You’ll enjoy beautiful weather in scenic parks and nature preserves nearly everywhere in Aiken, South Carolina. It’s easy to immerse yourself in nature year-round.
Spending time outdoors is good for your health. According to a Penn State study shared on Science Daily, research has shown that being outside, particularly for adults over 65, can improve your health and quality of life. Being outdoors can help boost your mood, provide opportunities for social connection, and foster a sense of purpose.
Cumberland Village and Cumberland Hills residents enjoy picturesque outdoor surroundings and activities at their Golden Bell Senior Living communities. However, they also appreciate being a short drive from several nature preserves and parks in Aiken, South Carolina.
Learn our favorite places in Aiken to spend time outdoors in this blog curated by Golden Bell Senior Living.
Top Parks, Nature Preserves, and More in Aiken, South Carolina
Hitchcock Woods
As one of the largest urban natural areas in the country, Hitchcock Woods is a must-see when in Aiken. You’ll observe a variety of habitats and ecosystems throughout 2,100 acres of forestland that may be difficult to find anywhere else in the South. There are 70 miles of sandy trails commonly used by hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, runners, bird watchers, and nature lovers of all ages.
Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Perhaps known for its endless views of the Savannah River, Aiken is home to the 3,400-acre woodland known as Audubon’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary. There are walking trails, 50 acres of lakes and ponds, 100 acres of grasslands, and extensive pine and bottomland hardwood forests. Storks are present from late July through September, and you’ll discover a wide variety of birds and other wildlife year-round, including bald eagles.
Related: Staying Fit During Retirement in Aiken >>
Kalmia Hill Park
Kalmia Hill Park is a great place for multi-generational families to explore. Children will appreciate the play system and swing set, while adults can set up a picnic in the shelter or get in a few games of basketball or tennis matches. Older adults can take laps around the walking track in this two-acre park, which is open from sunrise to sunset.
Carolina Bay Nature Preserve
The Carolina Bay Nature Preserve offers a unique spot to view a wide variety of birds, including Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Red Tail Hawks, and Mississippi Kites. You may also see frogs, turtles, salamanders, raccoons, and squirrels. You’ll find Blue-flowered Pickerel Weed along the shoreline. Just remember to stick to the trails to help avoid poison ivy and briars that are common in the woods here.
Hopelands Gardens
Hopelands Gardens is a 14-acre estate that opened as a public garden in 1970. The garden paths lead visitors through 100-year-old oak trees, deodar cedars, and magnolias. The Wetlands were added in 1993 as a natural filtration system for the rainwater run-off from nearby Whiskey Road. You can often see an array of plants, trees, ducks, turtles, and fish by the Wetlands.
Related: Finding Connection and Purpose During Retirement in Aiken >>
Virginia Acres Park
Virginia Acres Park offers an expansive 46 acres of recreation areas for all ages. You’ll find disc golf, a tennis center, pickleball courts, and racquetball courts here. There are a dozen benches throughout the park, as well as several picnic tables. There’s also a one-mile walking track with lights, water fountains, and park benches. Younger visitors will appreciate the interactive play systems with a rope climbing wall, musical area, and jungle gym.
Aiken State Park
Aiken State Park is set along the South Edisto River and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The state park covers 1,067 acres and includes a 1.7-mile canoe/kayak trail, picnic shelters, park lakes for fishing, and campsites. A 3-mile hiking trail is level and follows a dirt turf loop through wetlands and mixed pine and hardwood forest. Visitors will likely see wildflowers, beavers, reptiles, birds, and white-tailed deer in the park.
Related: The History of Aiken, South Carolina >>
Connecting With Nature at Cumberland Village and Cumberland Hills in Aiken, South Carolina
Residents at Golden Bell’s Cumberland Village and Cumberland Hills can choose to spend much of their free time outdoors, including walking through the lavish grounds, sitting on a bench among the trees, and enjoying the outdoor activity and recreation areas.
When ready to explore the city’s nature preserves and other hidden gems, residents can enjoy a picnic at the Tea Cottage in nearby Hitchcock Woods or visit Kalmia Hill Park for laps on the walking track.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
