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Augusta Canal Towpath Trail

4.2
·13 reviews·Augusta, United States

A peaceful, unpaved trail along the Augusta Canal, offering natural beauty, boardwalks, and bridges. Connects to other trails for varied experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning walks

Peaceful and scenic

CrowdLow
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Natural Bridges Trail

Augusta Canal Towpath Trail

Best Time

Morning walks

Peaceful and scenic

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful, unpaved trail along the Augusta Canal, offering natural beauty, boardwalks, and bridges. Connects to other trails for varied experiences.

4.2
(13 reviews)

"Very peaceful for my six mile walk this morning. I wish it was more paved instead of dirt and gravel."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear the Right Shoes

Trail is mostly dirt/gravel. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort on longer walks!

⚠️ Bridge Caution

Some bridges can be rickety. Be mindful, especially when the canal is high.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 13 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Savannah River Rapids Pavilion

Savannah River Rapids Pavilion

Martinez

Start your journey here for scenic views and access to the beginning of the trail.

Boardwalks and Bridges Section

Boardwalks and Bridges Section

Downtown Augusta

Experience a unique stretch with boardwalks and bridges leading towards Broad Street.

Eisenhower Park Connection

Eisenhower Park Connection

Near Water Works

A point of access with a notable, albeit challenging, footbridge for adventurous explorers.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Surface & Footwear

The Augusta Canal Towpath Trail is primarily unpaved, featuring dirt and gravel. Opt for sturdy athletic shoes or hiking boots for comfort and stability, especially if you plan a longer excursion. Avoid open-toed shoes or flimsy sneakers.

Bridge Access & Conditions

Be aware that some bridges, like the one connecting Eisenhower Park to the trail at Water Works, can be rickety and daunting, especially when the canal is high. Check local conditions before you go, as sections may be closed unexpectedly.

Best Times

When
Morning walks
Why
Peaceful and scenic
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon exploration
Why
Good for longer hikes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for a safe long dirt road near Augusta to run a 15-20 mile long run

Along /around the canal? Someone at the visitor center etc probably has a map where you could figure out exact mileage and route.

👟 Wear the Right Shoes

Trail is mostly dirt/gravel. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort on longer walks! Reddit

⚠️ Bridge Caution

Some bridges can be rickety. Be mindful, especially when the canal is high. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for the waterfall at Augusta canal trail

Four years ago a friend took us to a waterfall on the Augusta canal trail. I went back a few ago and couldn't remember which trail you had to take to get there. Can anyone help me out?

reddit.com

Where to park / how to get to the trail underneath Riverwatch Parkway between Costco and Downtown?

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🗺️ Check Trail Status

Sections can close unexpectedly. Always verify accessibility before your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Extend Your Walk

Go past the usual turn-around points for awesome boardwalks and bridges! Reddit

reddit.com

Best places to run in Augusta?

I’ll be moving to downtown Augusta in a week, are there any good paved trails, outdoor tracks, or areas with lots of sidewalks to run along?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear the Right Shoes

Trail is mostly dirt/gravel. Sturdy shoes are a must for comfort on longer walks! Reddit

⚠️ Bridge Caution

Some bridges can be rickety. Be mindful, especially when the canal is high. Reddit

🗺️ Check Trail Status

Sections can close unexpectedly. Always verify accessibility before your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Extend Your Walk

Go past the usual turn-around points for awesome boardwalks and bridges! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Augusta Canal Towpath Trail to be a peaceful escape, particularly for walks and runs. The natural scenery and extended sections with boardwalks are highlights. However, the unpaved surface and some rickety bridges are noted drawbacks, with occasional trail closures also being a concern.

"Very peaceful for my six mile walk this morning. I wish it was more paved instead of dirt and gravel because I wasn't dressed correctly."

RegG Jackson

"2025-02: The foot bridge from Eisenhower Park to the Augusta Canal Trail at Water Works is not exactly for the faint of heart. It's old and rickity, a bit daunting whe the canal is high, in conjunction with it flowing swiftly here. Been using this foot bridge for years and I never look forward to it. 😂"

Katrina Hoyle

"The Augusta canal trail starts at the locks in Martinez at the Savannah River Rapids Pavilion, and if you keep going past where almost everyone turns back, you get to an awesome section that’s all boardwalks and bridges until you end up downtown near Broad Street"

samir shwayri

What People Like

Peaceful and scenic
Extended boardwalk sections
Good for running

What People Dislike

Unpaved surface
Rickety bridges
Occasional closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access points include the Savannah River Rapids Pavilion in Martinez and near Water Works. Some sections may connect to other trails like the Greeneway via bridges. Reddit

Parking is generally available at designated access points like the Savannah River Rapids Pavilion. Check specific trailhead information for details.

Yes, many people use the trail for running. However, be prepared for the unpaved surface, which is mostly dirt and gravel. Reddit

While possible, the unpaved and sometimes uneven surface might be challenging for road bikes. Mountain bikes or hybrid bikes would be more suitable.

While the towpath itself is unpaved, Redditors suggest connecting to the Greeneway from the 13th St bridge for paved running and biking options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Augusta Canal Towpath Trail is generally free to access. There are no admission fees required for walking or running on the public trail.

As an outdoor trail, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. However, specific access points or facilities might have their own operating times.

Dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but it's always a good idea to check local regulations for leash laws and any specific restrictions.

Restroom availability can vary by access point. Facilities are more likely to be found at larger trailheads like the Savannah River Rapids Pavilion.

Due to its unpaved nature (dirt and gravel), the trail may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Some sections might be more challenging than others.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is primarily unpaved, consisting of dirt and gravel. This makes sturdy footwear essential for a comfortable experience. Reddit

Yes, some footbridges, like the one connecting Eisenhower Park to the trail at Water Works, are described as rickety and can be daunting, especially when the canal is high. Reddit

You can expect peaceful natural surroundings, with sections featuring boardwalks and bridges, particularly as you head towards downtown Augusta. Reddit

The trail extends for several miles, with opportunities to go beyond popular turn-around points to discover more remote and scenic sections. Reddit

While generally safe for recreation, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially on less-trafficked sections or when crossing bridges. Reddit

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