Aiken County, SC

Including:

• Aiken » Find hotels in Aiken, SC
• Burnettown
• North Augusta » Find hotels in North Augusta, SC
• Savannah River

Parks and recreation areas

• Aiken 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. There are some hiking trails throughout the preserve which consists mainly of sand and small pine trees, plus a pond.

• Aiken State Park

  Swamps, creeks, and hiking trails will be found at this state park in rural Aiken County, which was once known as the “Aiken State Natural Area”. Four spring-fed lakes and the South Edisto River make this a popular place for campers and fishermen.

• Carolina Bay Nature Reserve

  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. Hiking trails lead you around the bay, where you will find plenty of interesting plants and animals.

• Citizens Park

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

• Creighton Park

  Creighton Park has a large grassy field with a playground and picnic tables.

• Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve

  This preserve contains several interesting hiking trails, an undisturbed Carolina Bay, and a number of rare plant species.

• Fun Valley Sassafras Park

  Located between Aiken and Augusta, this town park has one of the most unusual playgrounds, made almost entirely of wooden beams and old tires. A small stage is located in the parking lot.

• Gyles Park and Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

  Come to Gyles Park in Aiken to relax and learn all about the Charleston and Hamburg Railroad. Several old railroad passenger cars and a caboose are undergoing restoration here. A replica of the Aiken Depot, which existed from 1899 to 1954, has now opened. It contains dioramas which depict what was once the longest railroad in the world. You will also find a playground and picnic tables here.

• Henderson Heritage Preserve

  This preserve was acquired to protect a longleaf pine and scrub oak sandhills ecosystem. It has a number of hiking trails in the hilly terrain, plus some wetlands.

• Hitchcock Woods

  Just outside of downtown Aiken, South Carolina lies one of the largest urban forests in the United States, a 2100-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. The Cathedral Aisle Trail, originally part of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, became America's first rail-trail in 1939.

• Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch

  When you first step into the Hopelands Gardens, 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 through a wide variety of environments. Along the way, you will find ponds, fountains, wetlands, old houses, museums, amphitheaters, and a rope swing. There is even a touch-and-feel walkway with braille signs.

  Museums on the property include the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, the Dollhouse, and the Carriage Museum.

• Langley Pond Park

  This park on Langley Pond near Burnettown offers a boat ramp, seasonal swimming, picnicking, and community events.

  Click here to see more pictures and information.

• Living History Park

  Take a step back in time at North Augusta's Living History Park, where a number of colonial-era buildings have been re-created. Special events are held here at various times throughout the year, and the park is also popular for school groups.

  Just up the hill is the Garden at North Augusta, a 21^st century garden in a colonial setting. Also known as the Sensory Garden, it has a wonderfully-displayed collection of plants that have been placed in memory of and in honor of various people.

  This park is managed by the non-profit Olde Towne Preservation Association

• North Augusta Greeneway

  The city of North Augusta is fortunate to have an outstanding paved trail for walking, hiking, bicycling, and roller-skating. Built along an abandoned railroad track, the North Augusta Greenway offers a wonderful “green tunnel” experience. This rail-trail passes through the Riverview Park, which is a convenient access point. The main trail is about seven miles long, with several more miles of trails branching off of it.

• 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. Tours of the house are given Thursday - Monday at 1:00p, 2:00p, and 3:00p. There is also a nature trail and a fishing pond.

• Riverview Park

  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. You will also find some batting cages and a covered picnic pavilion. There is a ramp for launching boats onto the Savannah River. The North Augusta Greenway passes through this park.

• 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.

• Silver Bluff Plantation Sanctuary

  The wide variety of habitats contained within Silver Bluff offers some spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. For the birdwatcher, Silver Bluff has 200 species, including endangered Wood Storks. This sanctuary is operated by the National Audubon Society (http://audubon.org/).

• Virginia Acres Park

  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.

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Bicycling routes

For more information about Aiken County, see http://www.sciway.net/cnty/aiken.html.

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