AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta Utilities Department has announced that the Augusta Canal will be accessible to the public from Friday, May 23rd, to Monday, May 26th, for the Memorial Day Weekend festivities.

Although the towpath and walking trail extending from Savannah Rapids Pavilion to the Augusta Raw Water Pumping Station are still off-limits, the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area urges locals and visitors alike to support the Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental, taking advantage of the canal being briefly open.

Savannah Rapids Kayak Rentals has several trips that can be booked between Friday and Monday in which to paddle the Augusta Canal while open.

As of May 20th, Augusta Utilities reports that contractors have made progress by clearing one side of the towpath next to the river. They now need to work on the canal side, involving tree removal and handling root balls. Only after these tasks are completed, and the resulting holes in the bank are mended, will it be deemed safe for reopening. The exact timeline for completion is yet undetermined.