Description
This 7.5-mile trail occupies a unique historic and natural setting in the heart of Augusta. Originally constructed in 1845, the waterway itself is the only unbroken, accessible industrial canal in the South. Its textile heritage is preserved in several existing period structures, including ornate Sibley Mill and a Confederate-era parapet. The trail is part of the larger Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, which centers on the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center.
The packed-dirt trail runs along a strip of green between the canal and the Savannah River, where small rapids cascade over granite ledges separating the coastal plain from the piedmont plateau. Starting from the outskirts of downtown, the trail passes Sibley Mill, enters a lightly developed neighborhood then really turns on the charm along a tree-canopied segment beyond an I-20 underpass. You would never know you're just a stone's throw from downtown. The shady forest and adjacent cool waterways offer relief in the steamy summer months.
Trailside activities include boat tours of the Savannah River, canoe rentals and mountain biking on trails that parallel the main route. Cross over either bridge at the southern parking areas to continue your stroll. The trail ends at the scenic Savannah Rapids Park.
Parking and Trail Access
From downtown Augusta: Take Broad Street west to Goodrich Street and turn right. Continue just under a mile to a parking lot at the pumping station adjacent to the King and Sibley mills.
Contact:
Augusta Canal Authority
P.O. Box 2367
Augusta, GA 30903
(706) 823-0440
(888) 659-8926
gorgeous views, lots of activity yet serene
By
maplover
in
February, 2013
biked the tow path from julian park to the north end of the canal in october. lovely temps, foilage, kayakers in the canal, joggers and cyclists on the tow path. surface changes from hard packed dirt, to pea gravel, to asphalt. one cant just zone out ...
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Great ride
By
billbrockman
in
October, 2012
This Augusta Canal Trail is well worth the drive from Atlanta, especially when combined with the North Augusta Greeneway Trail across the Savannah River.
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What a way to spend lunch
By
kayak13
in
March, 2012
I work a mile away from Lake Olmstead and try to hit the trail often during lunch. It's 11.8 miles round trip to Savannah Rapids and a GREAT way to spend a lunch hour (OK, an hour and 15 minutes). The red clay section from the canal spillway to the pumping ...
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