The towpath of the canal runs from the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Columbia County to the old King Mill off Broad Street near downtown Augusta. Except for a 1+ mile section near the Pavilion that is "paved", the majority of the 5 1/2 mile trail is packed dirt with very good footing. Mile markers have been placed at half-mile increments (though some are missing and some are not perfectly accurate). Restroom facilities and water fountains can be found at the Pavilion. Port-a-potties are stationed at 1 1/2 miles from the Pavilion and also at the Water Works Pumping Station which is 3 1/2 miles from the Pavilion. A water spigot at the Pumping Station is accessible but there are reports that this water is not always properly treated for drinking. There is plenty of opportunity for shade between the Pavilion and the Pumping Station and next to no shade afterwards.
There are ways to continue to other routes at either end of the towpath to extend your run (or loop around the mountain bike trail midway). These options are described below.
Access points
You can park at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion and access the towpath at the
headgates. The next access point is at the Pumping Station where you can
park by the Eisenhower Park softball fields and walk across the access bridge
about 1/4 mile away toward the canal. A dirt road provides access to
another parking lot beside the pumping station, however this road is shared with
exercisers and kicks up a lot of dust. At the very bottom of Milledge Road
(alongside Lake Olmstead) is another parking lot with a bridge to access the
trail. There is also parking near the King Mill.
Mountain Bike Trail at Pumping Station
At the Pumping Station along the Augusta Canal is a mountain bike trail. To access the trail follow the slight uphill from the front of the pumping station to the railroad tracks. Turn left and follow the railroad tracks until you are behind the pumping station buildings and you can turn left into the woods when you see the trail entrance or exit. The trail is essentially one big loop that winds around considerably. Within the first half mile there are some opportunities to do a shorter loop, but after that any "shortcuts" are not obvious. Most of the trail is only wide enough for one person across. There are portions with some short steep hills and rough terrain and exposed roots. The canopy of trees provides shade throughout along with scenic passes by the Savannah River.
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