South Carolina’s state parks invite people to start the new year with an invigorating walk outdoors on Friday, January 1.
Hundreds of free hikes will be held on New Year’s Day in the United States as part of First Day Hikes, an annual program that helps people recharge with outdoor walks.
Although Aiken State Park does not participate in the event, those in Aiken County can still visit the Redcliffe Plantation State Park, on Beech Island, which is about 30 minutes from Aiken.
The trails designated for self-guided hikes are mostly half a mile to 3 miles away and cover easy terrain, ideal for families and hikers of all levels.
In recent years, first day hikes were guided hikes by rangers along nature or historic trails, or diving in lakes and surfing.
This year, however, to respect the safety protocols under the coronavirus, the hikes will be self-guided. Some parks allow groups of a maximum of 10 people. Park visitors can pick up brochures and materials from the park office and enjoy the tour at their own pace.
Facial coverage and social distance will be required. Hand sanitizers and adhesives will be available at the park’s offices while supplies last.
A special addition this year will be the introduction of the Kids in Parks TRACK trails, which invite children to explore the outdoors through activities, games and prizes. The trails were designated in the state parks of Sesquicentenário, Landsford Canal, Musgrove Mill and Table Rock.
All parks that participate in a first day hike include:
- Andrew Jackson State Park
- Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
- Chester State Park
- Colleton State Park
- Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Givhans Ferry
- Hamilton Branch State Park
- Hampton Plantation
- Hickory Knob State Park
- Hunting Island State Park
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Lake Hartwell State Park
- Landsford Canal
- Lee State Park
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Poinsett State Park
- Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
- Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Table Rock State Park