Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the Hitchcock Woods?

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, owns the Woods. The land known as the Hitchcock Woods once was part of a much larger tract of land, nearly 8,000 acres, owned by Thomas Hitchcock, Sr., and William C. Whitney. In 1939, Thomas “Tommy” Hitchcock, Jr., and his sister, Helen Hitchcock Clark, established The Hitchcock Foundation (the original name) as a charitable corporation. The first gift received by the corporation was 1,191 acres of woodland from Thomas Hitchcock, Sr. The Foundation acquired additional parcels over the years through donations and purchases, bringing the total today to about 2,100 acres.

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Who may use the Hitchcock Woods?

The Hitchcock Woods is open to the general public for passive use from dawn to dusk every day. Recreational enjoyment of Hitchcock Woods is dedicated to historic and traditional uses on horseback or on foot. Frequent users of the Woods include equestrians, carriage drivers, hikers, dog walkers, and runners. Schools and other groups may schedule and organize self-guided field trips for educational value.

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Does Hitchcock Woods Foundation offer tours?

Enjoying the Hitchcock Woods is primarily a self-guided experience, but the Foundation provides maps for ease of use. There are no regularly scheduled tours. Various external organizations occasionally conduct group visits.

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Where can I get a map of the Hitchcock Woods?

Maps of the Hitchcock Woods are provided in map boxes at the seven main entrances to the Woods. Trail signs mark the major trails throughout the Woods. With over 65 miles of trails in the Woods, it is a good idea to carry a map until you know your way around. To view the map online, click here.

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Does the Hitchcock Woods receive income through taxes?

The Foundation does not receive operating support through municipal, county, state, or federal taxes. The Foundation relies exclusively on the financial support of donors for its capital and operating expenses.

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Does Hitchcock Woods Foundation have an endowment?

Hitchcock Woods Foundation formally established both an Endowment Fund and an Operating Reserve Fund in 2010. The first major gift for the endowment was received in 2011. Income from the Endowment Fund represents just 1.6% of the current year’s annual operating budget. Gifts to the endowment are welcome at any time.

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Why is biking not permitted in Hitchcock Woods?

Part of the mission of the Foundation is to uphold “historic and traditional equestrian and pedestrian uses” of the Woods. While equestrians and pedestrians may comfortably share the Woods, precautions are necessary to keep everyone safe. Horses have limited vision and can be easily startled by the speed at which a bicycler may appear, or by the unfamiliar bicycle itself. It is for the safety of all that biking is not a part of the Woods experience.

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Why are horses not permitted in the show ring?

Riders must refrain from riding in the show ring in order to preserve the footing for the Aiken Horse Show. This also ensures a more even competition, so that no individual rider or horse may become accustomed to performing in the ring.

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What is the Aiken Hounds drag hunt?

Drag hunting is a sport in which foxhounds follow a scent that has been “dragged” over a predetermined route. The scent (usually that of a fox) is laid in advance, the hounds are “cast” on the line, and the riders follow the hounds along the route. Live quarry are not intentionally hunted on a drag hunt.

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Why do you burn Hitchcock Woods?

Please see related content in the “Longleaf Pine Ecosystem,” the “Woods Stewardship,” and the “Article Library” tabs in the LEARN pull-down menu.

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What should I do if I see a coyote?

In recent decades, coyotes have spread throughout the eastern United States. They now occupy every county in South Carolina. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, but they sometimes can be seen during daylight hours. They are very shy and, unless fed, rarely make themselves known. Residents wanting to avoid coyotes should remove food sources such as trash, fruit, and pet food from the outdoor environment of their home. Small pets should be kept inside at night.

When walking in Hitchcock Woods, keeping your dog on a leash is the best way to help avoid an encounter with a coyote. If you are approached by a coyote, attempt to frighten it, so that it fears you and leaves. You can do this by shouting, waving your arms, or blowing a whistle if necessary.

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What is the status of the erosion issue?

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation Board of Trustees has unanimously pinpointed stormwater runoff from the City of Aiken to be the greatest threat to Hitchcock Woods. In January 2018, the City approved a historic plan to address this issue. Read more about it here.

To learn more about stormwater impacts on Hitchcock Woods click here.

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