Garden of the Waxhaws Trail

The Garden of the Waxhaws Loop, along with the Crawford Nature Trail [add hyperlink], make up the two easy hiking options inside Andrew Jackson State Park. The Garden of the Waxhaws is a 1 mile path that circles the park's 18 acre lake. While the path passes open areas that are popular for pole fishing, most of the trail is hidden away from the water, within a shady forest of mixed pine and hardwood trees. The easy path crosses a lengthy wooden boardwalk, as well as passing through the base of the Campground, before returning to the gravel parking area.There is very little elevation change at all along the way, the route stays mostly flat. While walkers may head in either direction upon starting the hike, it is easier to follow the route if going in a clockwise direction.Only a short portion of the path is exposed to the sun - a stretch of grassy causway crossing the dam - the rest remains beneath the shade of the forest canopy. Bug repellant is a must along this hike.There are no amenities located at the lake or along the trail. Water and bathrooms are available at the museum in the central parking area.