Savannah Rapids Park and the Historic Augusta Canal, Martinez, Georgia

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

John Muir

We woke up to just another warm, overcast January day in Augusta, Georgia. We decided was a great day to get out, enjoy the day, and get some exercise before the cold or rain sets in. We headed to Savannah Rapids Park, a 33 acre park, to take our excited 13 year old terrier mix dog, Teddy for a walk. We walked down the path towards the canal and passed by the white painted dance pavilion that is perched on the hill overlooking the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal. That would be a nice place to rent with a great view.

Teddy led us down the path to the historic Augusta Canal Headgates energetically bouncing from one side of us to the next as we walked as we tried not to get tangled in his lease. The headgates and were built in 1845 and the gorgeous weathered wood on the building and many ancient beams make this historic site an interesting place to explore. The views are spectacular from here. While walking across the waterway on the headgates, the powerful rushing water pushed into the canal from the river above with such an incredible amount of force that while you are standing there, you feel as if you needed to grasp the rail as to not go with the flow. Watching the powerful water, we were thankful we were above it and not in it.

The rails that we clutched while watching the rushing waters held many locks that were placed by couples who vowed their love to each other. The locks were placed as a sign of devotion to each other are known as Love Locks. I had no idea there were so many different kinds on locks and in so many novel shapes. It was fascinating walking across the canal looking at the hundreds of locks that had been placed on all the rails. It is nice to know so many people are in love.

Once we got to the other side of the floodgates, we stood looking out at the waterfall in all in beauty as it spilled down the rocky river. How beautiful it looked even on a cloudy day. Listening to the water swiftly flowing down the river was very calming and it was fun watching the birds dive down into the water fishing for their dinner. There were many turtles perched on rocks enjoying the day as well.

We strolled down the packed dirt towpath that was once used by animals pulling barges upstream loaded with cotton and supplies. Now it was only Teddy trying to pull us down the path and not succeeding. This is the oldest continuously operated hydro-powered canal in the United States being built in the mid- 1800’s to be used as a source of drinking water and transportation. This wide path is gorgeous with water on both sides and many river trees draped with Spanish moss reaching for the water. Many bikers, runners, and walkers passed us that day, getting out and making the most of the day. This is a great place to get out and get some exercise and it is easy because it is mostly just flat.

We came to where there were steps heading down to the river. This is where kayakers can carry their boats down to the Savannah River to paddle all the way down to the city of Augusta. I walked down to the wooden dock and enjoyed the views of the river close up. As I was coming back up the stairs, I heard my little boy, Teddy crying and I look up to see Joe and him standing at the top of the stairs waiting for me. What a cutie. I should say cuties as they were both looking pretty darn cute when I looked up at them.

We continued down a short ways more when we came upon the only squatters home that is still along the path. There were more but that last one that had survived burnt down a few years back. No one has lived in this home for years but it was fascinating looking at the remnant of what had been. This was a decent size home and at some point had electric run to it. The views must have been something special back in its prime and made us stop and wonder who may have lived there and why.

We continued to walk towards the quarry across the river but turned back before we got there. Teddy was a little too anxious from all the noise coming from the quarry. This quarry has been in operation for 150 plus years and they process Mylonite. So we headed back towards the headgates. If we had continued down the path it goes 7.5 miles – all the way to downtown Augusta.

In the early 20^th century, Augusta had two major floods and caused the canal to be in a state of great disrepair. During that time, it was discussed making the canal into a super highway. Sure glad that didn’t happen. That would have changed everything here and how sad it would be just hearing cars race by verses hearing the birds and all of natures sounds. There wasn’t much interest in the canal until the 1970’s. At that point, they started putting money into it making it the lovely hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and running spot it is today. In 1996 the Augusta Canal was named as a National Heritage Area, the first in Georgia.

Coming back towards the headgates, we turned and walked over the pedestrian bridge which takes you back into the Savannah Rapids Park back across the canal. This is a great vantage point to see Kayakers starting there trip and the Headgates in the distance. While walking over the bridge, we spotted many birds, turtles, and sometimes you can see an otter or a rarer site, an alligator. When we got to the other side, there are water fountains, benches, and a memorial to a fallen soldier named Major J. Donahue. He lost his life on September 16, 2014 while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. God bless his soul.

We moseyed up to the see the Reed Creek Waterfall which had a heavy flow from all the rain. It looked so pretty flowing over the rocks down to the canal. What a great place to have a picnic. Then we headed back near the Canal going towards the parking lot still being lead by our wonder dog, Teddy. On the left is a place to rent Kayaks called Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental that has the great slogan, “When you need a good Paddling”. Love it. They will help you rent a kayak, either a single or a double, load it up and pick you up at the other end of the canal on Lake Olmstead. You can reach them by calling 706-832-5323 or KayakAugustacanal.com. There is also place where you can rent bicycles if you don’t want to load them up and bring them yourselves. They can be contacted at 706-373-4519. Check them out at bikepeddleraugusta.com.

Up a little closer to the parking lot was a memorial tree that was planted up near the river with a memorial stone in memory of Sharron Meadows who recently passed away October 29, 2019. God rest her soul.

Lastly, we walked up the hill near the Lock keepers home. The person who lived here was in charge of the lock and canal and had to be on duty all the time to make sure no adjustments needed to be made. It is a beautiful home. It must have been nice living there and having a nice glass of sweet tea while sitting on the porch watching the canal.

This is one of our favorite spots to come visit and we will be back. Check this place out. It is a real keeper. Till next time. Bye for now.