Past Events

Kalmia Trail Hitchcock Woods April 24, 2023

On a beautiful Monday afternoon about 40 hikers turned up to see the spectacular Kalmia blooming on the Kalmia trail in Hitchcock Woods. The valley just below the trail was covered in the white and sometimes pink blooms of the many shrubs growing there. Later on the return circle, we saw the result of the Hitchcock Woods Association’s attempts to control possible fires in the woods using controlled burns. At one intersection of three trails we were able to see a very recent burn, a burn that occurred a couple of years ago, and one that was several years old. It was interesting to see the progression of new growth in the three burn areas.

-- -- Many turned out for this very beautiful hike through the Kalmia Blooms -- --

-- -- Photos contributed by Susan Potter, John Alhaney, Sylvia Velez, and Jim Lefebvre -- --

Big Rock Trail Sumpter National Forest April 15, 2023

We had 13 people turn up for this hike. It was a great day and we all enjoyed our walk around this 4-mile loop. We took several stops for pictures and conversations. This area is very unlike the trails nearer Aiken; as suggested by the name there are several rocky areas, something that does not occur on our local trails. The only disappointment was that several areas were recently
burned to control vegetation and there were a lot of downed trees. However, the good thing was that the trail had been cleared so our hike was not impeded. Thanks to our hike leader Jim Lefebvre for doing such a good job in organizing this outing and helping us find a great new place to hike.

Our Big Rock Group Fronting the "Big Rock" on the Big Rock Trail

Mill Road, Azalea and Oakman trails March 18, 2023

A group of 25 people attended this hike. Our hike leader Ken introduced us to the recently constructed extension of the Mill Road trail which now joins the Azalea trail. This extension allowed us to combine the Mill Road trail and the two loops of the azalea trail for a 2.75-mile hike. We looked for blooms of the native azaleas along the azalea trail but we were too early to see them. Everyone enjoyed the new combination of trails.
When we got back to the parking area, 12 people decided to continue on to hike the 2.5-mile Oakman trail. And guess what we found blooming there? A beautiful native azalea! It must have been in a sunnier location than those on the Azalea trail. Everyone enjoyed the outing. Thanks to Ken for leading the hike and to Susan Potter for submitting pictures.

We hiked both the first and second loops of the Azalea Trail

The new extension of the Mill Road Trail follows a wooded stream

A lone native azalea seen along the Oakman Trail

Blanchard Woods Loop Evans Georgia

February 18,2023: Twenty hikers made their way to Evans Georgia for this hike. Hike leader, Debby, lead us around all the loops for a total of 3.5 miles. It had rained the night before so some areas were rather sloppy but we all made it through. On the way home, several of us stopped for lunch at “Salad Chicken Salad Chick” which served us quickly with delicious chicken salad sandwiches. We never knew there could be so many ways to prepare a chicken salad sandwich!

Hitchcock Woods from Clark Road - January 21

We had 35 people attend this hike. At the beginning of the hike our leader, Louise, provided bottled water and a little snack pack for each participant. She then led us flawlessly up and down the hills of Hitchcock Woods. She also provided a nice long break at the “nursery field” where we chatted and got to know one another.
Thanks, Louise, for a great outing

Rest stop at “Nursery Field” in Hitchcock Woods

New Year’s Day 2023 hike – Oakman Trail

WOW – What a turnout we had for the New Year’s Day 2023 Clear the Cobwebs hike. With all the football games going on previous to the hike, maybe everyone had TV overload and just had to get outside? Maybe the New Year’s Eve celebrations caused a lot of cobwebs that needed to be cleared or maybe the very warm weather was a factor. Whatever the reason, we had a record turnout of 64 people! We all enjoyed the 2-mile hike on the Oakman trail and the cookies and libations afterwards. Thanks, Cheryl, for the pictures.

Come and get it.

Toasting in the New Year!

Our happy group of 64 New Year's Resolution hikers.

And now for next season, we will have . . .

The Hitchcock Woods Classic - December '22

We had 21 people show up for the “Classical Hitchcock Woods” hike. Hike leader Debby Smist showed us cathedral isle, the ruins of the tea cottage, and then the chalk cliffs. The 3.5 mile walk went well and everyone completed it. Thanks Debby for showing all of us such a good time. Also thanks to Susan Potter for the following pictures.

Debbie explains the hike.

Worldwide these jumps are called "Aikens". How "classic" is that?

Our hikers at the base of the "classic" Chalk Cliffs

Geocache Hike on the HC Trail Loop

It was a beautiful day for a hike. Had about 20 people. We found the cache ... pretty easy .. and I think a number of people may actually do more geocaching. Lots of photos on this trip. Take a look at our photographers at work. We like pictures; keep up the good work. (Photos courtesy of Susan Potter and Tracy Spaeth)

Three Photo-takes on the Gathering

Curiosity!

What is that in the green box (lower left corner)?

Is it for lunch, for fishing, or a geocache kit?

Steady As You Go

Courageous Hikers

A Perilous View on the Crossing.

Gibson’s Pond Park and Mercer House

Welcomed 14 Woodside Walkers at Gibsons Pond Park. The park has gone through recent refurbishing and was well worth the visit. The group enjoyed some play time on the swings and some history about the park before settling into strolling along the greenway lake loop. Following, we took to crossing a new bridge to observe beautiful views and falls. Some of us even ventured onto the climbing rocks below. After the park about 1/2 the group ventured to Mercer House Winery a welcoming rustic venue where we were provided free wine samplings. The lovely seating area on the deck allowed for room to spread our charcuterie board, eat lunch and share a bottle. The muscadine vineyard is small as they recently sold the additional acreage across the street following pandemic. However, we did see some nice scenery along the rows of muscadine vines and most of us left with care packages of unique wines.

Mercer Vineyard . . .

and Gibson Pond

Trying It Out

Thinking About It

The Gibson Pond & Mercer House Group

North Augusta Greenway and Brick Pond

Hurricane Ian just missed Aiken on Friday September 31st and Saturday Oct 1st dawned sunny and warm; a perfect day to explore the North Augusta Greenway trail. About 25 people turned out to enjoy the 3 mile hike. The hike was unique because it ran thru wooded areas on the old rail bed and then thru a beautiful area of homes along the Savannah River before proceeding through the natural area of Brick Pond right in the middle of North Augusta and back to the parking area. Also unique was the fact that we could stop along the trail and just walk to a nice restaurant for lunch. Many decided to do just that!

Our Happy Hikers Pose (Count Them)

Our Leader

Lunch at the Larder restaurant

Ten Governors Rail-Trail - September 3, 2022

It was a fine hiking day on September 3rd 2022 when about thirty people set out to learn a history lesson about the ten South Carolina governors that hailed from the small town of Edgefield. Although the trail was short it was mainly shaded and beautiful. We stopped at plaques for each governor to learn more about their colorful history. Afterward many of us had lunch at the Edgefield Grill. This is a very nice restaurant that you should check out if you have not already eaten there.

Ten Governors Trail

Hike leader Jerry explains the Rail-Trail

Waiting to start the walk

Tenth Governor James "Strom" Thurmond

Three Trailwalkers

Redcliffe Hike - April 9, 2022

It was a cool windy day but things improved once we entered the wooded area. The trail was in great shape and about 25 hikers enjoyed the 2.5-mile walk. On the way back we strolled thru a row of huge Theodora Cedars and then down the alley of magnificent Southern Magnolias before arriving back at the historic plantation house.
After the hike several of us visited Jenk Farmers “funky little” crinium lily farm. This property is as old as the Redcliffe plantation and was once part of that farm. In fact, the house is actually older than the planation house and all the farm buildings have been restored. The includes a neat old shed that now serves as a bathroom [see picture]. Although it was early in the growing season some lilies were blooming and many of us bought them and other available bulbs.
Many thanks to Cheryl, our hike leader, for this most enjoyable day. Thanks also to Cheryl, Sandy Cortese and Jim Pierce for providing pictures for the website.

A right turn off a one lane dirt road.

Our group stops for catching up and to take a photo.

Rest spot at bottom of trail before the climb back to the top.

Three hikers resting outside the Redcliffe Visitors Center.

----- ----- After the hike. Down the road to Jenk Farmers Lily Farm ---- -----

Jenk talks about his Crinium lily farm

Our hike leader Cheryl inspects a plant

Lilies Here

Lilies There

A lily with Jim

A lily with a Smiling Lady

A quaint reminder of days past.

The "lily farm group" on the steps of Redcliffe Plantation house.

Phinizy Swamp Hike
(Alligators and Wet Feet)

What a day we had. When we set out from Aiken there was a lot of rain on our windshields and when we got to the swamp it was still raining. But never to fear, our hike leader Debby arranged for the rain to stop just in time for the hike. We set out but soon came to a bridge that was partially under water. Did that stop us? Of course, not – just wade thru. What are a few wet feet when you are out to see numerous birds and alligators? And see them we did! We counted at least 10 alligators and birds too numerous to count. Unfortunately, we were not too good at identifying the birds. The weather continued to improve and we concluded the hike with a brief visit to the park visitor center. We all had a good time. Thanks Debby

A Typical Phinizy Swamp Scene

Here is where we got the wet feet

Two Fearless Aligators

The big one that got away. Thank heavens.

Looking for Osprey

Observation Platform

Boyd Pond February 19, 2022

Thirty six people turned up at Boyd Pond for this hike. There was a slight mix-up on where to park but the hike still got underway right on time. Perfect weather for an Aiken winter hike. We had great views of the pond from both sides. Thanks to our hike leaders Laurie and Rita who put a lot of work into finding a great route. A map of our route is shown.

Laurie and Rita's Boyd Pond Hiking Group

Clear the Cobwebs Hike, January 1st 2022

On a great winter day with the temperature around 75 degrees around forty people cleared their cobwebs from New Year’s eve by hiking around the Oakman Trail. At the end of the hike we all stopped to have cookies and southern tea. Thanks to all who brought cookies to share. They were plentiful and delicious! Thanks also to Susan Potter and Cheryl Murga for their camera work. Photos help make these pages come to life. Photo contributions are always welcome.

Arriving at the gathering spot.

On the hike. Creek crossing.

Gathering before the hike.

Goodbye 2021; Hello 2022.

A "Thank You" Table.

We hope the cobwebs are gone.

Inaugural Hike Woodside’s Azalea Trail September 11, 2021

A cold front came through Aiken a couple of days before the hike and what a beautiful fall day it was for the 30 hikers who attended the official opening of Woodside’s Azalea Trail. The Development Company sent a video photographer to accompany us on the hike and you can see the video at https://www.dropbox.com/s/jw7ypfaehiwqwjk/Woodside%20Trail%20Ceremony%20Revision.mp4?dl=0
Everyone was impressed with the new trail