Augusta's trails: the Augusta Canal towpath from the Headgates, free trailhead parking, the River Levee and Mill Village trails, the Riverwalk and Phinizy Swamp.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Trail facts come from the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Columbia County’s Savannah Rapids Park page, Visit Augusta’s canal guide, the Phinizy Center and the city’s park finder, each linked below.

Augusta’s long trail is the Augusta Canal towpath, a wide, level path between the canal and the Savannah River that starts at the Headgates at Savannah Rapids Park and runs toward downtown. Around it are the River Levee, Mill Village and mountain bike trails, plus the Riverwalk downtown and the boardwalks at Phinizy Swamp. Parking at the main canal trailheads is free.

Before you go

  • Trail maps: the simplified and detailed canal trail maps on Columbia County’s Savannah Rapids Park page
  • Savannah Rapids visitor center: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 706-868-3373
  • City parks: Augusta Recreation and Parks, 706-796-5025; problems to 311

The Augusta Canal towpath

The towpath is where mules once pulled cargo boats upstream. Visit Augusta’s canal guide calls the main trail 10.8 miles; from the Headgates to the rest area the surface is recycled asphalt, then a sand and clay dirt road continues to Goodrich Street. It is suitable for riders of all levels, including children.

Distances from the Headgates, from the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area:

From the Headgates to About
The I-20 bridge 2 miles
The Raw Water Pumping Station 3.5 miles
The King and Sibley mills 5 miles
13th Street, end of the first level 7 miles

The heritage area says the towpath is open from the Headgates to the I-20 bridge, and the canal area has more than 25 miles of multi-purpose trails in all.

Trailheads, from the heritage area:

  • The Headgates at Savannah Rapids Park, in neighboring Columbia County
  • The Water Pump Station, at the end of Riverlook Drive
  • Lake Olmstead, at the end of Milledge Road, for the River Levee, Towpath and Mill Village trails
  • The Mill Village Trailhead on Grace Street near the Kroc Center
  • The Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene St. (I-20 exit 200)

Visit Augusta says parking is free at the Headgates, Lake Olmstead, the Old Turning Basin at 13th Street and the Mill Village Trailhead.

Bikes: the Bicycle Peddler rents bikes from the lower level of the Mill House at Savannah Rapids Park (Columbia County).

Etiquette: keep right, pass on the left, do not block the full width in a group, and faster riders yield to slower ones.

Other canal trails

  • The River Levee Trail leads into downtown Augusta; pick it up at Lake Olmstead.
  • The Mill Village Trail follows the southwest bank of the canal through Harrisburg, a historic mill village that is now a historic district, to the Discovery Center.
  • The Mountain Bike Singletrack Trail is for riders who want more of a challenge.

The Riverwalk

The Edward M. McIntyre Sr. Riverwalk runs along the Savannah River downtown, with access at 6th, 8th, 9th and 10th streets, a playground and picnic areas, and the Riverwalk Marina at 1 Fifth St. (city park finder).

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

At 1858 Lock and Dam Road, the Phinizy Center lists:

Trail Length Notes
Beaver Dam Trail Half a mile Walking
Pond Trail 0.8 mile Walking and cycling
Floodplain boardwalk Not listed Observation deck

Park walking trails

The city’s park finder lists walking trails at:

  • Lake Olmstead Park, 2205 Broad St.
  • Pendleton King Park, 1600 Troupe St.
  • Diamond Lakes Regional Park, 4335 Windsor Spring Road
  • Henry H. Brigham Park, 2463 Golden Camp Road
  • Eisenhower Park, 1488 Eisenhower Drive

City parks are generally open dawn to dusk.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Augusta Canal trail? Visit Augusta calls the main towpath trail 10.8 miles, and the canal area has more than 25 miles of multi-purpose trails. From the Headgates it is about 2 miles to I-20 and about 7 miles to 13th Street.

Where can I park for the Augusta Canal trail? Parking is free at the Headgates at Savannah Rapids Park, Lake Olmstead, the Old Turning Basin at 13th Street and the Mill Village Trailhead.

Can I rent a bike on the Augusta Canal? Yes. The Bicycle Peddler rents bikes from the Mill House at Savannah Rapids Park.

Is the Augusta Canal towpath paved? Partly. From the Headgates to the rest area it is recycled asphalt; after that it is a sand and clay dirt road to Goodrich Street.

How long are the trails at Phinizy Swamp? The Beaver Dam Trail is half a mile and the Pond Trail 0.8 mile, with a floodplain boardwalk and observation deck.

What this means for you

  • For a long ride, start at the Headgates; rent a bike there if you need one.
  • For a short loop in town, start at Lake Olmstead or the Mill Village Trailhead.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails; see our dog-friendly guide.

Related: parks and trails, kids’ activities and free things to do.