The undeveloped land between the canal and the Savannah River has formed a wetland, creating an urban wildlife refuge that is home to a remarkable variety of fish and wildlife. Animals you may spot along the banks and in the waters include deer, fox, beavers, raccoons, alligators, turtles, ducks, crawfish, muskrats, and frogs, to name a few.
Fishing is permitted; hunting and trapping are not. Please enjoy and respect the wildlife; do not feed or disturb.
Trees and Plants
As the seasons change, an array of wildflowers show their colors - from the delicate Virgin's Bower to the brilliant Cardinal Flower. Some plants, though lovely to look at, are considered invasive species; among them the Bradford Pear tree, Mimosa bush and the purple-blossomed Water Hyacinth.
Birds
The Augusta Canal is a haven and habitat for numerous species of year-round and migrating birds. Walk along the Augusta Canal's trails and watch and listen for migrating birds as they make their way to and from summer feeding and nesting grounds. Birding habitat includes the Augusta Canal waterway, the Savannah River and man-made wetlands and patches of bottomland hardwood forest.
A variety of fishing birds are common here including the wood duck, mallard and pie-billed grebe. Several types of heron and egret can be seen, along with cormorant, anhinga and the belted kingfisher.
Red-tailed and red-shouldered, and Cooper’s hawks seek their prey on and near the Canal, as do owls and vultures. There have even been rare sightings for bald eagles and osprey.
Check the Augusta Canal calendar of events for group bird watching outings that are occasionally scheduled.
Fish
Common species include Bluegill, Striped and Largemouth Bass, Carp, Crappie, Catfish, Gar and Sunfish.
A valid Georgia fishing license is required. All Georgia Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations apply to the Canal. DNR rangers make regular spot checks.
Mammals
Watch the water and you may spy a playful river otter or muskrat swimming along. The wooded wetlands are home to small mammals such as opossums, raccoons, gray squirrels and cotton trail rabbits. Larger mammals, including the whitetail deer and, rarely, a wild hog may be seen. Predators include the red fox and, more recently, the coyote.
Canal Map
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.
To enhance your enjoyment of the Augusta Canal, please abide by these rules:
- No gasoline-powered motor craft in the canal
- No swimming
- No tubing
- No horses or off-road vehicles (ATVs)
- Bicycles yield to pedestrians. All yield to official government vehicles
- Pets must be on a leash.
- Don't feed the alligators or other wildlife.
- No alcohol, no shooting of weapons of any kind.
- Pack it in. Pack it out. Please do not litter.