Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin Georgia

Things to Know:

• Located in Southwest Georgia – Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”
• Over 1,000 Acres of Canyons Adorned in Red, Orange, Purple and White Sedimentary Layers
• Interesting Historical Background
• Breathtaking Scenery and Fantastic Hiking Experiences
• Great Choice for a Single Day Trip
• Dogs Permitted on a six-foot Leash
• Admission Fee Required

Near the town of Lumpkin, Georgia, in the Southwest corner of the state, lies an unexpected, unusual, and spectacular geological formation – Providence Canyon. We use the word “unexpected” because there are no surrounding mountains, gorges, or even especially steep foothills. The area consists largely of gently rolling farmland and thick pine forests.

The unusual aspect of Providence Canyon is that it has existed for less than 200 years! Unlike most canyons or gorges of its magnitude, it was not formed over millions of years from natural water or wind erosion, nor is it the product of tectonic plate movement.

As the Georgia State Park website notes, the canyon is “a testament to the power of man’s influence on the land”. In this case, the influence was neither intentional nor ideal.

History

Providence Canyon did not exist until the early 1800s. It was at that point that the region began to be populated by settlers who quickly cleared area forests and began farming as a means of subsistence. At that time, the importance of sustainable soil management practices was not understood, and no steps were taken to prevent erosion on the large tracts of newly cleared land.

Small crevices in the red clay soil quickly grew into larger and larger ditches. Since the inhabitants lacked the tools or knowledge needed to change the course of nature, in a remarkably short time, much of today’s array of 150 foot deep gullies and gorges was formed.

Hiking

There are two hiking options at Providence Canyon: The 2.5 mile Canyon Loop Trail, and the 7 mile loop Backcountry Trail. Both provide exhilarating, panoramic views of the many canyon pockets and ravines.

The Canyon Loop Trail is a relatively easy to moderate flat trail that circles 9 of the park’s individual canyons. There are opportunities along the way to divert on the canyon floors, as well as return to the Visitor Center. No climbing is allowed on the canyon walls, and this trail generally takes 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

The Backcountry Trail is a much longer, more difficult hike. It is rated extremely rugged and difficult, and after approximately 2 miles turns steeply uphill onto very challenging terrain. Six canyons are visible from this trail, but there is no access to their floors. The Park Service recommends this trail for experienced hikers only, and advises setting aside at least 6 hours for the entire trip.

Other Activities

The park boasts a staffed visitors center with a museum, restrooms, and park information. There are camping and picnic facilities. Adventurous visitors may want to consider joining the Canyon Climbers’ Club.

Visit the Park’s website for complete information.

Recommendation:

Providence Canyon State Park is a little known, hidden gem. If you’re in the southwest Georgia area, it would be well worth your time to pay a visit. Even if you have just an hour, you’ll have ample time to explore the main canyon floor, and you’ll get some great views from the rim overlooks that surround the parking area. If you have longer and are so inclined, plan on hiking one of park’s two trails in order to more fully appreciate the breadth of the canyon’s remarkable beauty. The park is just 44 miles from Columbus, Georgia, where you’ll find excellent overnight accommodations, a variety of restaurants, and a number of other attractions.

NOTE: If you do venture out into any of the park’s hiking areas, be sure to bring:

• Comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. The canyon floor is muddy and wet in many spots, and the red clay soil sticks to just about any shoe sole it touches.
• Plenty of water. Due to the terrain and sights, both of the two trails will take you longer than a normal walk of that distance.