Page 18 - Columbia County Travel Guide

PADDLE

HIKE

n 1845 the Augusta Canal was Paddle sports are one of the fastest
built alongside the Savannah River growing activities in Columbia County. Mountain biking, hiking, and trail running are also very popular in Columbia County. The Bartram Trail, a well-groomed
Ifor the purposes of providing drinking Nowhere is this more visible than at trail with stunning views of Clark’s Hill Lake, is regularly teeming with two-wheel and two-feet aficionados seeking an aerobic
water for the city of Augusta, generating power Savannah Rapids Park. People with kayaks, fix. The intermediate-level trail offers several access points allowing users to go for a quick jaunt or take in a day’s adventure.
for war-time industry, and as a transportation canoes, and Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) The most popular stretch of trail is the 15.5 mile segment between the US Army Corps’ West Dam Recreation Area and
route. Today, while still serving its utilitarian are regularly seen leaving from the dock located Wildwood Park. More advanced riders will also enjoy the Keg Creek trail located across Washington Road from Wildwood
purposes, the Canal is listed on the National near the Historic Canal Headgates. Access to the Park and/or the trails at Mistletoe State Park with its challenging climbs, creek crossings, and “rooty” and rocky terrain.
Register of Historic Places and is a major Canal is free, but if you need to rent equipment or
destination for recreational enthusiasts. Active souls prefer a guided tour, there are several great options.
looking for a place to paddle, pedal, or hike would do The trip down the Canal offers beautiful scenery and BIKE
well to pay a visit. In the process, they may just learn a is relatively easy. Paddlers with more experience may
thing or two about the community’s rich history. consider checking out the Savannah River. However,
due to inconsistent currents and water levels, this
The most popular access point for the Canal is journey is not recommended for beginners.
Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez, Georgia. The 33-
acre facility, located just a few short miles from the Canoe rentals for the lake are available at Mistletoe
“town center” of Evans, is a significant attraction for State Park. Kayak and canoe rentals are offered at
Columbia County and a popular location for active Riverside Park and Savannah Rapids Park at the
lifestyle participants. The park features stunning views, Savannah River and the headgates of the
unique historic facilities, and great activities for all Augusta Canal.
experience levels.

WILDWOOD PARK || (706) 541-0586 Miles of bike trails weave through and connect
Rental & General Information KEG CREEK TRAIL || sorbacsra.org Columbia County’s parks. Bike rentals are available
at Savannah Rapids Park || (706) 373-4519
BARTRAM TRAIL || sorbacsra.org
Clark’s Hill Lake(Wildwood Park) | (706) 832-5323
Savannah River | (706) 832-5323 MISTLETOE STATE PARK || (706) 541-0321
Augusta Canal | (706) 868-3373 SAVANNAH RAPIDS PARK/AUGUSTA CANAL || (706) 868-3373
BLANCHARD WOODS BMX TRACK AND SKATE PARK || blanchardwoodsbmx.com || (706) 627-6405
16 17
C O L U M B I A C O U N T Y I T S H E R E . C O M || (866) 391-7677