WHO: Everyone!!
WHAT: I’m cheating this time, as I couldn’t describe the park any better than their website does. Here is what it says: “Located on 1100 acres and just minutes from downtown Augusta, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers visitors the chance to see blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, otter, alligator and the elusive bobcat in their natural settings.“
WHEN: The nature park is open every day, dawn to dusk. The Visitors Center is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9-5. The first Saturday of every month is “Swamp Saturday”, featuring a free guided tour that begins at 9:30 and last 1 1/2 hours (covering a 2.5 mile trail).
WHERE: Next to the Augusta Airport. Coming from downtown Augusta or Bobby Jones Expressway, turn left onto Lock & Dam Road.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Some of the best natural scenery in the area! I absolutely love Spanish moss, and there is Spanish moss galore at Phinizy. The swamp itself is beautiful, and then there is the bonus of catching sight of some interesting wildlife while you’re there (of particular interest to the kids). My family also enjoys the fact that there are many different trails and combinations of trails, so depending on how much time you want to spend exploring, you can choose one as short as 50 feet or as long as 2+ miles. The Visitors Center also has a wildlife diorama that the kids find interesting, and they plan on adding more educational exhibits there over time. This is the perfect place for a low-key yet stunning family nature hike!
HOW: More information on the park, including detailed directions, as well as descriptions of the various trails and educational programs offered, can be found on their website: http://www.naturalsciencesacademy.org/PhinizySwamp.htm
Kidding Around in Augusta 
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