL ADDED FEATURE:
For anyone wanting a longer hike, I will be glad to lead an additional section immediately after the above hike concludes. It will start from the same location and will add an additional 4 miles through various wooded trails ending at the Hollow Creek Trailhead in Woodside. That is at the Trail Parking area just off Pleasant Colony West. If interested, please meet at this parking area by 9:00 am so we can arrange carpool(s) to have transportation at each end. If doing this option, be prepared for slightly rougher terrain, more hills. You will need water/snacks, stable shoes, walking stick.
Hike Leader: Jim Parker Email: [email protected] Phone 803-443-5223
Description: A community nearby Woodside Plantation that has a quite pleasurable 2.5-mile loop stroll on a walking path that is well maintained, mostly flat and winds its way around 3 consecutive terraced man-made woodland ponds.
Meeting Place: Roadside parking along Gallant Hill Drive. Suggest leaving via Woodsides’ Anderson Pond Gate. Turn left onto Anderson Pond Road. After 2.4 miles turn left onto Gallant Hill Drive. After 0.1-mile, park on the grassy area on the right (just past a trail leading into the woods on the right.)
Hike Distance: 2.5 miles
Terrain: A couple of small ups and downs but mainly flat easy walking on dirt/gravel and/or pine straw. As normal in a wooded area there are some exposed roots, depressions, etc.
Bring: Would not expect any muddy areas, so any comfortable closed walking shoes with reasonable traction. Optional to your desire: drink, walking stick or snack.
About Dogs: Since we will be visiting another community with the trail running along many of their residential backyards, please do not bring dogs on this hike.
Rain: RAIN CANCELS If uncertain on the day of the hike, call Jim Parker (803 443-5223)
OPTIONAL ADDED FEATURE:
For anyone wanting a longer hike, I will be glad to lead an additional section immediately after the above hike concludes. It will start from the same location and will add an additional 4 miles through various wooded trails ending at the Hollow Creek Trailhead in Woodside. That is at the Trail Parking area just off Pleasant Colony West. If interested, please meet at this parking area by 9:00 am so we can arrange carpool(s) to have transportation at each end. If doing this option, be prepared for slightly rougher terrain, more hills. You will need water/snacks, stable shoes, walking stick.
Hitchcock Woods
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 9:45 am for 10 am start.
Hike Leader[s]: Hike Leaders: Laurie King-Pirchner ([email protected], 585-261-3279) and Rita Hughson ([email protected], 757-871-5126)
Description: Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the US with 2,100 acres and 70 miles of horse back and hiking trail. It is home to 6 varieties of pine trees and many species of birds and flowers. April is one of the best months to see flowers in the Woods. The exact route of our hike has not been determined at this time [ January 2025] but next month the leaders intend to scout out a good route that avoids hurricane damage. Future emails and the website will contain this information.
Meeting Place: Hitchcock Woods entrance at 444 South Boundary Ave SW
Distance: About 3 miles.
Terrain: All trails in Hitchcock Woods have sand underfoot. The terrain consists of rolling hills. Most trails are wide tracts.
Bring: Water and wear good sneakers or hiking shoes. Hiking sticks may be helpful.
About Dogs: Hitchcock Woods’ policy is that dogs must be on a leash at all times.
-- Rain Cancels --
Hike Leader[s]: Hike Leaders: Laurie King-Pirchner ([email protected], 585-261-3279) and Rita Hughson ([email protected], 757-871-5126)
Description: Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the US with 2,100 acres and 70 miles of horse back and hiking trail. It is home to 6 varieties of pine trees and many species of birds and flowers. April is one of the best months to see flowers in the Woods. The exact route of our hike has not been determined at this time [ January 2025] but next month the leaders intend to scout out a good route that avoids hurricane damage. Future emails and the website will contain this information.
Meeting Place: Hitchcock Woods entrance at 444 South Boundary Ave SW
Distance: About 3 miles.
Terrain: All trails in Hitchcock Woods have sand underfoot. The terrain consists of rolling hills. Most trails are wide tracts.
Bring: Water and wear good sneakers or hiking shoes. Hiking sticks may be helpful.
About Dogs: Hitchcock Woods’ policy is that dogs must be on a leash at all times.
-- Rain Cancels --
Korn Tract with the Director of the Aiken Land Conservancy
When: Saturday, May 17th, 9:00-11:00 AM at the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve parking area [the one with the sign]. If carpooling 8.15 am at Publix
Hike Leader: Peter Kleinhenz Email: [email protected] Phone: (614) 202-5161
Description: We are very fortunate to have Peter Kleinhenz, Executive Director of the Aiken Land Conservancy, volunteer to lead the WTG on this hike. The hike will take place at the conservancy’s recently acquired Korn Tract. This property conserves 302 acres of intact sandhills, frontage along Pond Branch, and a bluff that provides a sweeping view over eastern Aiken County. Several interesting plant and animal species occupy the property, and we will try to see as many of them as possible during this hike. During the hike, we will also discuss how this property came to be protected and what the future holds for it.
Though portions of this hike will take place on forest roads and fire breaks, please note that there is no trail system, and some bushwhacking will be involved. We will be walking on uneven ground and, potentially, in places where your feet might get wet. There are no restrooms on or near the property.
Meeting Place: Park at the main kiosk for the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve on Oak Ridge Club Road or other nearby parking areas. We will shuttle participants down the road to the property entrance. Parking is limited so we will organize a carpool from the Publix parking lot area nearest East Gate Drive. We will leave Publix at 8.15 am.
Distance: Total distance will be approximately 3 to 3.5 miles.
Terrain: A combination of flat forest roads and uneven terrain on sand.
Bring: Water boots, binoculars, camera/phone, walking stick.
-- Rain Cancels --
Hike Leader: Peter Kleinhenz Email: [email protected] Phone: (614) 202-5161
Description: We are very fortunate to have Peter Kleinhenz, Executive Director of the Aiken Land Conservancy, volunteer to lead the WTG on this hike. The hike will take place at the conservancy’s recently acquired Korn Tract. This property conserves 302 acres of intact sandhills, frontage along Pond Branch, and a bluff that provides a sweeping view over eastern Aiken County. Several interesting plant and animal species occupy the property, and we will try to see as many of them as possible during this hike. During the hike, we will also discuss how this property came to be protected and what the future holds for it.
Though portions of this hike will take place on forest roads and fire breaks, please note that there is no trail system, and some bushwhacking will be involved. We will be walking on uneven ground and, potentially, in places where your feet might get wet. There are no restrooms on or near the property.
Meeting Place: Park at the main kiosk for the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve on Oak Ridge Club Road or other nearby parking areas. We will shuttle participants down the road to the property entrance. Parking is limited so we will organize a carpool from the Publix parking lot area nearest East Gate Drive. We will leave Publix at 8.15 am.
Distance: Total distance will be approximately 3 to 3.5 miles.
Terrain: A combination of flat forest roads and uneven terrain on sand.
Bring: Water boots, binoculars, camera/phone, walking stick.
-- Rain Cancels --
--- OTHER HIKES Y0U MIGHT LIKE ---
Aiken Senior Life Services Hikes
Cheryl Murga is leading a series of 3 hikes for the Aiken Senior Life Services. You are welcome to join these hikes. Call or email Cheryl if you wish to participate. Email: [email protected] phone:732-278-4837
Blanchard Woods Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 am. Experience this 3.7-mile park-based loop trail near Evans, Georgia
Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve Sunday February 16, 2025. Take a trip back in time. We will meet at 10:30 AM for trail departure in the sand lot at the entrance.
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Saturday March 8, 2025. Explore this roughly 4 miles of the loop trail near Augusta, Georgia. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, hiking and possibly seeing some gators!
More About These Opportunities
HIKE CLUB 2025
Cheryl Murga, Certified Hike Lead [email protected] 732-278-4837
Join me on Sunday, February 16 at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve and take a trip back in time. We will meet at 10:30 AM for trail departure in the sand lot at the entrance. Roughly 30 minutes out from Columbia. We will start on the blue trail and determine from there if the group chooses to see more of the area.
Layered sandstone formations, riddled with the fossils of ancient marine creatures, crop up on either side of the well-kept trails. Native longleaf pines tower overhead. Near the preserve’s entrance, the only natural waterfall on the state’s coastal plain splashes into a small pool.
Rich in culture, history, unusual geology, plants and wildlife, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is a wonderful and educational place to visit. A new kiosk near the preserve’s titular formation – the now-toppled Peachtree Rock – describes the area’s unique natural offerings.
www.nature.org Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve 883 Peachtree Rock Road, Lexington SC 803-254-9049
Mark your calendar for Phinizy Swamp Nature Park on March 8 to hike and explore this roughly 4 miles of the loop trail near Augusta, Georgia. Generally considered an easy flat route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete and winds through scenic ponds and marshlands. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, hiking and possibly seeing some gators! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash due to the gators.
https://phinizycenter.org/ Phinzy Swamp Nature Park 1858 Lock and Dam Road Augusta, GA (706)-828-2109
Cheryl Murga, Certified Hike Lead [email protected] 732-278-4837
Join me on Sunday, February 16 at Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve and take a trip back in time. We will meet at 10:30 AM for trail departure in the sand lot at the entrance. Roughly 30 minutes out from Columbia. We will start on the blue trail and determine from there if the group chooses to see more of the area.
Layered sandstone formations, riddled with the fossils of ancient marine creatures, crop up on either side of the well-kept trails. Native longleaf pines tower overhead. Near the preserve’s entrance, the only natural waterfall on the state’s coastal plain splashes into a small pool.
Rich in culture, history, unusual geology, plants and wildlife, Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is a wonderful and educational place to visit. A new kiosk near the preserve’s titular formation – the now-toppled Peachtree Rock – describes the area’s unique natural offerings.
www.nature.org Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve 883 Peachtree Rock Road, Lexington SC 803-254-9049
Mark your calendar for Phinizy Swamp Nature Park on March 8 to hike and explore this roughly 4 miles of the loop trail near Augusta, Georgia. Generally considered an easy flat route, it takes an average of 1 h 18 min to complete and winds through scenic ponds and marshlands. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, hiking and possibly seeing some gators! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash due to the gators.
https://phinizycenter.org/ Phinzy Swamp Nature Park 1858 Lock and Dam Road Augusta, GA (706)-828-2109
