Augusta Sailing Club is hosting the Y Flyer Nationals at Clarks Hills Lake Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16.
The Junior National Championships are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, and adults will compete in the Senior National Championships on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
This is the first time in 45 years the club has hosted the regatta, and about 50 to 80 sailboats are expected to compete.
There’s something about water in general – and the Serene18 in particular – that soothes the soul. The Serene18 covers 18 square miles on five local waterway trails where paddlers can leisurely while away a few hours in a kayak or canoe. Just don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife along the way. The trails include:
Clarks Hill Lake
Level: Novice – intermediate
Length: 6 miles
Travel Time: 4 – 6 hours
Dam Route
Level: Novice
Length: 7 miles
Travel Time: 2.5 – 4 hours
Stallings Island
Level: Intermediate
Length: 2.7 miles
Travel Time: 2 hours
Betty’s Branch
Level: Novice
Length: Short route – 4 miles; long route – 6 miles
Travel Time: Short route – 2 hours; long route – 3.5 hours
Augusta Canal
Level: Novice
Length: 7 miles
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Paddlers can get a free passport, and once they complete a trail, they can get their passports stamped to commemorate their trip. Passports and stamps are available at Keg Creek Water Sports at Wildwood Park, Cole Watkins Kayak Tours, Outdoor Augusta at Riverside Park, Savannah Rapids Kayak Rental and Columbia County Visitors Center. Anyone who gets all five stamps can take their passport to the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau for a free T-shirt.
For more information, go to visitcolumbiacountyga.com/serene18-paddle-trail.
Photography by Sally Kolar
Life is laid back, quiet and easy at this Clarks Hills Lake hideaway.
Clarks Hill Lake resident Brandon Barden might find himself between boats from time to time. As far as lake houses are concerned, however, he found a keeper.
In September 2021, he bought a three-story house in the Soap Creek area of the lake.
The Lincolnton native was moving back home after 10 years of city life in Nashville, Tennessee and other metropolitan areas as he pursued a career in the NFL.
Brandon quarterbacked the Lincoln County High School football team to back-to-back Class A state titles in the 2005-06 seasons under legendary coach Larry Campbell, who also coached Brandon’s dad. After transitioning to tight end at Vanderbilt University, Brandon played the same position as a pro from 2012 to 2015.
One thing that never changed, however, was his love for his hometown, where his family spent many weekends boating at Clarks Hill when he was in high school.
“I always wanted a lake house. This house was built in 1983, and I saw it when I was growing up,” Brandon says. “I wanted to come back home to be closer to family. I’m a country boy at heart.”
Back to Nature
Surrounded by pine trees, the house has views of the lake through large windows on all three levels. The home also sits sideways on the irregularly shaped, .7-acre lot so that it faces U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land and the water – not the neighbors.
“There were trees everywhere when I bought the property, but my dad and I cleared the land,” says Brandon. “The lot feels bigger than it is.”
They also landscaped the property, put in a gravel driveway and painted the interior of the house.
Whether he is working on the house, furniture, cars or tractors, Brandon likes to redo things. He and some of his friends repainted and reroofed his dock, and he likes to buy boats, fix them up and sell them as well.
Arranging eight seats, which were cut from the trunk of a large red oak tree that was on the property, around a metal fire pit, he also created a natural outdoor sitting area. “I like the simple look,” Brandon says.
Edison lights are strung through the trees around the fire pit, and a bright red picnic table is situated nearby. The yard, where a deer feeder attracts 10 or so deer at dusk, is an ideal place to connect with nature.
A dirt road runs past the house, and Brandon takes his English cocker spaniel, Remi, for daily walks down the path that ends at the lake. A bench on the bank is an inviting spot to sit and watch the sunset.
Of course, so is the covered front porch of the house. The porch features white columns, tile flooring, six lantern light fixtures on the wall, three ceiling fans, two red rocking chairs and a wood bench. Other décor includes an old chest and a print by local folk artist Leonard Jones.
Whenever the lake is calling, though, fishing rods are stored strategically by the front door.
An open patio on the side of the house also faces the water. Furnishings include two red Adirondack chairs and a red table with four red spring back chairs. A white spiral staircase leads to the screened-in porch upstairs.
Made for R&R
Just as the outdoor setting offers lots of scenery and serenity, the interior of the home is made for R&R as well.
The double glass front doors lead into a game room with a pool table and a basket full of board games. Soothing green walls serve as the backdrop for a “Carpe Diem” sign, small canoe paddles and vintage Clarks Hill Lake prints. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame picturesque views of the lake.
The view continues in the downstairs living room, which features a two-sided, raised-hearth, wood-burning stone fireplace that extends up to the second story. The identical fireplaces have a wood beam mantel and storage for firewood on one side.
A fly rod that belonged to Brandon’s grandfather hangs on the wall above the floor-to-ceiling windows, and fishing pictures are nestled between the windows. Many of the furnishings are antiques, and Brandon uses a tiger wood chest with crystal drawer knobs as a TV stand.
“Most of the furniture is from boutiques or secondhand,” he says. “I didn’t want to go modern because it’s not a modern house.”
A downstairs guest room includes an antique chest tucked between twin beds with wood headboards. More nostalgic Clarks Hill prints hang on the wall above the beds.
‘The Spot’
While the lake view is gorgeous from the first floor, it’s simply stunning from the upstairs living room.
“This is the spot,” says Brandon. “This is where I spend most of my time.”
With a feeling of spaciousness, the upper level features more windows that stretch from the pine flooring to the tongue-and-groove cathedral ceiling.
“The ceiling is one of the prettiest features of the house,” Brandon says. “We painted the walls off-white to make the ceiling pop.”
Furnishings include a contemporary floor lamp, leather chaise lounge, dropleaf table behind a leather couch, leather chair with an ottoman, antique rocking chair and TV. Reflecting Brandon’s love of the outdoors, three deer heads are mounted above the fireplace and a duck decoy made of cork sits on the wood beam mantel.
Hanging on the stone fireplace, an old saw blade is painted with a spring scene on one side and a fall scene on the other. An old-fashioned fireplace bellows leans against the stone wall.
The view through the windows is just as impressive at night as it is in the daytime.
“When the moon is full, it comes through the windows and shines onto the porch,” says Brandon.
Moonlight isn’t the only attraction of the covered screened-in porch, however. The space also features a white cathedral ceiling, wicker couch, round table with two chairs, strands of Edison lights and mosquito net in the doorway.
“It’s nice to come out here in the morning and feel the cool air,” Brandon says. “It’s like natural AC.”
Tucked between the living room and the screened-in porch, the dining area includes a distressed wood table with a bench on each side and a chair at each end. Brandon, who works in sales, uses the table as his desk, and he likes to leave the door open when he’s working at his laptop.
The kitchen includes a coffee station, granite countertops, tile backsplash and two barstools at the peninsula. Three small shelves are hung by rope on the wall. The middle shelf holds an upside down wood “Lake” sign with an arrow.
It’s no accident that the sign is upside down, though. The arrow is facing the wrong direction, so Brandon simply flipped it so that the arrow would point toward the lake.
Wakeup Call
This level of the house also includes the master bedroom, which has a king-sized bed with a studded leather headboard and footboard, and a guest room.
Painted a deep shade of blue, the guest room features antique furnishings such as a bed with a wood-slatted headboard, dresser with a mirror and ladderback chair.
A nook with another bed and bath overlooks the upstairs living room. This loft space also includes a tongue-and-groove ceiling and pine flooring with a darker stain.
“Waking up here is beautiful,” says Brandon. “There’s just a little fog on the water. The mornings are spectacular.”
The only thing better than looking at the lake, though, is spending time on it. Whether he’s on his Jet Ski or his current boat, Brandon goes out on the lake every weekend.
“I love it here. It’s so peaceful and quiet,” he says. “I enjoyed living in cities, but I always wanted to come back home. There’s nothing like living in the country.”
By Betsy Gilliland
3 Yukon Gold potatoesGrease grill grate and heat grill to medium. Boil potatoes whole for 5 minutes and pat dry; cut into slices 1/2-inch thick. Place vegetables in a large pan with olive oil, salt and pepper and lightly toss until coated. Transfer to veggie basket and grill 8-10 minutes or until desired doneness, turning once. Transfer to serving board and garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary. Makes 4-6 servings.
Baker Creek State Park
McCormick
Picnic area, shelters, grills, drinking water, pavilion, camp store, ranger station, volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pit, 10-mile hiking/biking trail, 2 boat ramps, fishing, 34 campsites for RVs or tents, restrooms, showers, dump station. (864) 443-2457, southcarolinaparks.com
Big Hart Campground & Recreation Area
Thomson
Beach, picnic sites, picnic shelter with large grill ($100/day), playground, boat ramp, dock, drinking water, 31 waterfront campsites with water and electricity ($30 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station. (706) 699-6258, bighartcampground.com
Broad River Park & Campground
Lincoln County
Single, double and triple campsites with water and electricity ($15-$27); boat ramp; restrooms; showers; fish-cleaning stations; dump station. Day use pass is $5 per car. Annual park pass $40. Located on the south bank of the Broad River where it joins the Savannah River on Clarks Hill Lake. (800) 405-1033, exploregeorgia.org
Bussey Point
Lincolnton
Beaches, boat ramp, picnic area, fire rings and grills, central well with hand pump for drinking water, hiking trails, mountain biking, more than 20 miles of well-marked wooded equestrian trails and natural surfaced roads for riding, 14 waterfront primitive campsites ($6 per night) large enough for horse trailers, highlines for tethering horses. Admission is $10. (864) 333-1100, exploregeorgia.org
Clay Hill Campground
Lincolnton
Picnic area, boat ramp, fishing, grill, fire pit, 10 campsites with water and electricity ($27 per night), 7 primitive campsites ($15 per night), showers, restrooms, dump station. $40 annual park pass. Located on the north side of Georgia’s Little River section. Shoreline offers excellent fishing for bluegill and other species of bream. (800) 405-1033, exploregeorgia.org
Elijah Clark State Park
Lincolnton
Beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters, trading post camp store, group shelters, miniature golf, canoe and kayak rentals, boat ramps, hiking trails, fishing pier, fish-cleaning station, educational programs, geocaching, 165 RV and trailer sites, pioneer camping, 10 walk-in tent sites, 20 cottages. (706) 359-3458, gastateparks.org
Hamilton Branch State Park
Plum Branch
Playground, picnic area, shelters, bike trail, hiking trail, boat ramps, fishing, 150 campsites (mostly waterfront) with water/electricity, 6 primitive group sites, restrooms, showers, dump station. (864) 333-2223, southcarolinaparks.com
Hawe Creek Campground
McCormick
Boat ramp, drinking water, 34 waterfront RV and tent campsites with water and electricity ($26-$28/night), showers, flush and vault toilets, trash collection. Five miles from Hickory Knob State Park. (864) 443-5441, recreation.gov
Hesters Ferry Campground
Lincoln County
Picnic area, grill, 16 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity ($27 per night), 10 waterfront tent campsites ($15 per night), showers, restrooms, dump station. Located on Fishing Creek, which is known for some of the best fishing on the lake. (706) 359-2746, exploregeorgia.org
Hickory Knob State Resort Park
McCormick
Playground, swimming pool, restaurant, store and gift shop, hiking and mountain bike trails, boat ramp, dock, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, lakeside championship golf course, practice putting green, tennis, archery, skeet shooting, 16 cabins, 44 RV and tent campsites with water and electricity, showers, dump station, meeting rooms, convention center. (864) 391-2450, southcarolinaparks.com
Leroys Ferry Campground
McCormick
Picnic table, grill, fire ring, boat ramp with security light, 10 primitive campsites without water or electrical hookups ($10), rustic toilets, hand pump for drinking water. Pets allowed. (800) 533-3478, recreation.gov
Mistletoe State Park
Appling
Beach, picnic shelters, boat ramps, dock, canoe rentals, fishing, biking and hiking trails, cottages, fisherman’s cabin with private dock, beach house (seats 75), 93 RV, trailer and tent sites, 3 backcountry campsites, pioneer campground, walk-in campsites, planned park activities. Costs vary. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321, gastateparks.org
Modoc Campground
Modoc
Playground, picnic shelter, boat ramp, grills, drinking water, hiking trails, campground host, 68 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity and 1 primitive campsite ($18-$54 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, laundry facilities, dump station. Five miles from Thurmond Visitor Center. (864) 333-2272.
Petersburg Campground
Appling
Beaches, playground, picnic shelter, grill, fishing pier, boat ramp, hiking trail, 93 waterfront RV and tent campsites ($16-$24 per night), showers, drinking water, flush and vault toilets. Four miles from Thurmond Visitor Center. (706) 541-9464.
Plum Branch Yacht Club
Plum Branch
Beach, pavilions, boat ramp, ship’s store, Lakeside Grill restaurant, 63 waterfront RV campsites with water and electricity, primitive campsites, bathhouse, restrooms, covered and uncovered moorage and dry storage, fuel. (864) 443-3000, plumbranch.com
Pointes West Army Resort
Appling
Beach, playgrounds, picnic tables, pavilions, grill, fire ring, boat ramps, pontoon boat rentals, camper rentals, camping equipment rentals, country store, bathhouse, fishing, hiking with Bartram Trail access, 58 waterfront campsites with water and electricity ($20-$25 per night), 20 waterfront campsites with electricity only ($10 per night), primitive campsites ($7 per night), waterfront cottages, cabins and rustic motel suites, boat storage sheds and slips, camper storage, conference center. Military or government ID required. (706) 541-1057, gordon.armymwr.com
Raysville Campground
Thomson
Boat ramp, fire pit, grill, 55 campsites with water and electricity ($30), showers, TV/cable hookup, dump station. Within a mile of Amity Recreation Area, which has beaches, picnic shelters and ball field. (706) 699-6257, raysvillecampground.coms
Ridge Road Campground
Appling
Beach, playground, picnic area, drinking water, boat ramp, dock, grill, fire pit, 69 RV campsites with water and electricity, 6 tent sites ($12-$24 per night), showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station, trash collection, TV/cable hookup. (706) 541-0282, exploregeorgia.org
Soap Creek Marina Campground
Lincolnton
Beach, picnic area, convenience store, boat ramps, gas dock, hiking trails, restrooms, bathhouse, 30 RV campsites with water and electricity, 5 lakeside cottage rentals, slip rentals, electrical hookups, water. (706) 359-4100, soapcreekmarina.com
Wildwood Park
Appling
Beach, pavilions, playgrounds, mega boat ramp, docks, fishing, weigh-in station, riding trails, showers, restrooms, International Disc Golf Center with three 18-hole courses, 61 RV and tent campsites, camper storage. Admission is $3 per car, truck or motorcycle per day or $6 for a vehicle with a boat/watercraft or horse trailer. 1.5 miles from Pollard’s Corner. (706) 541-0586, columbiacountyga.gov.
Winfield Campground
Appling
Beach, playground, picnic area, grill, boat ramp, drinking water, 80 RV and tent campsites with water and electricity, showers, flush and vault toilets, dump station. Located on Little River near Mistletoe State Park. (706) 541-0147, exploregeorgia.org
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Day-Use Recreation Areas (No Campgrounds)
Amity Recreation Area
Lincoln County
Beaches and swim area, playground, picnic area, shelters, boat ramp, fishing pier, baseball field. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. For shelter reservations, call (706) 359-4444, recreation.gov
Below Dam Recreation Area
McCormick County
Playground, picnic area, shelters, mini shelters, fishing pier, boat ramp, walking trail, restrooms, drinking water. No swimming or wading due to strong currents. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Across from Thurmond Visitor Center. (864) 333-1147, recreation.gov
Cherokee Recreation Area
Lincolnton
Beach, playground, picnic area, picnic shelters, boat ramp, dock, restrooms, drinking water, nature trails, facilities for handicapped. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Thu.-Mon. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Just across Little River Bridge on the right. (706) 359-5525 or (706) 359-5523, exploregeorgia.org
Clarks Hill Park Recreation Area
McCormick
Beach swimming areas, picnic areas, shelters, grills, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing pier, fish cleaning stations, hiking trails. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (877) 444-6777, recreation.gov
Gill Point Recreation Area
Lincoln County
Picnic area, picnic shelter, drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, dock. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (800) 533-3478, recreation.gov
Keg Creek Wildlife Management Area
Appling
Picnic area, canoe access, hiking trails, fishing, boating. Two miles from Pollard’s Corner. (706) 595-4222, exploregeorgia.org
Lake Springs Recreation Area
Appling
Swim beaches, playground, picnic areas, picnic shelters ($75-$125 per day), drinking water, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing pier, volleyball, horseshoe pits, walking and biking trails, Bartram Trail entrance point. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Three miles from Pollard’s Corner. For shelter reservations, call (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org
Parksville Recreation Area
Parksville
Beaches, playground, picnic area, shelters, restrooms, boat ramp, ball field. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org
West Dam Recreation Area
Appling
Beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, restrooms, fishing, Bartram Trail entrance point. Entrance fee is $5 per car. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. One mile from Thurmond Visitor Center. (800) 533-3478, exploregeorgia.org
Bartram Trail – 18.5 miles
Columbia County
Bartram is a fast beginner/intermediate trail with lots of views of the lake. Entrances are at West Dam Park, Lake Springs, Petersburg Campground and Wildwood Park. The section from West Dam to Petersburg is beginner, and the others offer more climbing, creek crossings and technical challenges. Bartram connects with Lake Springs Loop and easily links with Keg Creek and Mistletoe State Park trails. sorbacsra.org
Bussey Point Horse Trail – 12 miles
Lincolnton
Bussey Point is a 2,545-acre peninsula at the confluence of the Savannah and Little rivers that caters to horse lovers. Closed to vehicular traffic, there are more than 20 miles of well-marked wooded equestrian trails and natural-surfaced roads. The main wood trail, marked with yellow diamonds, is 12 miles, and there is a shorter loop of 6.5 miles. Shoes for horses are optional, but roads and trails can be rocky so some riders like at least front shoes. The area is open to hikers and bikers, but they are rarely encountered.
Catfish Creek/Peninsula – 6.5 miles
McCormick County
Catfish Peninsula is a 1,070-acre peninsula along the Savannah River portion of the lake. The area contains 10 trail roads that branch out through the area that contains six food plots. There are no trail signs in the area.
Cherokee Quarry – .5 miles
Lincoln County
The trail circles an old strip quarry that has been converted (mostly by beavers) to a wetland and pond area. Waterfowl are common on the pond, and a spur tail leads to the shoreline. There are no trail signs in the area.
Cliatt Creek Nature Loop – 3.75 miles
Appling
Located in Mistletoe State Park, this remote trail is marked with white blazes. Grades are a little steep, and there are a few obstacles. The footbridges at most water crossings are wide enough for bikes, although the approaches are difficult. Part of the trail follows Cliatt Creek through a hardwood forest as it flows toward the lake, while another section wanders through woods with a gentle series of dips and rolls.
Dozier Branch Canoe/Kayak Trail – 2 miles
Lincoln County
From the launching area, head downstream along Dozier Branch to where it joins Grey’s Creek, then go north along the creek until the water is too shallow to go any further. These creeks provide excellent fishing but are not accessible to most power boats. There are no trail markers, and extra caution should be used during periods of high stream flows.
Forks Area Trail System (FATS) – 37 miles
Sumter National Forest
Designated as an Epic Trail by the International Mountain Biking Association, a series of six different loops through a thickly forested area makes this a great system for beginner to intermediate riders with optional challenging lines for more experienced riders. Although hilly, there are not many climbs that require a lot of effort or dismounts. sorbacsra.org
Hickory Knob Trails — 10.2 miles
McCormick
Multiple loops and fast trails are fun and challenging for the intermediate rider. Located in Hickory Knob State Park, the Lake Loop is 7 miles, Turkey Ridge is a 1.7-mile loop and Beaver Run is a 2.5-mile out-and-back. sorbacsra.org
Keg Creek Trail – 9.2 miles
Appling
This intermediate level trail, marked with yellow blazes, is a fun ride full of roots, dips, bridges and creek crossings that are technical enough to be challenging but easy enough for fairly novice riders. Some of the creek crossings are easy; some are difficult. Connects with Bartram Trail at Wildwood Park and links with Rock Dam Trail by less than 3 miles of paved road. sorbacsra.org
Lake Springs Loop – 2.5 miles
Columbia County
Located in the Lake Springs Recreation Area, this paved trail with white blazes is a horseshoe off Bartram Trail (yellow blazes) and offers a little more climbing and technical challenge than the main Bartram it bypasses. Secondary trails identified with red blazes allow visitors to explore the Lake Springs shoreline. The trail connects the four peninsulas that make up the park and ends at an observation tower overlooking the lake.
Little River Blueway Outdoor Adventure Area – Multiple trails
McCormick
Located at the convergence of Little River and Clarks Hill Lake in Sumter National Forest, the Blueway offers 51 miles of diverse and scenic water trails, 136 miles of hiking and biking trails, two state parks bordering Savannah Lakes Village, four golf courses, five campgrounds, access to historical sites and a skeet and archery range. The Forks Area Trail System (FATS — designated as an Epic Trail by the International Mountain Biking Association), the Turkey/Wine Creek Trail and Steven’s Creek Trail are all within a 30-mile drive from Blueway Base Camp.
Modoc (Stevens Creek) – 5.5 miles
Modoc
An out-and-back trail for intermediate or advanced riders, this trail is best known for its multiple creek and ditch crossings. It is one of the most technically challenging trails in the area. sorbacsra.org
Rock Dam Trail – 13 miles
Appling
Located in Mistletoe State Park with access by the Cliatt Creek Nature Loop, this intermediate/advanced trail is marked with blue blazes and will challenge even the most seasoned rider with several creek crossings, a gully ride and a long, rocky, rooty, extremely off-camber climb. Most riders prefer the loop in the clockwise direction. This trail can be linked with Keg Creek by less than 3 miles of easy pedaling on paved roads. sorbacsra.org
Shriver Creek – 3.25 miles
Lincoln County
Shriver Creek is a 900-acre peninsula along the Savannah River portion of the lake. The area contains six trail roads that branch out through the area. Most trails go to or pass one of six food plots. There are no trail signs in the area.
Turkey Creek – 7 miles
One of the CSRA’s old-school trails, much of this intermediate out-and-back trail is carved into the hillside along Turkey Creek with scenic views and lots of bridges. There are some roots, but nothing difficult. Cross Key Road to get on Wine Creek. sorbacsra.org
Wildwood Park – 12 miles
Appling
Columbia County’s 975-acre park includes up to 12 miles of wooded trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The more advanced biking portion of Bartram Trail from Petersburg to Wildwood Park offers nine miles of fast single-track challenges. A brisk ride through Wildwood takes riders to nearly eight miles of more technical obstacles of Keg Creek. Entry is $3 per day per car, truck or motorcycle. The entry fee for vehicles with a horse trailer is $6 per horse per day. columbiacountyga.gov
Wine Creek – 5.5 miles (one-way)
Wine Creek is a fast and fun 5.5-mile, one-way trail with technical challenges for intermediate riders. It is one of the most scenic trails in the area with several creek crossings and a long rocky section on the edge of the creek. Ride across Key Road to get on Turkey Creek. sorbacsra.org
