EXPLORE

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How do I get to Phinizy Swamp Nature Park?

When is the Nature Park open?

What should Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Visitors Know?

Beaver Dam Trail
Terrain: Dirt trail
Length: 0.5 miles

Description: The first half of this wooded trail overlooks an active beaver pond, a small meadow, a lake, and a swamp.  After crossing the Bridge Through the Woods, the trail follows Butler Creek, taking the visitor through a mixed deciduous-pine forest.  Wild turkeys and deer frequent the area, and an occasional beaver or river otter may be seen.  A bench marks the spot where man-made Phinizy Ditch joins Butler Creek.  Just past the bench, the trail splits into a drier blue trail and a wetter green trail, both ending at the same location.

Wheelchair accessible and mountain bike accessible only to the Bridge Through the Woods

Beaver Dam Trail Guide

Cattail Trail
Terrain: Dirt trail
Length: 0.1 miles
Description: This short loop is the entry point to the Floodplain Boardwalk and Observation Deck.  Significant sights along the trail include a stand of native cane, cypress knees, and numerous vines and wildflowers. 

Wheelchair accessible to the Floodplain Boardwalk and Observation Deck

Cattail Trail Guide

Floodplain Boardwalk and Observation Deck

Terrain: Wooden boardwalk with a covered observation deck at the end
Length: 0.1 miles

Description: A wonderful introduction to the beauty of Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Overlooking the floodplain of Butler Creek, the boardwalk and deck provide an excellent spot to see many types of birds, including wading birds (such as the Great Egret), woodpeckers, blackbirds, warblers, and hawks.  Also look for the trails through the marsh plants made by beaver, river otter and muskrat. Funds provided by a private donor.

Wheelchair accessible

Floodplain Boardwalk Extension

Description: This breathtaking Floodplain Boardwalk extension leads to the Phinizy Swamp Campus and enables visitors to literally walk across the swamp. Funds provided by Mr. & Mrs. Braye Boardman, nearly 100 additional individual donors, Georgia DNR, Atlanta Gas Light, J&J Mid-South/Georgia-Pacific Corporation, and AT&T.

Wheelchair accessible

Bridge Through the Woods
Terrain: Steel and wooden bridge
Length: 25 feet

Description: This bridge spans Butler Creek and provides occasional views of turtle and river otters, and is also a great location for listening to songbirds.  This bridge links the front and back halves of the Beaver Dam Trail.  Funds provided by private donors.

Beaver Pond Boardwalk and Observation Deck
Terrain: Wooden boardwalk with covered observation deck
Length: 50 feet

Description: A favorite of Nature Park visitors, this deck offers a tranquil setting for viewing wildlife, having a quiet lunch, or simply meditating.  Overlooking an oxbow lake (where the Savannah River once flowed), one can see the activities of turtles and wading birds, and enjoy the rustling of cattails and other marsh plants.  Also keep an ear open for the calls of one of our resident Barred Owls. Funds provided by Monsanto.

Wheelchair accessible

Constructed Wetlands Trail
Terrain: Graveled trail
Length: 1 mile

Description: Exit the canopy of the forest and enter the openness of man-made marshes used by the city of Augusta to provide a third step in wastewater treatment.  Construction on these wetlands began in 1997, and they have since become a favorite area for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh and wading birds, and birds of prey. 

Wheelchair accessible and mountain bike accessible

Constructed Wetlands Trail Guide

Pond Trail
Terrain: Dirt trail
Length: 0.8 miles

Description: This sunny loop takes the visitor around the Equalization Pond that holds treated wastewater about to enter the constructed wetlands.  The trail is on a raised berm around the pond, allowing a higher view of the surrounding swamp and pine and deciduous forest.  An occasional grebe or cormorant may be seen in the pond.

Wheelchair accessible and mountain bike accessible

Pond Trail Guide

Butler Creek Trail
Terrain: Dirt trail
Length: 0.25 miles

Description: Our newest trail has a beautiful view over the floodplain of Butler Creek from a high ridge, and then meanders through a deciduous upland forest as well as a small pine forest.  Perfect for younger children.

Butler Creek Trail Guide

School Bus Bridge
Terrain: Concrete bridge
Length: 100 feet
Description: Spend some quiet time here and you are bound to see something exciting! 

Visitors have been rewarded with views of water moccasins, turtles, animal tracks, muskrats, otters, and even beavers (in the evenings).  This is also another great spot for birding.

Wheelchair accessible and mountain bike accessible

River Scar Trail
Terrain: Graveled Trail
Length: 1.1 miles

Description: Meander around one of the constructed wetland cells that borders a beautiful river scar featuring a cypress-tupelo swamp. You'll be amazed by the stillness and beauty of this area!

Wheelchair accessible and mountain bike accessible

River Scar Trail Guide

FACILITIES

Phinizy Swamp Campus

Construction of the Phinizy Swamp Education/Research/Visitor Campus was recently completed. The complex includes a 3,200 square foot K-12 education building with classroom, laboratory, restrooms and office space; a 2,000 square foot research facility, to focus on aquatic- and ecology-based research projects; and a 700 square foot visitor center, to accommodate visitor needs. These new facilities enable the Academy to expand its current education and research programs and, ultimately, will provide opportunities for innovative collaborations. The new Phinizy Swamp campus is accessible to school buses and private vehicles via the main entry road during Academy events, and via the Floodplain Boardwalk during those and all other times. Funds provided by: Fleming & Sandra Norvell, Carolyn & Peter Lynch, and other private donors in memory of Dr. Thomas W. Blanchard; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton P. Boardman, Jr., the Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the City of Augusta, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton P. Boardman III, Mr. and Mrs. Braye C. Boardman, the Gregg-Graniteville Foundation, and the Georgia Department of Education.

Pfizer Pavilion

The Pfizer Pavilion is a covered picnic area that can be enjoyed by all Nature Park visitors. The structure does not have electricity, but does have nine, eight-foot tables with seating for 60 to 70 people. The Pavilion may be reserved for a donation of $100 with a $50 refundable deposit. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Funds provided by Pfizer.

Phinizy Swamp Visitor Center

The Phinizy Swamp Visitor Center officially opened to the public in late October 2003. This charming facility is staffed entirely by volunteers and will be open as often as possible. If you are interested in this new volunteer opportunity, please contact Academy offices at 706-828-2109. The Visitor Center boasts a breathtaking view of the swamp via a towering wall of windows, and is the place to go to purchase Nature Park merchandise or find answers to your questions. Ultimately, the Visitor Center will house several small exhibits.