With temps warming up, I decided that today would be a good day to go exploring. My husband had told me about a hidden gem in downtown Augusta, so I thought we’d venture there. I was amazed at what I found! This is another one of those “best kept secrets.” Pack a picnic lunch and your camera and be prepared to make a day of it.
Augusta Canal and Confederate Powderworks Chimney
Directions: To get to this hidden gem, take Washington Rd. toward downtown Augusta. Take the Broad St. exit, turn left, and go past the Julian Smith Casino and Lake Olmstead. As soon as you cross the bridge over the Augusta Canal, take a left onto Goodrich Street. Travel past Sibley Mill and the 148-year-old Confederate Powderworks Chimney where the paved road soon turns into a dirt road. Cross over the railroad tracks and keep going. (You should feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere now, when in fact you’re only a mile or so from downtown Augusta) Don’t stop until you hit the parking lot at the iron gates to the Augusta Water Works.
From this point, you can go thru the iron gates and past Augusta Water Works to get to the levee for a stroll. If you’d like to go kayaking, you can hit the Augusta Canal and enjoy the scenery. If you’re feeling really adventurous, there’s a trail to the right side of the Augusta Water Works that leads down to the Savannah River. The nature trails that run down the edge of the river offer amazing views and are perfect for mountain biking. If you’re hiking, be prepared as it can get a little muddy at times.
Petersburg Boat Tour of the Augusta Canal
We ended up taking the trail down to the Savannah River. I got muddier than I wanted to but the views made it all worthwhile. As we were leaving, we passed one of the Petersburg boats full of people taking a tour of the Augusta Canal.
Side note: Once the weather warms up, you may want to take advantage of the waterfall and swimming hole. You passed this spot on the way in. It’s on the right side of the dirt road, just before you get to the Water Works.
Hope you enjoy the pics! Let me know if you’ve been or if you get the chance to visit.
Kayak in the Augusta Canal at the Augusta Water Works
Petersburg Boat Tour of the Augusta Canal
Augusta Water Works
Savannah River - View from the Nature Trails
Nature Trails along the Savannah River
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