The Augusta Canal weaves threads of history, scenery, and recreation into a delightful tapestry as it winds its way through Augusta, Georgia.
Canoers and kayakers can paddle the entire first level of the Canal, from the Headgates to the old turning basin at 13th Street. Due to the current (about 6 knots), most paddlers choose to put in at the upper end and paddle with the current.
Warnings and Cautions
- Caution – Canal banks are steep and slippery in many areas.
- Wear a PFD – Personal Floatation Device/Life Jacket
- NO Swimming
- NO Tubing
- Mill intakes create strong currents. Steer clear.
- Use caution Lake Olmstead bulkhead opening. Current is swift. You may encounter the Petersburg tour boat coming through. Listen for warning horn. Yield.
- The Canal's second and third levels in the downtown area have man-made obstructions, may contain debris and have unpredictable water flows. These areas are hazardous to boaters. DO NOT USE these sections.
- Be aware. River rocks are slick and Savannah River current is deceptively violent and subject to sudden increases due to releases from upstream dams.
- NO gasoline-powered boats of any kind.
Canal Rules
Thousands of people enjoy the historic Augusta Canal and its trails every year. To enhance everyone’s enjoyment, please abide by posted rules.
- Don’t feed the alligators or other wildlife
- No alcohol
- No discharge of firearms, bows/arrows
- No hunting, camping or fires
- No loud radios
- No gasoline-powered motor craft in the canal
- No swimming
- No tubing
- Pack it in. Pack it out. Please do not litter.
- Do not jump from bridges, bulkheads, docks or any other structures
Rentals & Guides
Savannah Rapids Kayak Rentals
Rental concession at the Savannah Rapids Headgate park
706-832-5323 or www.kayakaugustacanal.com
Cole Watkins Tours
Escorted kayak tours of the Canal and other area waterways are offered
706-840-0433 or www.colewatkinstours.com
Canal Access
Many paddlers put in/take out at low points along the canal banks including:
- Headgates, low bank near the Petersburg boat dock.
- Headgates, wooden dock
- Riverwatch Trail, wooden dock, behind Cabela’s (portage ¼ mile)
- Riverwatch Parkway, under highway overpass (portage of one mile from Olmstead trailhead)
- Lake Olmstead. Requires about a half mile of flat-water paddling to reach canal via Rae’s Creek outlet.
- Mill Village Trailhead
- End of First Level. 13th Street at Walton Hospital.
- The Clearing (canal side)
Savannah River Access
- Headgates: A stairway leads from the towpath to a Savannah River launch dock at the Headgates area. It is located across from the green pedestrian bridge.
- The Clearing, a low area about two and a half miles from the Headgates, gives access to the shoals.
Canal Map
Canal FAQs
Headgates to I-20: 2 miles
Headgates to the Raw Water Pumping Station: 3.5 miles
Headgates to the King/Sibley Mills: approximately 5 miles.
Headgates to 13th Street (end of level 1): approximately 7 miles
There have been sightings of cottonmouth/water moccasins (a venomous water snake), snapping turtles and, very rarely, alligators. As with all canal wildlife, respect and do not disturb these animals.
The Augusta Canal NHA does not offer rentals, but canoe and kayak rentals are available from these outfitters:
Savannah Rapids Kayak Rentals is a rental concession at the Savannah Rapids Headgate park, (706) 832-5323, www.kayakaugustacanal.com
Cole Watkins Tours provie escorted kayak tours of the Canal and other area waterways are offered by, (706) 840-0433, www.colewatkinstours.com
Yes. At two locations: The Canal Discovery Center and Columbia County’s Visitor Information Center located at the canal lockkeepers cottage at Savannah Rapids Park. Also, you can buy a Park Passport book in our gift store.
No.
No. The nearest location to buy these is Francis Marion/Sumter National Forest in Edgefield, S.C.
The Canal is owned by the City of Augusta, GA. The city’s Utilities Department operates the canal for water supply and flood control. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area functions are managed by the Augusta Canal Authority. The Savannah Rapids Park at the headgates is leased and managed by the government of Columbia County, GA.