Cathedral Aisle Trail

The Cathedral Aisle Trail is part of a 65-mile network within Aiken's protected Hitchcock Woods. Open since September 1939, this lush forest path is among the nation's oldest rail-trails. Though it runs just 0.8 mile, the route is a must-see for its railroading past alone.

The South Carolina Railroad & Canal Company built the corridor in 1835 as part of its Hamburg-Charleston route. At the time, the 136-mile line was the world's longest and the domain of a steam locomotive named the Best Friend of Charleston. In the late 1800s, Lulie and Thomas Hitchcock purchased the land surrounding the then-abandoned tracks for a hunting preserve.

The Hitchcocks eventually set aside 1,200 acres for recreational purposes on condition the area never be sold to a private individual or firm. Today, through the support of donors and volunteers, the Hitchcock Foundation manages more than 2,000 acres of mature forest, ponds, streams and wetlands. At its heart is the Cathedral Aisle rail-trail.

Cyclists are barred from the trail network, though most bikes would bog down in the soft sand anyway. You will find meandering hikers, joggers and equestrians. You may even encounter a horse-drawn carriage on the Cathedral Aisle or connecting trails. Pick up a map at the trailhead information kiosk.

Parking and Trail Access

To reach the trailhead from Aiken, take US Highway 78/Richland Avenue west to Highway 118/Hitchcock Parkway. Head south on Hitchcock about 0.5 mile and turn left on Dibble Road. Follow Dibble just under 0.5 mile. Parking is available in a sandy lot on the right, opposite the power station.

Contact:
Aiken Chamber of Commerce
121 Richard Avenue East
Aiken, SC 29801
803-641-1111

North Augusta Greeneway Park

South Carolina - 5.5 miles

The North Augusta Greeneway follows an abandoned right-of-way of the former Central of Georgia Railway (later the Central Rail Road and Banking...

Augusta Canal Trail

Georgia - 7.85 miles

This nearly 8-mile trail occupies a unique historic and natural setting in the heart of Augusta. Originally constructed in 1845, the waterway itself...

River Levee Trail

Georgia - 2 miles

Augusta's River Levee Trail offers a paved 2-mile route along the the Savannah River, which divides Georgia from South Carolina, and is flanked by...

Accordion

Ten Governors Rail Trail

South Carolina - 1 miles

The town of Edgefield has taken pride in the political initiative of its native sons for nearly 200 years and today dubs itself the "Home of Ten...

Williston Rail-Trail

South Carolina - 1.6 miles

The Williston Rail-Trail runs between East Main Street and West Main Street in the small Barnwell County community of Williston. The paved trail...

Savannah Valley Railroad Trail

South Carolina - 9 miles

The Savannah Valley Railroad Trail will one day follow the Savannah River on a northwest course from McCormick to Calhoun Falls. It will cross two...

Heritage Trail (SC)

South Carolina - 2.5 miles

There's no better place to take in Greenwood's industrial and railroading past than along the aptly named Heritage Trail, which extends more than 2...

Palmetto Trail (Peak to Prosperity Passage)

South Carolina - 10.2 miles

The Peak to Prosperity Passage segment of the Palmetto Trail offers an easy, flat route for most of its 10-mile journey. The views from the bridges...

Three Rivers Greenway

South Carolina - 8.5 miles

The Three Rivers Greenway is actually composed of the West Columbia Riverwalk and the Cayce Riverwalk. This beautiful series of riverfront pathways,...

Vista Greenway

South Carolina - 0.8 miles

Traveling for nearly a mile in downtown Columbia, this first segment of the Vista Greenway features a 100-year-old railroad tunnel stretching 400 feet...

S&S Greenway

Georgia - 2.75 miles

The S&S Greenway lies in southeastern Statesboro, a college town that's home to Georgia Southern University. It traces the route of the former...

Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail

South Carolina - 19.5 miles

The nearly 20-mile Greenville Health System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail links the cities of Travelers Rest and Greenville in upstate South Carolina via a...