This is my 11th year bringing a groups of university students to learn about soils. Ruth Mead is a super awesome person. She loves her job! read more

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park - Overall map of where to go :) - Hiking Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

The name would be an ace Scrabble play if it weren't a proper noun (I assume; I see no explanation of where this word comes from on their website). The park scores high on its own merits, however. The area is substantial, and includes both boardwalks through some classic wetlands, an educational complex that includes a lab and a conference center, a playground, and a series of artificial wetlands created as part of a reclamation project. Despite the nearby local airport, I experienced minimal distractions. Though it wasn't the greatest weather day, I did see wildlife, including some fairly horrific-looking spiders and a raptor of some sort that allowed me to get unusually close (I stumbled on it before carefully walking away). Alligators were not visible, and in my experience they do tend to hide on colder days, but I definitely believe there were some around. It's a great resource for the community, and it's free. If I were local, I would be checking out the event calendar. read more

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We are still new to exploring the sights of the CSRA but have really loved the gem that is Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. I think there is a larger wildlife management area that is Phinizy Swamp but this is a smaller area centered at education and being more of a visitors center. They have a gift shop but I've never been when the shop is open. They also theoretically have bathrooms but the bathrooms I tried to use were locked when we've been so not sure about that. There are lots of nice trails and prior to the hurricane they were all open but I know there are a few that have been closed and need repair. Otherwise there's still a lot to see and it's fun to walk around the ponds and see ducks and birds of prey, and also some alligators last time we were there. It's a great place to take visitors too as the trails aren't difficult and it's a fun ecosystem to show them. One day I'll figure out the hours but we've enjoyed our visits when the offices are closed! read more

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park - Hiking Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

Great walking trails throughout the park. It's good to exercise and walking is low impact and helps in keeping fit!

In a city where construction is always occurring, railroads are always running, and traffic is non stop one has to wonder where some tranquility and nature can be found. Well wonder no more. Here you will find miles of trails, leading you through woods and alongside water beds. Here you will see beavers, birds, snakes and even the occasional alligator. You will smell the scent of pine trees, honeysuckles, and various flowers. You will hear woodpecker, the running creek, and the falling of the leaves. It is a place to find refuge from all that technology encompasses and allows one to simply "be" for a period of time. I will mention that they also have various programs, a Nature Center, and events (including camping during the full moon). If you haven't been, what are you waiting for? If it's been awhile, no time like the present to revisit. I am grateful for this place every time I do. read more

This review is based on the Later Gator Race. I will update when I get to explore the entire park. Dear Friends, I've been blessed with great friendships and my latest one is a group of people that we call the H Hikers. We are formally know as the Sole Sisters but we've welcomed some pretty great dudes into our group. We aim to meet up and walk/slog/hike atleast once a month. We participated in the Later Gator race at Phinizy Swamp and Preserve in January. While it was southern freezing temperatures, the views melted those frostbite feeling away. The course was well laid out and the water station greeters were awesome! They even had a beautiful young lady motivating us with a special cheer. Group Suggestions: plan ahead and register early. Select a packet pickup person and have everyone email the organizers that that person will pick up your packet. Trust me nobody wants to wait in that line. Just have one person take one for the team. Solo Suggestions: Prepare to make new friends as everyone is moving at their pace. Once the race starts we're a family and we encourage and look out for everyone. Please share your story, reel, or phots from your 2024 race. I'm speaking it into existence that this is an annual event. Wishing you much fun! Sincerely CSRA #csrarace #latergatoratphinizyswamp #phinizyswamp #exploringthecsra #evansga #georgia #csra #yelpaugusta #augusta read more

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Soooooo nice having this park right in my backyard. I hope you're not afraid of wildlife because there is plenty to be seen around here. During my visit, I saw two different alligators, interesting birds, a few snakes, and beautiful plants. After I saw Gator #2, I decided i didn't want to end up on the menu, so I called it a day. I'll definitely be back... read more

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What a great early morning trip! A great place for everyone especially after seeing so much concrete and asphalt everywhere else. I hope the state pours money into this place as it is a gem. Conservation and Ecology Tourism is smart for everyone! I will return with family and look to donate, so glad it is free! read more

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What a neat park! I was ill prepared and didn't realize the trails were so long. Didn't wear the right shoes, didn't bring water. I need to come back. From what I did see, it was beautiful! Lots of wildlife to watch. read more

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Great place for a hike near downtown Augusta. A good place to take kids and plenty of animals to see. You can also see planes flying overhead which I enjoyed (but might not be for everybody). Also a good way to break up the monotony of visiting the Broad Street area. This place wasn't really on my radar before I came to Augusta and it would be a cool place to come back and visit. Go in the morning before it's too hot. read more

A great spot to retreat/relax if you're trying to forget you're in Augusta. Definitely one of the only nice things in this area. read more

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Beautiful spot in Augusta for adults and children alike to visit. I love that they seem to care about the community and host family friendly events! read more

Nice peaceful walking area for family and friends to enjoy daily. Fresh air and beautiful scenery

The area is everything a true nature lover would love. We enjoyed every second of our time there. Angie is a wonderful person and tour guide. read more

It had always been a dream of mine to visit s swamp! Went to Georgia to visit my husbands family and I found this place! I'm so glad we decided to check it out. Get ready to walk!!!! Unfortunately we didn't see an alligator but we did see a snake! We saw turtles and lots of different types of birds, even saw two eagles. If you're visiting Augusta, or if you are from this area check it out!!!!!! Oh and it's free!!! Parking is free as well! read more

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Ok this place was weird to find, we saw a sign that said it was it but wasn't lol we followed the GPS and found it. The place is free, to get to the info place you pass threw the swamp, pretty damn cool! WD didn't find any gators but we enjoyed the view and the walk. We did show up during winter....we don't know much and didn't look up info on when its best to go check them out either, but cool place for a walk with a view. read more

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park - Info - Hiking Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

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We are outdoorsy people and really wanted to find a fun hike in the area. Phinizy swamp park was just perfect! I don't think I have ever been on a hike that was SO surrounded with a diversity of plants and animals. We were kinda creeped out at first because there were about 20 turkey buzzards in the trees surrounding the entrance of the trail we started at. They were all just staring at us and kept flying around us like we were their next meal. Needless to say, we just kept walking. But after that it was fun! We saw turtles, alligators, various birds, lizards, and a coyote (maybe...he was quick). The trails are pretty poorly marked but as long as you can remember how to get back to the parking lot, you'll be fine. One of the most beautiful, well kept, and interesting trails! read more

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One of the best outdoor activities in Augusta! Stepping into the park is like adventuring into Okefenokee Swamp or the Louisiana bayou. A great disconnect from the regular life of Augusta. The park is well maintained and has many miles of boardwalk and dirt trails. There are multiple ponds and swamps that are teeming with wildlife--on an average day you can see rattle snakes, rabbits, foxes, turtles, alligators, herons, cranes, and so much more. Not to mention the array of plant life that is spread throughout the park. One day in July we went to the park in the evening and came across 7 alligators crossing paths or relaxing in the water. It was exhilarating and a memorable experience! Just make sure you respect the territory of the animal and remain calm. They have a nature center that had great activities for families with children, which is a nice feature. The park is rarely crowded and remains tranquil. The only negative is the fact that the park is literally adjacent to the regional airport. The sounds of passenger jets taking of and landing can be jarring at times and really take away from the natural beauty of this gem. Great spot for exercise, dog walking, or simply relaxing! read more

This place is beautiful seen lots of gators and turtles it is long so bring water to drink for sure

Great place to take the family or enjoy alone. Lots to see and it is clean. Lots of animals and critters to see. Local gem for Augusta Ga. read more

Nice place to visit, just down the road from the lock and dam which is a nice place to chill after walking through the park

I love this swamp! I volunteered there once to support some kind of foot race. All of the participants had a blast. Before that, I would bring my family for walks on their gentle boardwalks and enjoy their nature center. If you're lucky, you might get a glimpse of an American Alligator! Birders, grab your Sibley's! Last I was there, it was actually a bit crowded, but that was at the apex of the Pokémon Go phenomenon... I am guilty of spinning stops there, too! I'm sure it's died down since, but if not, the increased foot traffic is not necessarily a bad thing. The place could use more interest and subsequently, more patrons! read more

What a wonderful place to visit in the heart of Augusta. The magic of all the nature around you, and the pristine trails...so lovely! A must see! read more

We went with our son and it was super great. Familiar and big enough to have a family reunion.

We had an awesome time here. Packed a lunch and got around the rain garden before needing to stop with our little ones. If we come back to town again we will definitely stop here again. read more

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park - On the way to the rain garden. - Hiking Near Me - Augusta, Georgia

Wonderful place to get away, see wildlife and clear your mind! Bring a spotting scope and the variety of animals at Phinizy!

Super cool place to go for a walk and see some neat wildlife. Lots of turtles and birds, and I saw river otters ans alligators too which is pretty neat. read more

Good bird watching. Has a great centrally located covered area for just sitting still and not getting fried by the sun.