Trails We Love: Skardon Trail, A Path of Purpose and Perseverance
Some trails are loved for their views. Others for their peaceful solitude. And then there are those like the Skardon Trail, where every step carries the weight of history and the spirit of a hero.
Tucked quietly near the entrance to Clemson University, next to the Douthit Hills parking lot, this short, one-third-mile stretch might be easy to miss. But for those who know the story, it’s one of the most powerful trails in the Upstate.
A peaceful place to sit before or after your walk on the Ben Skardon Trail
A Trail with a Legacy
The Skardon Trail, also affectionately known as “Sylvan Delight,” is named in honor of Brig. Gen. Ben Skardon – a Clemson alumnus, decorated war hero, beloved professor, and survivor of the Bataan Death March. Skardon, who graduated in 1938, passed away in 2021 at the age of 104. In July 2022, on what would have been his 105th birthday, Clemson dedicated this very path to him.
For Skardon, this wasn’t just a trail. It was a training ground.
In his late 80s and into his early 100s, Skardon used this shaded path to prepare for the Bataan Memorial Death March – a grueling annual event at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico that honors those who endured one of World War II’s most harrowing ordeals. In 2006, at age 88, he became the only Bataan survivor to complete part of the march on foot. He returned 12 more times.
More Than Just a Walk
The trail connects the Clemson campus to Woodland Way, the neighborhood where Skardon once lived. The walk itself is serene, winding through trees and gently sloping terrain. But what makes it special is the quiet presence of legacy: walking here is a chance to reflect, to connect, and to remember a man whose resilience made national headlines and inspired generations.
How to Visit
The Skardon Trail is open to the public and easily accessible. Visitors can park at the Douthit Hills lot—just be mindful of weekday campus parking rules. If you’re lucky enough to visit around mid-July, you might catch the annual celebration of Skardon’s birthday, when Clemson alumni, ROTC cadets, and community members gather to honor his life.
Following a brief dedication, guests are invited to walk the trail in his memory – a simple, meaningful act that ties the past to the present.
Why We Love It:
Although the Skardon Trail is not officially part of the Green Crescent Trail system, it’s one of our favorite local walks. It’s a place to stretch your legs, clear your mind, and walk in the footsteps of history.
Thank you to Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre for the encouragement to share details about this trail and for the pictures. He’s a regular walker on the trail so you may see him out there!
