South Carolina’s habitat diversity intrigued early explorers in the 18th century, and it continues to do the same today. Within a relatively small geographic area, you’ll find mountains, foothills, piedmont, blackwater rivers, cypress swamps, the coastal plain, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. While our mountains and beaches are garnering the bulk of the attention, other incredible wonders often go largely unnoticed. Such is the case with an area found in Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, South Carolina that looks like a miniature Grand Canyon. Let’s explore this underappreciated spot together.

Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the United States consisting of a vast 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails which have been enjoyed by both pedestrian and equestrian users since the early 1800s. Aiken was a popular winter colony frequented by the wealthy from the northeastern area of the country.
Hitchcock Woods Foundation via Google Reviews
Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, South Carolina
Visit Aiken SC via Facebook
The miniature Grand Canyon is just one of the fascinating features of Hitchcock Woods and can be found along the Hitchcock Tea Cottage Loop trail.
Richard Wilson via AllTrails
Joshua Kovacs via AllTrails

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This trail is very sandy, just under two miles long, and is considered a moderately challenging route, with both up and downhill terrain.
Joshua Kovacs via AllTrails
The trail is not really marked, so you'll want to use the map to avoid frustration and the possibility of getting lost.
AllTrails
The canyon area has some steeper hiking and features chalk cliff formations that are believed to be around several hundred years old, forming from the natural erosion of the sandy soil.
Talan Reynolds via AllTrails
Phyllis Stoker via AllTrails
Hitchcock Woods is a favorite spot in Aiken for some. Who would have ever thought you could stumble onto a miniature Grand Canyon in the middle of the woods in South Carolina?
Esteban Molina via AllTrails

Although Aiken is known for being a winter colony, it’s a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Book the Idyllic Horse Cottage that’s close to downtown and has been freshly updated with decor reflecting the city’s sporting life. It’s the perfect place to stay while exploring Hitchcock Woods and more in Aiken, South Carolina!

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Hitchcock Woods, Aiken, SC 29801, USA