Public Service and AgricultureImages from Daniel Hanks’ bicycle ride across S.C.Denise Attaway Share: Download image November 7, 2019 Daniel Hanks, a Clemson University aquatic landscape ecologist, rides 279 miles across South Carolina to study the state’s varied landscapes. Clemson aquatic landscape ecologist Daniel Hanks with his children Laurel, 6, and Finn, 2, before he takes off on his bicycle tour of South Carolina. Peach orchards, such as this along Edgefield Highway can be found throughout Edgefield County, one of the largest peach producing areas in the United States. Silos such as these can be found on the side of the Savannah River Scenic Byway near McCowan Farm Road. The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) of the U.S. Forest Service works in partnership with state forestry agencies, cooperative extension, and conservation districts to connect private landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands. Hanks’ bicycle tour takes him through rural South Carolina where he makes stops at places such as Storey’s Grocery and Tackle Shop near Eureka. Adger Solar developed this solar farm off Edgefield Highway in Aiken County. This facility produces 74 MW of energy at full capacity. Hanks traveled down roads such as the River Ridge Road west of South Fork Edisto River to gain an appreciation of the South Carolina landscape. Reflection of the Savannah River Scenic Byway as Hanks’ bicycle tour takes him through rural South Carolina. Hanks takes shelter from the rain in a store on Depot Street in Mt. Carmel. Hanks straps all of his provisions – food, clothes, tent and water – on his Kona Sutra touring bicycle. Hanks enjoys scenery such as this one of Edisto River at Colleton State Park during his bicycle journey across rural South Carolina. Baker Creek State Park is located on Lake Thurmond near McCormick. Hanks travels down SC Highway 19, or Edgefield Highway, as he tours rural South Carolina to gain a better understanding of the state’s landscape and topography. Much of the rural landscape in South Carolina consists of towns that have lost citizens because of the lure of cities. Edgefield, located on the Savannah River just north of Augusta and northwest of Aiken County, is called “The Gateway to Southern History.” Cotton serves as one of South Carolina’s main crops and Hanks rides past this cotton field on the Charleston Augusta Highway near Bamberg. Colleton State Park is a Lowcountry park that sits a short distance from I-95 and connects to Givhans Ferry State Park via 23 miles of blackwater river. The park provides easy access to the Edisto River and serves as the headquarters for the Edisto River canoe and kayak trail. These grain elevators can be seen at the junction of SC Highways 72 and 81 in Calhoun Falls. Aiken State Park is set along the Edisto River and was built by two Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Daniel Hanks, a Clemson aquatic landscape ecologist, travels rural South Carolina to develop and share landscape perspectives. Want to Discuss? Get in touch and we will connect you with the author or another expert. Or email us at news@clemson.edu Your Name Your Email Your Message This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.