Hitchcock Woods Foundation

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation, a charitable non-profit 501c3, was established in 1939 by the Hitchcock family for the preservation and management of Hitchcock Woods (HW) for all to enjoy. HW, in downtown Aiken, SC, is one of the largest urban forests in the United States with over 70 miles of trails and 2100 acres of pristine forest. Part of the S.C. Heritage Trust, it houses an extraordinary ecosystem as well as rare and endangered plant and animal species. Open every day of the year during daylight hours at no cost, the forest offers walkers, runners, equestrian riders, students, botanists, and environmentalists the opportunity to enjoy its extraordinary beauty, educational resources, varied ecosystems, and archeological wonders. The trails are mixed-use with many different routes, some wide and others more overgrown. While there are no public restrooms or services, visitors can explore the expansive and sandy trails, which can be challenging but provide a serene and natural experience just minutes from the center of Aiken.