General Visitor Guidelines

Welcome! The Hitchcock Woods is the largest urban natural area in the country containing a stunning variety of extraordinary habitats and ecosystems that have all but disappeared from the Southern landscape. The protection and preservation of the Woods is the highest priority of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, and we ask our visitors to love and protect and preserve this magical place as well.

To read all about the spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of the forest, click here.

  • No smoking, dumping, littering, fishing, hunting or trapping in the Woods at any time.
  • Unauthorized fires are dangerous to the Woods and to the surrounding communities. Visitors are not permitted to build fires, discharge fireworks, or light candles or lanterns in the Woods for any reason at any time.
  • Bicycles or motorized vehicles in the Woods are strictly prohibited.
  • There are no trash receptacles in the Woods, so please carry out everything you bring in.
  • All visitors must remain on the trails. Equestrians and carriage drivers should be sensitive to current trail conditions to avoid damage to the trails.
  • Any night time activity, including overnight camping, moonlight rides or walks, is prohibited.
  • Unauthorized use of metal detectors is not permitted.
  • No inappropriate or offensive activities or behaviors are permitted in the Woods, including, but not limited to, fighting, paintball or graffiti.
  • Any groups of ten or more people, including equestrians, school field trips, runners, bird watchers, naturalists, boy and girl scout activities, must register with the Foundation office in advance at (803) 642-0528.

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