A perfectly Clemson orange sunset, a breeze from the nearby water and the pounding of footsteps from runners all paint the picture of the Dikes, this year’s Best Outdoor Spot.

The Dikes, only a few minutes from campus, are a favorite spot for both students and locals to go running or walking. No time is more popular than sunrise or sunset when the view of Lake Hartwell makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

The Dikes are so much more than simply a pedestrian path. When Clemson experiences its rare snowfalls — as was the case just this January — the Dikes transform into a sledding course. Hundreds of students gather at its steep slopes, armed with a random assortment of objects they can use as sleds to fly down the hill.

But how did this outdoor spot come to be? It’s story dates back to the late 1950s and early 1960s when the Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Hartwell Dam and Reservoir. As a result of the construction, however, the water levels would rise and flood parts of campus. The newly created lake would cover parts of the Fort Hill estate, agricultural land and, most significantly, the first 26 rows of Memorial Stadium.

Following pressure from the board of trustees, the Alumni Association, Sen. Strom Thurmond and countless alumni across the country, the Corps of Engineers conceded. The result? Two diversion dams, or the Dikes.

The Dikes extend along the shores of the lake, starting just behind the Esso Club and continuing past the women’s rowing facility all the way to the Madren Center. While the first two sections of the Dikes are footpath-only, the southernmost section by the Madren Center is bicycle-friendly.

The next time you are in the mood for some fresh air and a nice walk, head over to the Dikes to appreciate a small part of Clemson’s rich history.

Address:
201 Sunset Ave.
Clemson, SC 29631