Walk for Peace monks enter Rock Hill region ahead of Charlotte. When to see them
The Walk for Peace came to the Rock Hill region on Tuesday, as crowds greeted a group of Buddhist monks that have become an internet sensation.
Monks from Fort Worth, Texas, began a 2,300-mile walk in October that aims to promote peace. They will pass through nine state capitals before reaching Washington, D.C., next month. The walk has drawn huge crowds as it passed through cities, most recently in Columbia this past weekend.
Facebook and Instagram pages for the walk have more than 1 million followers each.
The monks had gone through Chester County before heading into York County and Rock Hill Tuesday by way of U.S. 21.
The monks and their equally viral companion Aloka the Peace Dog set out at daybreak Tuesday from the War Memorial Building in Great Falls. They’ll travel north to Fort Mill Wednesday, ahead of going to Charlotte Thursday.
They plan to spend the night at Catawba Baptist Church, at 1450 S. Anderson Road in Rock Hill. Visitors can find them there from 6 to 9 p.m.
“We warmly welcome everyone to visit us during the evening visiting hours!” the monks posted on the Walk for Peace Facebook page.
Buddhist monks walk through the Carolinas
Daily plans are updated in the evening, but based on travel patterns it’s likely the monks will continue on Wednesday through Rock Hill and Fort Mill. They’ve stated plans to be in Charlotte on Thursday.
The monks are expected to use Anderson and Cherry roads along their U.S. 21 path toward Fort Mill on Wednesday, York County Sheriff Tony Breeden posted Tuesday on his Facebook page. Breeden told drivers on those corridors to expect delays, but also asked residents to show hospitality to the monks regardless of any religious differences.
“I would simply ask, let the last county they visit in South Carolina be remembered for the incredible people we have,” Breeden said.
If post stops in populated areas are any indication, the Walk for Peace will see plenty of support and hospitality.
A short video posted by Walk for Peace on Tuesday morning shows the monks preparing for their walk, with visitors bundled behind them in the early dawn cold. The temperature in Great Falls was below 40 degrees.
Fans online marvel not just at the distance traveled by the monks, but at how they’re walking — at times barefoot.
“Can we donate shoes?? My feet are aching for Them!” Chelle Mangum commented on Monday night’s Walk for Peace update on Facebook.
The monks make what has to be a painful walk for peace look effortless, Racheal Harrison commented on the post. “What amazing group of men! Religious or not this has to touch your soul!” Harrison said.
For more information on the monks’ route, use their online tracking map or visit Walk for Peace on Facebook.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said the monks were in Fort Mill Tuesday. They were in Rock Hill.
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 10:08 AM.
