What outdoors lovers can expect this Memorial Day weekend in the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It could be at least three more months before the Augusta Canal trail fully reopens after Hurricane Helene left it debris-strewn on Sept. 27.

Not having the trail fully reopened is a bummer for some – especially heading into a holiday weekend and the summer.

Crews are not cleaning this Memorial Day weekend, so it’s fine to kayak and canoe in the water.

But there are some areas to stay away from, like the pumping station.

Leaning trees and cracks in the embankment are hazardous, too.

Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne says the cleanup process is lengthy and costly — totaling $10 million, including $2 million out of the city’s budget.

Also this holiday weekend, the downtown Riverwalk is still closed due to debris cleanup.

Pendleton King Park is also still closed.

Outside Augusta but stlll popular with local residents is the newly reopened West Dam recreational area at Clarks Hill Lake.

The day-use area has been closed for months for Helene cleanup but reopened Friday.

The park is missing some amenities and structures, such as tables and grills, that were damaged by the storm, but is now safe for visitors.

The reopening makes 40 of 51 Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas at the lake that have at least partially reopened since Helene.

There is still debris remaining in most parks and potential hazards remain, so visitors must use caution and avoid closed areas.

To check the status of Army Corps facilities at teh lake, visit https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/J-Strom-Thurmond-Dam-and-Lake.

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