Kayak the Augusta Canal

Out of all the adventures in Augusta, Kayaking the Augusta Canal might be my favorite. Hosted by the Savannah River Rapids Park, single kayaks, tandem, and paddleboards are available for rent ($20-$40) from the Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental Center located on the Savannah River Rapids Trail. The launch site is located at the beginning of the canal, near the headgates and ends a couples miles down in Lake Olmstead, a lake that branches off from the canal. If you rent one of their kayaks, they will pick both you and your kayak up and bring you back to the start point for only $5 dollars! If you bring your own kayak, they will still pick you up, but for a fee of $10. The whole trip takes anywhere from 1.5-2hrs. Because the current carries you downstream and you are being picked up at the end of the trip, you can relax and enjoy the scenery, or hop out and swim at any point along the way.

Local tip: if you aren’t going alone, drop one car off at lake Olmstead so you don’t have to wait for the shuttle OR drive the kayaks back yourself and skip the $5 fee!