American Wild Thing Issue 18

Get Out continued My point here is – the weather is beautiful and as the weeks go by is only going to become nicer as it cools down. Get out and walk, stroll, jog, RIDE A BIKE!!!! If you’re not a fan of hitting the streets and dealing with traffic never fear, there are a ton of great places to cruise by foot or by two wheels!

Here are just a few: AUGUSTA CANAL NATIONAL HERITAGE TRAIL – This 7-mile trail can be accessed from several locations and is popular not only for biking and walking but also offer great spots to launch for a nice kayak or canoe ride down the canal. Parking is free at several trailheads which include the Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill (downtown), Lake Olmstead (near downtown off of Broad Street), the Water Pump Station (Eisenhower Drive off of Washington Road), and Savannah Rapids Park near Martinez/Evans. www.augustacanal.com FOLKS AREA TRAIL SYSTEM – This 37-mile loop style area through thick forest located near the South Carolina section of Clark’s Hill in Sumter National Forest offers a wonderful trail experience for mountain biking or hiking. Online reviews from riders rank this location in the high five stars. www.sctrails.net/Trails/alltrails/MountainBike/FATS.html GREENWAY TRAIL – This paved 7+ mile trail created for walkers, joggers, and rode bicycles located in North Augusta has become one of the area’s most popular places for a scenic stroll or ride. Featuring five trailheads, the Greenway is easily accessible from several area s and for those looking to make a unique day of things, the Greenway passes through beautiful Hammond’s Ferry and near the Savannah River and offers great spots for a picnic, shopping, or indoor/outdoor dining.

PENDLETON KING PARK TRAIL – This partially paved figure-8 trail blends a mix of pavement and nature within a nice park with cool views. Good for several forms of biking but just as good for walking, jogging and if getting exercise for yourself isn’t enough, there’s also a dog park located on the premises. Just off of Wrightsboro Road near Trinity Hospital.

So now you’re armed with a list of cool spots to ride and with very little effort, you can find even more in the area. So GET OUT!!!!

(By the way, I plan on pulling my bike out of the garage so if you see a long-haired guy wobbling oddly near parked cars and light poles, don’t be alarmed.)