Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Canal?
There are several ways to access the Augusta Canal: View Map or read more info at the Access Points page
Augusta Canal Discovery Center
At Enterprise Mill
1450 Greene Street
Augusta GA 30901
706-823-0440
- From I-20 exit 200. Turn left onto Riverwatch Parkway
& head toward downtown/medical district (approx 5 miles) As you
travel past the old textile mills and see sign "Downtown & Medical
District" move to Right lane and exit right onto the flyover . Continue in right lane. At 2nd light (intersection of Greene
& 15th St.) , proceed straight ahead onto Greene Street. Enterprise
Mill is immediately ahead. Turn right into Enterprise Mill parking at
first or second driveway.Canal Discovery Center is middle door of main building.
- From downtown hotels: Take either
Reynolds or Broad westbound to St. Sebastian Way. Turn left. Proceed to
Greene. Right on Greene. Proceed past Enterprise Mill, turn left into
parking at west entrance
PARKING IS FREE
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 pm. , Sunday 1 to 5:30 p.m. (Dec-Mar open Tues.-Sat.only)
- Center Admission: FREE with purchase of any boat tour ticket. Otherwise Adults $6, Senior (65>) & Military $5, Student (pre-K to grade 12) $4,Under 4 Free.
Petersburg Boat tour schedule and prices - View Schedule
When is the Canal Discovery Center open?
The Canal Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill, 1450 Greene Street is open
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1- 5:30 p.m.
Winter (December-March) open Tuesdays-Saturdays.
What does it cost to visit the Discovery Center?
It is free with a Petersburg boat tour ticket, otherwise you can tour the center for a small fee.
Adults $6; Senior (65 +) & Military $5;
Student (pre-K to grade 12) $4; Children under 4 free.
For Boat Tour schedule and prices, visit our Boat Tours pages
How long is the Canal?
The first level of the Canal (from headgates in Columbia County to 13th Street near downtown Augusta) is approximately 8 miles. The second & third levels add approximately 3.0 miles but are not navigable.
How long is the towpath?
Headgates to I-20: 2.05 miles
Headgates to the Raw Water Pumping Station: 3.5 miles
Headgates to the King/Sibley Mills: approximately 5 miles.
Headgates to 13th Street (end of level 1): approximately 7 miles
Are canoe/kayak/bike rentals available?
Canoe/Kayak rental
The Augusta Canal NHA does not offer rentals, but canoe and kayak rentals are available from these outfitters:
- Broadway Tackle & Canoe Rentals, (706) 738-8848. 1730 Broad Street. broadwaytackle.com
- RiverCat Kayaks, (706) 564-4233. rivercatkayaks@gmail.com
- Savannah Rapids Kayak Rentals is a rental concession located at the Savannah Rapids Headgate park (706)832-5323 www.kayakaugustacanal.com
Escorted kayak tours of the Canal and other area waterways are offered by Cole Watkins Tours, (706) 840-0433,colewatkinstours.com
Bike rental
-The Bicycle Peddler, a rental concession and mobile bike repair service is available on weekends at the Headgate park or by appointment at other times during the week (706)373-4519. thebicyclepeddler@yahoo.com (updated April 3, 2012).
Do you have tours of the Canal?
On Foot: The Canal has a free self-guided tour map which you can obtain from the Canal offices or Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill or from the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Guided group walking tours can be arranged in advance. Guided "Discovery Walks" are offered on selected weekends in the spring and fall. Call the Canal office for details. 706-823-0440.
By Boat: Petersburg Boat Guided Tours are offed daily. More Information ->
Can I be a Canal volunteer? Clean-up days are scheduled periodically. Watch this site and local media for dates. To volunteer contact mharrison@augustacanal.com
Can I get my National Parks Passport stamped at the Canal?
Yes. The Interpretive Center at Greene Street has an official stamp. The Lockkeepers Cottage at the Headgates is working on getting one soon (posted 6/2009)
What rules must I follow when visiting the Canal?
To enhance your enjoyment of the Canal, please abide by these rules and guidelines:
· No gasoline-powered motor craft in the canal
· No swimming
· No tubing
· No horses or off-road vehicles (ATVs)
· Bicycles yield to pedestrians. All yield to official government vehicles
· Pets must be on a leash.
· Don't feed the alligators or other wildlife.
· No alcohol, no shooting of weapons of any kind.
· Pack it in. Pack it out. Please do not litter.
WARNINGS: River rocks are slick and Savannah River current is deceptively violent and subject to sudden increases due to releases from upstream dams. WEAR A LIFEJACKET when boating on the river or canal The Canal's second and third levels in the downtown area have man-made
obstructions, may contain debris and have unpredictable water flows.
These areas are hazardous to boaters. |