Lexington: History and Trails by the Water

Lexington’s Old Mill was built on the banks of Twelvemile Creek. The building dates back to the 1890s; originally, the mill was known as the Lexington Manufacturing Company. Flowing water supplied the power for more than 200 looms and 7,000 spindles. In this way, the Old Mill connects its location on the creek with the history of cotton manufacturing: the water was not merely a backdrop, but the power source for the operation.

Trails Between Creek and Park

The Fourteen Mile Creek Trail is located at North Lake Drive and Old Cherokee Road in Lexington. Its round-trip length is 1.7 miles. The trails are 10 feet wide; the trail includes bridges, designated pet areas, seating, and an outdoor classroom. When planning, understand the stated distance as the total round-trip distance. Check the latest access information before your visit.

Kayaking is permitted at Gibson Pond Park. There is also a hiking trail there that is about 0.5 miles long. Fish found there include bass, sunfish, brim, catfish, and crappie; a South Carolina fishing license is required. Virginia Hylton Park offers several trails that extend throughout the park.

At Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, the 2.4-mile Blue Trail passes Peachtree Rock, the waterfall, and Little Peachtree Rock. For comparison by trail length, the available figures are different: the trail at Gibson Pond Park is about 0.5 miles long, while the Blue Trail is 2.4 miles. The Blue Trail also offers named landscape features as points of reference.

Another Place with Lexington History

The Town of Lexington opened the Old Mill Pond Trail to the public in 2024 as part of a public-private partnership. Its address is 711 East Main Street, Lexington, South Carolina 29072.

Festivals with Set Dates and Locations

The Lexington County Peach Festival takes place every year at Gilbert Community Park in Gilbert, South Carolina. It is held on July 4; if that date falls on a Sunday, the festival is held on July 3. The Lake Murray's Independence Day Celebration also has a long tradition: since 1989, it has been held every summer as a fireworks display over Lake Murray, launched from two locations on the lake.

Irmo Okra Strut is an annual festival at Moore Park in Irmo. The program includes a 5K run, a parade, food and beverage vendors, booths featuring local artisans and exhibitors, and entertainment for children. Since the annual program may change, it’s worth checking the latest dates and activities before your visit.

The Gaston Town Festival takes place on the first Saturday in October; check the date for the relevant year in advance. The two-day Pelion Peanut Party features rides, vendor booths, fair food, live entertainment, a s’mores fire pit, and fireworks. The specific event program may vary.

Explore more destinations: Gaston, South Congaree, Irmo, Cayce, Pelion, Lexington, West Columbia, Dillon County.

For the broader travel overview: South Carolina.