Georgia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’ Was Formed by Accident—and It Has 150-foot Drops and Scenic Hiking

Take one look at a photo of Providence Canyon State Park, and you might assume it’s a snapshot of somewhere like Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park; the coloring of the landscape is similar, and the canyons are dramatic. But, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the canyons in this Georgia park are actually gullies, and they’re quite a bit younger than the eroded landscapes you’ll find out west.

“A true testament of man’s impact on the land, Providence Canyon is one of the most outstanding examples of (accidental) manmade erosion, created less than 200 years ago by poor farming practices,” Reba Bolton, the park’s assistant manager, tells Travel + Leisure. Plus, she adds, while it may look like it’s made of rock, Providence Canyon is formed by 43 different shades of sand and soil. “Looking out, you can see the different layers of sand and soil along with kaolin, limonite, manganese, and the famous red Georgia clay,” she says.

Known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” the park’s gullies are as deep as 150 feet, and they’re incredibly fragile. Visitors are reminded to keep on the trail and stay behind fences in case of a collapse. Keep that in mind as you explore the 2,706-acre park, and heed Bolton’s wise words of advice: “You have to wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy and shoes with good traction, and hiking sticks are recommended,” she warns. She also recommends bringing your own snack or lunch, as there aren’t many food options nearby.

Start your Providence Canyon State Park journey at the visitor center, where you can pick up a map and ask for directions. “These trails can be tricky, and it’s easy to end up on the wrong one,” she says.

What to Do

Aside from marveling at the many-hued gullies, the main activity within the park is hiking, and Bolton has two suggestions. “The Canyon Loop Trail is 2.5 miles and goes around the rim of the canyons, giving a good view of the overlooks,” she says. According to Georgia State Parks, it’s an easy-to-moderate trail, and typically takes around two hours to complete.

“Another good hike is hiking the bottom of the canyon and following the trail into canyons one to eight. This gives a good view of the canyon formation and soil layers up close,” Bolton says. The trailhead for all hikes is at the visitor center. Those hikers with camping experience can also opt to spend the night within the park. There are six backcountry camping sites, as well as three pioneer campsites; the latter require reservations. For campsites with more amenities, look to set up camp at nearby Florence Marina State Park, which she notes is “a great place for fishing, birding, and renting boats.

Best Time to Visit

While Providence Canyon State Park is open year-round, your experience will be greatly shaped by the season and the temperature. “The best time of year to visit is the fall, October or November. Once the weather is cooling off and the leaves are changing, you can really see the beauty of the canyons,” says Bolton.

Although you may be tempted to visit in the summer—when the rare plumleaf azalea blooms—think again. “Mid-summer is probably the harshest time of year with us being in South Georgia, and temperatures can rise to the high ‘90s, sometimes even up to 100 degrees. Hiking during that time of year can be dangerous for people who are not staying hydrated or have underlying conditions,” she says. No matter when you choose to go, be sure to pack plenty of water and those aforementioned hiking shoes.

How to Get There

Providence Canyon State Park is located in Lumpkin, Georgia, about 150 miles south of Atlanta. If you’re flying into the area, your best bet is to book flights to and from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). From there, the drive should take around 2 hours. Alabama’s Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is about the same distance away, although you’ll hop time zones during the drive. Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle.