Columbia County, Georgia - CBS Atlanta 46

Columbia County is a nature-lover's paradise, full of serene retreats and great outdoor activities.  Check out these not-to-be-missed spots!

Savannah Rapids Park

3300 Evans to Locks Road, Martinez, GA

(706) 868-3349

The beautiful Savannah Rapids Park is a 33-acre recreation park that has a wide variety of opportunities available for the outdoorsman seeking a respite close to home. Open free to the public year round, you'll enjoy Savannah Rapids Park which features the historic headgates of the Augusta Canal and the Savannah Rapids Regional Visitor Information Center. Kayak, canoe, bike, hike or just stroll down the Augusta Canal Tow Path.

Clarks Hill Lake/Wildwood Park/International Disc Golf Center

3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA 30802

(706) 831-4364                            

A portion of the largest U.S. Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi River is located in Columbia County. Locally known as Clarks Hill Lake, the J. Strom Thurmond Lake & Dam at Clarks Hill offers water sports enthusiasts about 71,000 acres of water with 1,200 miles of shoreline, featuring some of the best freshwater fishing in the United States.  Nationally televised bass fishing tournaments, including the BASS/ESPN Elite Series Tour, are held at Columbia County's Wildwood Park. Wildwood Park is also home to the International Disc Golf Center (IDGC), managed by the Professional Disc Golf Association.

Laurel and Hardy Museum

250 North Louisville Street, Harlem, GA

(706) 556-0401                            

Did you know that Oliver Hardy was born in Columbia County's city of Harlem? His legacy and that of his comedic partner, Stan Laurel, is celebrated every day at the Laurel & Hardy Museum of Harlem (free admission, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Annually, Harlem hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world on the first Saturday in October for the Oliver Hardy Festival.

Evans Towne Center Park

7016 Evans Town Center Blvd, Evans, GA                 

Evans Towne Center Park is located in the heart of Columbia County. This new park is home to a dog park, large playground area, picnic pavilions, a splash pad and the Lady Antebellum Pavilion. The pavilion is named in honor of local talents, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of the trio Lady Antebellum.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.