The Stallings Island Trip is the most adventurous route offered by CWT. This trip combines kayaking with exploring. This trip is located above the waterfall at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion (end of Evans to Locks rd). This is a mile stretch to the Stevens Creek Dam with a lot of history on it.
You first make your way through a collection of islands and eventually get out at Stallings Island, a National Landmark, to explore a little bit. This Island is very protected and illegal to be on with-out permission. Luckily Cole has been fortunate enough to receive permission from the Augusta Archeological Society to take groups out to this area. This island has wild donkeys and goats on it to keep the vegetation down. It’s always fun to see the goats and feed the surprisingly friendly donkeys. Nothing may be dug or removed from this island. After Stallings we proceed to the North West section of this stretch and hike up to the Stevens Creek Dam for an amazing view. This trip has a steady current but is avoidable if you know the right route. This trip takes approximately 2 hours. Tennis shoes are recommended for this route.
Betty’s Branch Trip is a tributary to the Savannah River, is the most common trip used by Cole Watkins Tours. It is a very easy trip to schedule because the start line and finish line are at the same boat ramp; there is no need to carpool and shuttle on this trip, and this trip only. There is an island that separates the channel and a lot of folks like to make the loop around it. This takes roughly around 2 and half hours. But some just like to go up it and turn around once they get tired, another plus to using this boat ramp.
There are a few rope swings and trees to jump out of on this route and even a small sandbar 30 minutes north. It is mostly secluded which is great for wildlife; also the shade is nice. It does open up a little at the Champions Retreat Golf Course, which has two holes along the branch. Like I said you start and finish at Riverside Boat ramp (past riverside elementary on Hardy McManus Rd). This trip has very minimal current.
The Augusta Canal Trip starts at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion (the end of Evans to Locks Rd) and either can end at Lake Olmsted (where the Greenjackets play) or downtown next to Enterprise Mill (13th and Greene).
The Canal has a swift current which helps us to paddle downstream. It runs parallel with the Augusta canal trail. On this trip you go under both Interstate 20 and Riverwatch Parkway. The Canal is a very pretty area, but I must warn you there are a few gators. I have never seen them personally, but they are there. This trip lasts approximately 3 hours.
Riverside to River Island Trip may be the shortest tour we have. You put in at Riverside Park (past Riverside Elementary on Hardy McManus Rd) and Paddle down the main channel until you reach River Island. River Island is a high class neighborhood with some very pretty houses; some visible from the river.
River Island is located off of Blackstone Camp rd (runs parallel with Evans to Locks). On this trip you go under the Fury’s Ferry Bridge and on some days can even stop on the Big Sandbar (depending on water level). This trip lasts approximately two hours.
Savannah Rapids to Riverview Park Trip also begins at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion (the end of Evans to Locks Rd) but this time on the main river, not the canal. This is the only trip you witness rapids at, very minimal rapids. These rapids can be fun if the water level is up but a pain in the butt when the water is down. This area is very shallow and will sometimes stop your boat. This trip ends at Riverview Park in North Augusta. This trip usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours depending on water level.
The Dam Trip Starts at the Clark’s Hill Dam and flows all the way down to Riverside Park (past Riverside Elementary on Hardy McManus Rd). The first half of the trip you spend on the main channel paddling downstream with a deceptively steady current. Halfway down this tour you reach the mouth of Betty's Branch. You will then proceed to paddle down this until you reach riverside park. This Trip takes approximately 3 hours
