Augusta Canal in Georgia

Trip Overview

This is an easy downriver daytrip. I rated it moderate due to the moving water obstacles. Otherwise it is a very calm and easy experience. It is between 7 and 8 miles. The trip starts at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion and ends downtown Augusta at Enterprise Mill, where the Canal Interpretive Center is. The current is moderate at the put in but tapers away the further you get from the dam.

There are two large bridges to navigate (I-20 and Riverwatch Pkwy) and a few low ones. Early on there is an old bridge or structure that has wood posts left standing. It is very easy to avoid by staying left. About halfway there is a railroad bridge and a pipe that spans the canal. We were able to float under the pipe in our kayaks comfortably but use caution due to the current. The only other hazard to navigate is a gate of some kind. It has one section open that is 15 feet wide. The rest should be avoided by staying to the left.

The current is much swifter there but it is only due to the gate so it is short. It will be very easy to spot your line once you see the gate. This trip has a nice blend of natural areas and old buildings. There are two 19th Century Textile mills on the canal that are very interesting. It took us about 1 hour 15 minutes to paddle this but we had a quick pace going so plan accordingly.

Fees:

None.

Directions:

The put is can be reached at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Follow Stevens Creek Rd out of Augusta and turn right onto Evans to Locks Rd. Someone opened the gate so we could drive down to the water. For the take out, I parked in the Enterprise Mill West entrance. It is at the corner of 15th and Green, downtown Augusta. We took out river right on a grassy bank right after the 15th Street Bridge. I walked across the bridge and pulled my truck onto a dirt road under the JC Calhoun Expressway. You should be able to drive right up to the canal and load.

Resources:

http://www.augustacanal.com/