TRAIL NEWS AND INFORMATION
Woodside Trail Group, 2026 Hiking Program
Hitchcock Woods – Kalmia Trail
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Hike Leader:
Jim Pierce
Mobile: 803-634-0513
Email: jbpierce649@outlook.com
Description: In preparation for this hike, the hike leader scoped out the Kalmia blooms on April 23 and found that they are ahead of their usual schedule. They were blooming at that time but there were still many tight buds, so the hike has been moved to May 2 to see the best bloom. The heat and dry conditions have made the flowers less spectacular than in some previous years, but there will still be plenty of flowers to see. The route will leave from the Dibble Road parking area nearest to the railway crossing [one of three parking areas on Dibble Road] and go along the Kalmia trail and then past the horse show ring and onto Lover’s Lane where we will see another display of Kalmia. We will then proceed to the Chalk Cliffs before circling back to the cars via the Rabbit Valley trail. A map of the route is shown below. Overall, we will see three of the most popular places in Hitchcock Woods, the Kalmia Trail, the Horse Show Ring, and the Chalk Cliffs.
Chalk Cliffs in Hitchcock Woods
Circular trail for best Kalmia viewing. Waypoint #1 locates the Chalk Cliffs
Meeting Place: Hitchcock Woods parking area is closest to the Dibble Road railroad crossing. You can park in the parking area or along the road. See the map above.
Distance: About 3 miles
Terrain: Some hills and sand underfoot in some places. Most hills are downhill, and the hike will be mostly along single-file trails instead of the wide horse trails.
Bring: Water, hiking boots or good sneakers, and bug repellent. Walking stick, if needed
Rain Cancels