The Savannah Rapids Lock and Dam is in the Savannah Rapids Park, which is located just north of downtown Augusta, Georgia. This is a spot that is not only scenic but also has historical significance.
Before 1845, boats upriver from Augusta could not deliver their goods to the city because of dangerous rapids nor could boats downriver travel upstream for business. To improve the city’s economy, a lock-and-dam system, finished in 1845, allowed boats a safe passage that circumvented the dangerous and shallow rapids that are still evident at the given coordinates.
This virtual takes you to a spot where you can walk over the dam, view the lock, and see the rapids. It is an historical site because it is a preserved piece of engineering that played a large part in the economic growth of Augusta in the mid-1800’s.
Here is a downstream view of the lock. Note how the lock itself is so narrow.
Here is an upstream view, with the large lock gates in sunlight.
This is a good view of the original structure on top of the dam.
This area today is frequented by walkers, cyclists, kayakers, photographers, and nature-lovers. It is the beginning of the Augusta Canal Historic Trail which follows the Augusta canal for seven miles until it ends at the Mill Village Trailhead near Lake Olmstead in downtown Augusta. If you are adventurous, you are welcome to walk or cycle this seven-mile trail.
To receive credit for this Virtual, please complete the following THREE tasks:
1. LOG: attach a picture that shows you (face not required) with part of the lock or dam or rapids in the background. Alternately, you may take a picture of your gps'r or write your geo-nick on a piece of paper, with something from this area in the background.
MESSAGE the CO with answers to these two questions:
2. Go to the coordinates, look down on the step, and find the geological survey marker cast in bronze. What is the penalty for disturbing this marker?
3. Describe something that you found unique, interesting, or surprising about the lock-and-dam area.
Send your answers to the CO within 24 hours of logging a find. Please do not include answers in your log, or it and your smiley will be removed.
🌟🌟 FTF honors go to PlantStrong, an intrepid 'cacher
and wonderful writer of logs. 🌟🌟
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.