Aiken, Historical city in South Carolina, United States.
Aiken sits in Aiken County at an elevation of 157 meters (515 feet) and covers residential areas, business districts, and several parks. The city spreads across a wide area with forested sections and open spaces that invite walking.
The city began in 1835 as a railroad terminal and quickly grew into a winter retreat for wealthy visitors from the North. Over the decades, it expanded around spa facilities and equestrian establishments that still define its character today.
Equestrian life shapes the rhythm of the city with stables, training tracks, and polo fields in regular use. Riders on sandy paths and horse shows form part of the everyday scene, drawing visitors throughout the year.
Visitors can explore the city on foot or by bicycle, as many streets are lined with trees and offer quiet routes. Some areas are easier to reach than others, so planning a rough itinerary beforehand helps.
Hitchcock Woods within the city limits forms one of the largest urban forests in the eastern United States with sandy paths for riders and walkers. The area has preserved special rules that permit traditional fox hunting on horseback, a practice maintained for decades.
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