For more than a century, Hitchcock Woods has been woven into the history of Aiken. What began as a treasured winter retreat has grown into one of America’s largest privately owned urban forests—protected for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Hitchcock Woods was originally part of a larger tract of land purchased by Thomas Hitchcock and William Whitney in the 1890s. Later, in the 1930s, the Hitchcock Foundation was formed to preserve, protect and maintain the remaining acres of the original tract for the benefit of the general public and future generations.
The history of Hitchcock Woods is inseparable from the glamorous history of Aiken as a health resort and “winter colony” for wealthy families from the northeast with names such as Hitchcock, Whitney, Vanderbilt, Grace, Knox, Post, Goodyear, Eustis, Bostwick, Dolan, Astor and Pinkerton. Attracted by Aiken’s temperate climate and loamy soil, these prominent families built magnificent homes in Aiken to house their families, staff, dogs, and horses during the winter months.
Arriving by private railroad car at the beginning of the season, the winter colonists spent their time in Aiken playing golf, court tennis, and bird hunting. They were also accomplished equestrians, polo players and avid foxhunters. Aiken provided the perfect setting for the sport of foxhunting thanks to the lush longleaf pine ecosystem that covered 95% of the southern landscape at the time.
In 1939, the Hitchcock family established the Hitchcock Foundation, which later became the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, and generously donated 1,120 acres to ensure the land would be permanently protected. Their vision was simple yet profound—to preserve this remarkable forest so that future generations could experience its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
This extraordinary act of stewardship laid the foundation for everything Hitchcock Woods represents today.
While Hitchcock Woods remains one of the country’s premier equestrian destinations, it has evolved into a place where everyone can connect with nature. Today, hikers, runners, dog walkers, birdwatchers, photographers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts share the same trails once enjoyed by generations before them.
The mission remains unchanged: to preserve the Woods while ensuring they remain open, welcoming, and accessible for all.
The history of Hitchcock Woods is still being written. Through thoughtful conservation, community support, and educational outreach, the Foundation continues to protect this extraordinary landscape so future generations can experience the same beauty, tranquility, and sense of discovery that have defined the Woods for more than a century.
