Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon' Is A Unique State Park With Cool Scenery

Peering into deep ravines and canyons is most often associated with trips to the American West. The Grand Canyon's massive imprint on the Earth is one of the wonders of the world and a destination that attracts tourists from around the globe. But across the country to the east there's another canyon. Upon visiting, it's obvious why Providence Canyon State Park has earned its nickname of "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon."

Peering into the canyons of this state park, visitors may, at least for a moment, mistake it for part of the infamous Grand Canyon. But the massive gullies here are the result of poor farming practices of the 1800s rather than millennia of erosion. Providence Canyon State Park showcases 150-foot-deep canyons and trails that offer spectacular views throughout the park. It's a much different experience than the better known town of Chatsworth, dubbed the "Gateway to the Appalachians," which offers stunning mountain views.

In all, the park offers 16 different canyons that are speckled with different shades of orange, salmon, red, and purple. Trails venture into the canyons as well, but guests should be prepared to cross rivers and streams since the water table is very close to the surface. There is a visitor center and museum on site to educate visitors about the canyon's history, formation, and best practices when exploring the 2,700-acre park.

Sitting about an hour south of Columbus in Stewart County, Providence Canyon is one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. The scenery that makes this park such a wonder is best observed from the two main hiking trails. Both trails begin and end at the visitors center and are clearly marked so hikers of any skill level can enjoy the sights. The longest trail is the Backcountry Trail, which spans 7 miles. This path takes hikers down to the creek bed of Providence Canyon and requires about six hours to complete. Steep grades and a logging trail make up this hike, which eventually ties into the Canyon Loop Trail.

Canyon Loop is the shorter choice at under 3 miles long. This trail is a great option because it encircles nine of the canyons in the state park. Hikers can plan for this trail to take around two hours to complete. But for those who truly want to explore and enjoy the scenery, it's suggested to leave extra time to take photos and watch for wildlife. All hikers should wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing. For visitors who hate hiking, there are cut-off trails that shorten the distance and help travelers get back to the visitor center more quickly.

Visiting Providence Canyon State Park requires a little over a two-hour drive south of Atlanta, making it an accessible destination year round. Summers can be hot in the park, so many consider September, October, and November to be the best time to visit. It also happens to be when Providence Canyon Park thrives with fall hues. Spring offers cooler weather and budding plants. But for visitors interested in horticulture, July and August may be the best time to visit, since that's when the rare Plumleaf Azalea blooms.

Campsites throughout the park are available year-round. Both pioneer campsites (which may offer basic amenities like outhouses and a fire pit) as well as backcountry campsites (which offer few or no amenities and are only accessible by hiking trails) can be booked in advance on the park's website. In addition to the hiking and camping opportunities, Providence Canyon offers educational programs specific to natural sciences. An astronomy program gives visitors a chance to learn about the cosmos. The geology program brings guests up close to the canyon walls and helps identify the unique rock formations here, giving even more depth to Georgia's Little Grand Canyon.