AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Augusta Canal is back open just in time for the busy holiday weekend.

The Augusta Canal had been closed for kayakers since September from damage from Hurricane Helene, but dozens are enjoying it being back open.

The hurricane damaged a lot of the area near Outdoor Augusta and there is still work to be done.

“There was a lot of trees that were intersecting so we went through on john boats and started with a chain saw cutting through it, haul it off to the sides to get it out of the way and just make a path,” said Andy Colbert, Owner of Outdoor Augusta.

“We go through when we can and when we have time and cut back further and further but I mean there are still obstacles, makes it a challenge course,” said Amy Colbert, Co-Owner of Outdoor Augusta.

I spoke with a kayaker, Monica Slay, who goes out on the canal on a regular basis, she says it was a team effort getting the area ready again.

“It was the off season, so they were able to come out here and clear out. We have a bunch of people that come out here, usually we go to the sand bar and I know some people that live in the neighborhoods around Stratford, they were able to ride their four-by-four’s back there and they were able to clear the path and come out here and help Andy and them clean up some. Ever since summer came back, we’ve all been back at it helping out as we can,” Slay said.

Outdoor Augusta has been very busy, and Amy tells me they love seeing people out on the water enjoying the sunny summer days.

“We get to help people have a good time out on the water with their family and friends. If you’ve never been out here before we give you tips like Bluetooth speakers, Publix subs, our chicken sandwiches, something to help make the day a great day and I love when people return and they’re like ‘oh my god I’m coming back’,” Colbert said.

Just a reminder while the canal itself is open, the towpath is still closed.