Daniel Prince
Pandemic and rain limited attendance last year
Between rain and the ongoing pandemic, attendance for last year’s First Day Hikes at state parks was well down from previous years, assuming the hikes weren’t cancelled outright due to the weather. This year, organizers hope the weather is much better. Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site plans two different First Day Hikes in which you can participate.
On Saturday, January 1, join the rangers at Rose Hill for a ½-mile historic nature trail walk or a 1-1/2-mile hike along the Tyger River trail. Along the way, there will be stops to talk about slavery, emancipation, and sharecropping. Both hikes will start at 10 a.m. at the brick kitchen house behind the mansion. The hikes are free, and no reservations are required. Please bring water and dress for the weather, wearing comfortable hiking shoes. Binoculars, insect repellant, and a camera are optional.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round. The mansion home is accessible only by guided tour, which is offered during the winter on Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Reservations for the tours are strongly encouraged. For more information, call 427-5966. The park is located at 2677 Sardis Road in Union.
The First Day Hikes at Rose Hill are two of 47 planned First Day events at State Parks across South Carolina.