Kayaking in Columbia County, Georgia
Georgia is home to 425,382 acres of public lakes and reservoirs, and thousands of miles of rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water. All this water makes Georgia a wonderful place to kayak. Columbia County, Georgia, has thousands of acres of water of our own, making our county one of the best places to kayak in Georgia. Learn more about all the kayaking opportunities our county provides with Visit Columbia County, Georgia.
Plan Your Kayaking Trip with Visit Columbia County, Georgia
Are you ready to come kayak your way through Columbia County? Visit Columbia County, Georgia is here to help. Our team can assist you in planning your visit or answer any questions you may have. Contact us today.
Georgia Kayaking in Columbia County
At Visit Columbia County, Georgia, we want you to experience all the beauty in our county, which is why we created Serene18. This unique kayaking opportunity allows you to explore 18 square miles of the best kayaking eastern Georgia offers. You can encounter unusual wildlife and stunning views while enjoying time in nature.
When you choose to kayak the Serene18 paddle trail, you’ll get to paddle through:
- Clarks Hill Lake
- The Savannah River
- The Augusta Canal
Clarks Hill Lake
Clarks Hill Lake boasts 71,000 acres of unspoiled water and 1,200 miles of beautiful shoreline. A popular spot for boating, watersports, and fishing, this lake is situated on our border with South Carolina, where it’s referred to as Thurmond Lake. Not only is it one of the best places to fish for bass, but it is also one of the largest lakes in the Southeastern United States.
The most common path to kayak along this lake starts at Wildwood Park and ends six miles later at Clarks Hill Dam. On average, kayakers spend four to six hours paddling this route, often stopping to rest along one of the lake’s sandy beaches.
The Savannah River and Betty’s Branch Kayaking
The Savannah River is a 301-mile-long river that creates most of the border between Georgia and South Carolina. In Columbia County, one of its more popular tributaries—or offshoots—is Betty’s Branch. Kayakers can enjoy hours of paddling fun through two recommended loops. Its shorter loop takes approximately two hours to complete, while the longer loop takes around three-and-a-half hours.
If you want a more casual pace, stop and try to spot the wildlife that calls Betty’s Branch home: otters, turtles, osprey, and other birds. Interested in a picnic lunch on the banks of the river? Take a quick break at Riverside Park.
Kayak the Augusta Canal
The longest of the Serene18 paddling trails, the Augusta Canal offers seven miles of steady current, creating a quick, two-and-a-half-hour kayaking trip for leisurely afternoon adventures. When you kayak the Augusta Canal, you can enjoy occasional glimpses of wildlife hiding along the banks of the canal.
Paddle your way toward downtown Augusta and Olmstead Lake, discovering mid-1880 mills, locks, and headgates. You can access this canal from the historic—and protected—Savannah Rapids Park.
Savannah Rapids Park
Savannah Rapids Park is a 33-acre recreation park full of history, wildlife, and running, hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities. The park houses the Stallings Island paddle trail, a 2.7-mile loop that requires some experience.
Stallings Island was once home to scattered Native American groups. The island and waters surrounding it are protected, so if you kayak here, you need to stay in your boat. However, we invite you to observe the wild donkeys and goats that now call the island home.
Kayak Rentals in Columbia County
If you decide to come kayak in Columbia County, you are welcome to bring your own boats. There are several local places that have kayaks for rent. Some of the most popular spots include:
You can also enjoy guided tours of Betty’s Branch and Augusta Canal with Cole Watkins Tours.