Outdoor Activities at The Dikes
Looking to get some fresh air and exercise? Head over to the Dikes! Clemson has many walking trails, and this one is right next to Lake Hartwell.
Students and Clemson residents will head out to this walking path to enjoy the weather and get their steps in. The Dikes offer a chance to be next to the lake and feel the lake breeze. Many go on runs and walk with friends as it is a relatively long path. You will also see lots of dogs walking with their owners and playing in the water, so if you are missing your dogs and need a fix, ask the owners if you can pet them! It's a great space to get away from your Clemson off-campus apartment or to take a break between classes.
Where are the Dikes located in relation to Clemson University?
The smaller path is located on Old Greenville Highway. A parking lot is right next to the Esso Club for those with commuter passes. If you do not have a commuter pass, a different parking lot is located further up the road and to the right. It comes up quickly and is not labeled well, so keep an eye out for this lot.
When you first see the path, you may think it is small. That is true, but that's only part of the Dikes. If you cross Pendleton Road, you will see signs pointing to another trail. This will take you to the other side with a longer route. The Clemson rowing facility and rowing docks are found along this path. This is a perfect place for you and your friends to watch the sunset over the lake. Students also set up picnics, do arts and crafts, soak up the sun, etc.
You'll continue along this trail until you are met with a building and some fence. Again, you may think this is where the trail ends, but it continues. You can walk down by the fence and head to the cement walkway. This path will bring you to the Walker Golf Course and the new alumni building, the Madren Center. You may turn around and walk back to be by the water, or you can keep walking, bringing you back to Perimeter Road next to Clemson campus. In order to get back to the spot you started at, head toward Littlejohn Coliseum and Memorial Stadium.