TRAIL NEWS AND INFORMATION
Woodside Trail Group Hike Program for Through May 2025
Henderson Heritage Preserve
When: Saturday, February 8th at 10.00AM
Hike Leader: Cheryl Murga
Phone Number:
Email: ibid137@icloud.com
Description: We will hike the trails in the Henderson Heritage Preserve. The hike loop is two miles, and we will circle back around to access a second loop for roughly another mile. The trail follows a large pond (sometimes alligators can be observed) to an upslope, passing long leaf pine sandhills and unique rock outcroppings. There is no bathroom so plan accordingly. Parking is limited! It is strongly recommended that you join our carpool leaving from the Publix parking lot area nearest East Gate Drive. We will leave Publix at 9.15 am.
Meeting Place: Preferably at the Publix parking lot to carpool. If you must drive yourself the Preserve’s parking lot is at the end of Mayfield Road about 30 minutes from Aiken. Coordinates 33.607334, -81.741645.
Distance: About 3 miles.
Terrain: Trail conditions are natural with uneven sand or dirt areas, some slopes up or down.
Bring: Appropriate footwear, water, snack, maybe a walking stick and binoculars if you have them.
– Rain Cancels –
Graylyn Lakes Community Pond Walk
When: Saturday March 22, 2025 Beginning at 9:30am
Hike Leader: Jim Parker
Phone Number: 803-443-5223
Email: parkerinaiken@atlanticbb.net
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.)
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 Cancels –
Rain causes reschedule to March 29th, same 9:30 start. If uncertain on the day of 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 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 for water/snacks, stable shoes, walking stick.
Hitchcock Woods
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 9:45 am for 10 am start.
Hike Leader: Laurie King-Pirchner and Rita Hughson
Phone Number: 585-261-3279 or 757-871-5126
Email: laurie_kp@yahoo.com or gdnldy@yahoo.com
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.
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 Track 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
Phone Number: 614-202-5161
Email: peter@conserveaiken.org
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 –