TheChotty T rail

For years, tourism has meant packing the suitcases, loading the car, hitting the highways and byways, fighting traffic to get to your destination and then, finding suitable accommodations when you arrive. By the time all those tasks have been completed, it’s on to looking for places to eat --usually trying to find an uncrowded restaurant ---, sights to see and things to do in some busy tourist trap.

For those seeking a more relaxing and nature-friendly alternative, Ecotourism has become a safe haven for those looking to unwind, free their minds from the hustle and bustle business world and see what nature has in store for them. Responsible travel, environmental conservation and cultural education are the buzzwords of a booming industry which, at its height prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated more than $181 million globally.

Camden took another giant leap into the Ecotourism fray as the city partnered with Global Eco Adventures, the S.C. National Heritage Corridor and the Palmetto Conservation Foundation to develop The Chotty Trail, the state’s newest link to the Palmetto Trail network - South Carolina’s premier hiking and mountain biking pathway that extends from the mountains to the sea.

The Chotty Trail, named in honor and memory of Charles “Chotty” Mullikin, a World War II veteran and father of Camden’s Tom Mullikin, a global expedition leader, is a 3.5-mile trail starting at Camden’s Riverfront Environmental Park and extends to Historic Camden and theRevolutionary War Visitor Center located at 212 Broad Street. Eventually, the Chotty Trail will connect Camden with the primary spine of the Palmetto Trail which passes some 20 miles from the west bank of the Wateree River.

“The Chotty Trail is a wonderful enhancement to the beautiful riverfront,” says Thomas Mullikin Jr., Director of Global Eco Adventures “It will allow participants to not only explore the beautifully renovated ponds, but participants will be able to move away from the river and into the oldest inland city in South Carolina.

The Chotty Trail will pass historic Camden cemeteries including Cedars, the Jewish and Quaker cemetery and the gravesite of Baron deKalb.

“While on the Chotty Trail, participants will be able to see Camden’s amazing flora and fauna, historical battlesights and end at the prestigious Visitor Center where they can explore the museum and learn more about the impact that Camden had on the Revolutionary War.”

Thomas Mullikin Jr. said the Chotty Trail will be a valuable asset to the area and a magnet for those wishing to get back to nature.

“Growing up in Camden,” he said, “the Wateree River has been an underutilized gem of the County. Having the Chotty Trail trailhead start at the river will allow adventurers to embrace the beauty of the great Wateree. The Chotty Trail, as well as, the entire Palmetto Trail can be hiked by people of any age or capability.

“The Chotty Trail is a unique trail because it not only has the beautiful environment that you will be hiking through but also has the incredibly rich history that comes with it. I believe that the Chotty Trail will be an attraction that will bring others, outside of Camden, to visit.

Tom Mullikin, Sr. is leader of the annual South Carolina 7 Expedition (SC7). The trail will help unite families and friends while, he hopes, those traversing its paths will get to know others from in and around the community.

“The SC7 is an event that indeed brings people together, from all walks of life, enjoying our extraordinary and in-manyways unique natural resources and the beauty of the same,” Tom Mullikin said. “We are so thankful for our county being born out of the banks of the Wateree River. To be able to enjoy this river is amazing. We are so blessed.”