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This might be one of the most unique places in the Southeast United States! When you think of the Southeastern portion of the United States, you typically think of rolling hills, swamps, marshes, and monotonous highway driving. So visiting Providence Canyon was like a ball coming from way out of left field. You are not expecting to see almost a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in Southern Georgia. You are not expecting deep red clay and some rather steep trails into the canyon. But that is indeed what you are seeing and it is beautiful. Please don't miss out on n this place! It is unique and well worth a visit! :)
A neat place to see interesting rock formations and walk some trails Providence Canyon, often called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," is in some ways a "diamond in teh rough" and in other ways rundown. It is a worthwhile stop about 28 miles southwest from Plains. The park offers several short trails and overlooks that make it easy to take in the colorful canyon walls without needing to hike for hours. The visitors center is small but informative, and the staff is friendly. The center explains the park's history -- including how this landscape formed from poor 19th-century farming practices that caused massive erosion. The result today is a maze of deep gullies and cliffs striped with red, orange, and white layers of clay that look a lot like parts of Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon. There are trails that start at the center to go down into the canyon and provide interesting views. I think the views from the top of the canyon that you can drive to are really nice. But, with all that said, the park could use a bit more upkeep. Some of the wooden viewing platforms and railings are showing their age, and a few paths could benefit from fresh gravel and clearer signage. Still, the raw beauty of the canyons more than makes up for it. It's a great half-day trip -- a little rough around the edges but full of color and good sights/views. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Enjoy!
Who said you had to travel to the Wild Wild West just to get your Canyon on. What felt like an excerpt of Britney Spears "Not a Girl, Not yet a Woman" music video, I too wanted to perch on top of one of those cliffs wearing a white lace shirt just like she did in her music video. I know the millennials will understand. What essentially was created as a mistake created this erosion in a very remote part of Georgia giving the southeast a slice of our own mini Grand Canyon. It is a State Park so you'll need to purchase the parking pass directly from the Georgia website. Nearby lodging options are limited but we chose to rent a cabin at the Florence Marina State Park which is the closest option. There's a friendly convenience store at the entrance for some refreshments and snacks. The entire park is basically split up by two different trails: white and red. The white trail takes about 2.5 hours while the treacherous red trail requires a hefty 6 hour commitment. I do recommend wearing hiking shoes as the basin of the canyon floors have streams running through them depending on the time of year making your typical sneakers unjust for this hike. If you can visit during the cooler parts of the year, then do so because I can't imagine having to hike that entire trail in unbearable weather. It was a crisp 70 degree day yet we still worked up a sweat and earned our cold beer at the end. Certainly a remarkable and memorable experience i recommend to all nature seekers and State Park enthusiasts.
A fascinating site. I visited Colorado not terribly long ago, which is literally named for this sort of thing. The striking red clay features here, however, are lined by a much greener foliage. Driving onto the site takes one along a road that rims part of the canyon. A path offers a few viewing platforms, signs saying not to jump the fence, and a lot of people jumping the fence. Frankly, the cliffs didn't look stable enough to mess around with. A trail leads through the valley and allows the opportunity to get a bit wet. It also showcases a set of abandoned cars that have been left to nature. The signage said an hour and a half, but it was only an hour or so for me to make a round trip, and I wasn't rushing. For those in search of a longer hike, an even more rugged wilderness trail awaits. There is a parking fee, but there was no attendant and no envelopes to collect it during the off season day I visited.
I came here last week and had an AMAZING experience. The main loop is totally worth it. It is 2.5 miles and you walk to the bottom of the canyon and then walk back up to the top and around some of them. It is a very cool and beautiful experience. The views from the top are STUNNING. Along the trail there are some broken down cars from when people use to live there, which were very cool and interesting. Me and my friend saw some really cool flowers and dragonflies along the way. TOTALLY worth the trip. We went around 10am and there were not many people so there was no issue parking, and we were able to make the hike before the summer heat kicked in later. The visitors center was informative and provided maps of the canyon, which was nice.
We currently reside in SOWEGA and the drive to this place isn't bad at all. It's totally worth the 1hr+ trip! We have been here twice and it has never failed. I love how they are pet-friendly. There's so much history behind this park. Take the time to actually read the spots that tell stories and you'd be surprised what you could learn! It gets pretty packed after 10AM and parking could be difficult to find. Obviously not like the real Grand Canyon, but it's pretty cool how it resembles it so much. The easiest of the hikes is kid-friendly and we actually brought our wagon on it. Definitely needed assistance on some parts to lift the wagon, but it was worth bringing it. There are so many viewpoints that offer different views on the canyon; all picture-worthy. There are a lot of picnic tables and shaded areas that are perfect for an after-hike snack or lunch. I definitely want to try the more advanced trail but figured it wouldn't be as kid-friendly. I highly recommend this place for a quick hike and some family bonding time!
This was my first visit to Providence Canyon and it is a good State Park. The main attraction is the various canyons here that are fun to explore. The canyons are man-made due to poor farming (for more information the website gives detailed discussion of this fact). A group of us from Atlanta hiked here and everyone enjoyed it. We did several miles of hiking in the inner canyons and the strenuous 7 mile Backcountry trail, which is blazed red. The trails were easy to follow. Several abandoned junk cars along the way, which the park claims are now habitats for wildlife. The canyon is not very deep. There are various streams flowing through the trails, so water proof boots are helpful, and change of shoes/socks in the car is a good idea. We had zero phone reception while on the trails. Visitor center was open with helpful staff there. Trail maps available here. One of our members had a Canyon Climbers club card, which they punched for her. Parking at visitor center is currently closed, but there is parking a short distance away. Nominal fee ($5) per car to enter Providence Canyon. Camping is available and the camp sites looked neat along the trails, but we did not camp this trip. This is in remote area of the state with limited restaurants and accommodations. We brought our own lunches, so food was not a problem for us. Pro Tip: We met at Union City Park & Ride, which is great place on the way to car pool with a group of people from Atlanta area. The views of the canyons was much better from the overlooks than at the bottom of the canyons. Pictures of Providence Canyon makes it look a lot more interesting than it actually is. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Providence Canyon is unique in Georgia but no comparison to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. My motto: Any day outside is a good day!
Absolutely, positively, one of the coolest things I have ever hiked. The "canyons" wind you through nooks and crannies to take you to some of the most unique and beautiful corners of sheer beauty. There's plenty of flat land to walk as well as various lengths of actual hiking. By the time we were done we hit 15 miles without even noticing. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet / muddy, as the bottom holds water and you will not want to miss walking to the bottoms of the canyons. The pictures don't even do it justice - the sand is a gorgeous mix of pastel colors that you don't expect to see and everything shimmers in the sunlight. Seriously worth the drive to what may feel like the middle of nowhere in order to see and I cannot wait to go back again.
Our second visit to this beautiful park and once again we enjoyed it! It was great to show our daughter one of natures most beautiful creations! There are 5 canyons areas to visit and several 3+ mike hiking trails. One is 7 miles! The canyon hike is about 2 1/2 miles round trip and is a moderate hike. Going in is easy....it's the hike out that will get you! Definitely wear hiking shoes as you are walking through a lot of areas with water running through them. You also need a hat and a backpack cooler and bring and drink plenty of water! Leashed dogs are welcome and you will need to bring water for your fur baby too because they will NOT drink the water you will be walking through! Idk why but our dogs just wouldn't drink it. We bring a small bowl too for them. I would give this park 5 stars but they need to add benches and trash cans all through the trails. So many jerks just throw their plastic on the ground so be like us and pick up trash as you go! The visitors center is mostly just a gift shop but they have lots of cute stuff reasonably priced! Highly recommend and remember - don't leave anything but your footprints! And don't go on an extremely hot or humid day!
I stopped here on an impromptu trip on my way to Atlanta from North Florida. I'd been eyeing this place and wanted to check it out, so when I saw it was literally on my route, I knew I had to stop. It's located in Lumpkin, GA as one of their state parks. It was only $5/per vehicle to get in. When you drive inside, you can stop near the restrooms and take a look down into the canyon and see the beautiful views without actually having to hike it. Because we were just there to check it out, my husband and I decided to do about a quarter mile hike. It was sooooo beautiful and breathtaking being down in the canyon. I definitely want to go back and explore much more of its natural beauty! Definitely worth the trip. (make sure to bring water and food) however they do have a little gift shop that also sells water/snacks etc... they also have a little waiting area that you can learn more about the park and view some of the artifacts.
Absolutely stunning views, The clay had so many different vibrant colors and textures. The Canyons are very good sizes, you can spend a good portion of the day walking around the park and see them from so many different angles and heights. The floor of the canyon was very muddy, definitely wear shoes / clothes you can get dirty and not worry about. This place is a must see for anyone traveling in Georgia looking for a phenomenal view.
9 months ago
CBS SUNDAY MORNING ended a show with video from this park. We were so intrigued that we started researching it for our October 2025 road trip. We are so glad we came. It was incredible! We visited the visitor center/gift shop the first day, before it closed at 5. Rangers were friendly and helpful. We got a map for our hike the next day, and bought some provisions for our stay at a Florence Marina State Park cabin up the road. The next day we hiked down the steep, rocky terrain to the signs for all the trails. We chose Canyons 4-5, which were flat, and less wet & less difficult to hike than Canyons 1-3, and other trails. The views were spectacular! We noticed the puddles of water & wondered why some were silvery and bright. When we asked the ranger in the visitor center/gift shop, she didn't know. The hike back up to the visitor center/gift shop required several stops at Boy Scout donated benches. Thank you, Boy Scouts! My asthmatic lungs needed the respites. At the visitor center, we used the boot cleaning mats and hose to wash off the red clay of Ga. On the way out of the park, we stopped at the restrooms on the right of the road. This is where we got the BEST photos! Stop, get out and walk to the fences. You will be thrilled with the view. We were. This is our now favorite park in GA. read more
2 months ago
This is my second time at PCSP and I would go again if I were in the area! It is $5 per vehicle on the honor system - you can pay online or in person. It is a 1/4 mile hike down to the canyon and then there are 3 paths to choose from. I recommend wearing shoes you don't care if they get wet as the bottom of the canyon has small amounts of running water. I also recommend bringing a bottle of water with you as well depending on how long you plan to be out there! There is a small welcome center with information on the canyon, bathrooms and a small gift shop! read more
1 year ago
This might be one of the most unique places in the Southeast United States! When you think of the Southeastern portion of the United States, you typically think of rolling hills, swamps, marshes, and monotonous highway driving. So visiting Providence Canyon was like a ball coming from way out of left field. You are not expecting to see almost a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in Southern Georgia. You are not expecting deep red clay and some rather steep trails into the canyon. But that is indeed what you are seeing and it is beautiful. Please don't miss out on n this place! It is unique and well worth a visit! :) read more
8 months ago
A neat place to see interesting rock formations and walk some trails Providence Canyon, often called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," is in some ways a "diamond in teh rough" and in other ways rundown. It is a worthwhile stop about 28 miles southwest from Plains. The park offers several short trails and overlooks that make it easy to take in the colorful canyon walls without needing to hike for hours. The visitors center is small but informative, and the staff is friendly. The center explains the park's history -- including how this landscape formed from poor 19th-century farming practices that caused massive erosion. The result today is a maze of deep gullies and cliffs striped with red, orange, and white layers of clay that look a lot like parts of Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon. There are trails that start at the center to go down into the canyon and provide interesting views. I think the views from the top of the canyon that you can drive to are really nice. But, with all that said, the park could use a bit more upkeep. Some of the wooden viewing platforms and railings are showing their age, and a few paths could benefit from fresh gravel and clearer signage. Still, the raw beauty of the canyons more than makes up for it. It's a great half-day trip -- a little rough around the edges but full of color and good sights/views. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Enjoy! read more
Who said you had to travel to the Wild Wild West just to get your Canyon on. What felt like an excerpt of Britney Spears "Not a Girl, Not yet a Woman" music video, I too wanted to perch on top of one of those cliffs wearing a white lace shirt just like she did in her music video. I know the millennials will understand. What essentially was created as a mistake created this erosion in a very remote part of Georgia giving the southeast a slice of our own mini Grand Canyon. It is a State Park so you'll need to purchase the parking pass directly from the Georgia website. Nearby lodging options are limited but we chose to rent a cabin at the Florence Marina State Park which is the closest option. There's a friendly convenience store at the entrance for some refreshments and snacks. The entire park is basically split up by two different trails: white and red. The white trail takes about 2.5 hours while the treacherous red trail requires a hefty 6 hour commitment. I do recommend wearing hiking shoes as the basin of the canyon floors have streams running through them depending on the time of year making your typical sneakers unjust for this hike. If you can visit during the cooler parts of the year, then do so because I can't imagine having to hike that entire trail in unbearable weather. It was a crisp 70 degree day yet we still worked up a sweat and earned our cold beer at the end. Certainly a remarkable and memorable experience i recommend to all nature seekers and State Park enthusiasts. read more
A fascinating site. I visited Colorado not terribly long ago, which is literally named for this sort of thing. The striking red clay features here, however, are lined by a much greener foliage. Driving onto the site takes one along a road that rims part of the canyon. A path offers a few viewing platforms, signs saying not to jump the fence, and a lot of people jumping the fence. Frankly, the cliffs didn't look stable enough to mess around with. A trail leads through the valley and allows the opportunity to get a bit wet. It also showcases a set of abandoned cars that have been left to nature. The signage said an hour and a half, but it was only an hour or so for me to make a round trip, and I wasn't rushing. For those in search of a longer hike, an even more rugged wilderness trail awaits. There is a parking fee, but there was no attendant and no envelopes to collect it during the off season day I visited. read more
11 months ago
I came here last week and had an AMAZING experience. The main loop is totally worth it. It is 2.5 miles and you walk to the bottom of the canyon and then walk back up to the top and around some of them. It is a very cool and beautiful experience. The views from the top are STUNNING. Along the trail there are some broken down cars from when people use to live there, which were very cool and interesting. Me and my friend saw some really cool flowers and dragonflies along the way. TOTALLY worth the trip. We went around 10am and there were not many people so there was no issue parking, and we were able to make the hike before the summer heat kicked in later. The visitors center was informative and provided maps of the canyon, which was nice. read more
We currently reside in SOWEGA and the drive to this place isn't bad at all. It's totally worth the 1hr+ trip! We have been here twice and it has never failed. I love how they are pet-friendly. There's so much history behind this park. Take the time to actually read the spots that tell stories and you'd be surprised what you could learn! It gets pretty packed after 10AM and parking could be difficult to find. Obviously not like the real Grand Canyon, but it's pretty cool how it resembles it so much. The easiest of the hikes is kid-friendly and we actually brought our wagon on it. Definitely needed assistance on some parts to lift the wagon, but it was worth bringing it. There are so many viewpoints that offer different views on the canyon; all picture-worthy. There are a lot of picnic tables and shaded areas that are perfect for an after-hike snack or lunch. I definitely want to try the more advanced trail but figured it wouldn't be as kid-friendly. I highly recommend this place for a quick hike and some family bonding time! read more
1 year ago
Pictures just don't do it justice! I'd recommend wearing shoes you don't mind getting wet and dirty, also bring plenty of water. The hike was amazing, would definitely come back to camp! The whole area was clean and not once did I question my safety throughout the park :) read more
This was my first visit to Providence Canyon and it is a good State Park. The main attraction is the various canyons here that are fun to explore. The canyons are man-made due to poor farming (for more information the website gives detailed discussion of this fact). A group of us from Atlanta hiked here and everyone enjoyed it. We did several miles of hiking in the inner canyons and the strenuous 7 mile Backcountry trail, which is blazed red. The trails were easy to follow. Several abandoned junk cars along the way, which the park claims are now habitats for wildlife. The canyon is not very deep. There are various streams flowing through the trails, so water proof boots are helpful, and change of shoes/socks in the car is a good idea. We had zero phone reception while on the trails. Visitor center was open with helpful staff there. Trail maps available here. One of our members had a Canyon Climbers club card, which they punched for her. Parking at visitor center is currently closed, but there is parking a short distance away. Nominal fee ($5) per car to enter Providence Canyon. Camping is available and the camp sites looked neat along the trails, but we did not camp this trip. This is in remote area of the state with limited restaurants and accommodations. We brought our own lunches, so food was not a problem for us. Pro Tip: We met at Union City Park & Ride, which is great place on the way to car pool with a group of people from Atlanta area. The views of the canyons was much better from the overlooks than at the bottom of the canyons. Pictures of Providence Canyon makes it look a lot more interesting than it actually is. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. Providence Canyon is unique in Georgia but no comparison to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. My motto: Any day outside is a good day! read more
Beautiful park. Considered an intermediate hike to the canyons. 1-3 is a pretty walk but canyons 4-5 are breathtaking. The beginning of the hike is the most challenging. But once you hit the canyon floor it's fairly flat. read more
3 years ago
Absolutely, positively, one of the coolest things I have ever hiked. The "canyons" wind you through nooks and crannies to take you to some of the most unique and beautiful corners of sheer beauty. There's plenty of flat land to walk as well as various lengths of actual hiking. By the time we were done we hit 15 miles without even noticing. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet / muddy, as the bottom holds water and you will not want to miss walking to the bottoms of the canyons. The pictures don't even do it justice - the sand is a gorgeous mix of pastel colors that you don't expect to see and everything shimmers in the sunlight. Seriously worth the drive to what may feel like the middle of nowhere in order to see and I cannot wait to go back again. read more
4 years ago
Our second visit to this beautiful park and once again we enjoyed it! It was great to show our daughter one of natures most beautiful creations! There are 5 canyons areas to visit and several 3+ mike hiking trails. One is 7 miles! The canyon hike is about 2 1/2 miles round trip and is a moderate hike. Going in is easy....it's the hike out that will get you! Definitely wear hiking shoes as you are walking through a lot of areas with water running through them. You also need a hat and a backpack cooler and bring and drink plenty of water! Leashed dogs are welcome and you will need to bring water for your fur baby too because they will NOT drink the water you will be walking through! Idk why but our dogs just wouldn't drink it. We bring a small bowl too for them. I would give this park 5 stars but they need to add benches and trash cans all through the trails. So many jerks just throw their plastic on the ground so be like us and pick up trash as you go! The visitors center is mostly just a gift shop but they have lots of cute stuff reasonably priced! Highly recommend and remember - don't leave anything but your footprints! And don't go on an extremely hot or humid day! read more
3 years ago
I stopped here on an impromptu trip on my way to Atlanta from North Florida. I'd been eyeing this place and wanted to check it out, so when I saw it was literally on my route, I knew I had to stop. It's located in Lumpkin, GA as one of their state parks. It was only $5/per vehicle to get in. When you drive inside, you can stop near the restrooms and take a look down into the canyon and see the beautiful views without actually having to hike it. Because we were just there to check it out, my husband and I decided to do about a quarter mile hike. It was sooooo beautiful and breathtaking being down in the canyon. I definitely want to go back and explore much more of its natural beauty! Definitely worth the trip. (make sure to bring water and food) however they do have a little gift shop that also sells water/snacks etc... they also have a little waiting area that you can learn more about the park and view some of the artifacts. read more
Absolutely stunning views, The clay had so many different vibrant colors and textures. The Canyons are very good sizes, you can spend a good portion of the day walking around the park and see them from so many different angles and heights. The floor of the canyon was very muddy, definitely wear shoes / clothes you can get dirty and not worry about. This place is a must see for anyone traveling in Georgia looking for a phenomenal view. read more
This spot is one of the most beautiful hiking spots in all of Georgia. My partner and I went on a hiking trip across Georgia and started off our shenanigans at this location! Providence Canyon is located in Lumpkin, Georgia and has a multitude of trails with a variety of views to please anyone-hiker or not. The whole family could do these trails without any hiking experience. I did the inner canyon hike and explored all of the separate canyons, they are all different and unique in there own way. I will warn to wear waterproof shoes and some areas of the trail have running water. We also explored the outer rim trail and loved all of the different lookout points. I can't wait until I come back! I have never seen anything like this place ever in my life! It is truly so special and if you are in the area, go check it out! You will not be disappointed. Also, the restrooms are very well kept and there is even a gift shop! read more
This park has been on my bucket list for SOOOOO long! I'm so happy I finally made the long drive to get there. It was definitely well worth it. The views are absolutely amazing. So beautiful, I'm still not over it. If you ever have the time give this place a try. I got to see the canyons but I didn't go on the other trails. I'll have to go back again one day to try them. It's gets REALLY muddy so wear some old hiking shoes or boots. I've never hiked a trail like that so it was pretty exciting. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Went here this weekend to go hiking and it was definitely cooler than I was expecting! It really is like the mini "Grand Canyon." Don't forget to bring cash for parking or you can pay at the interpretive center I believe. That is the same for all of the state parks. They're 5$ but not all of them accept card. None of them usually do at the little kiosk when you pull up. We parked in a spot on the left after driving through the entrance but we didn't drive all the way back. The car was facing the canyon so we got out and started walking left. We went a super long way around and then finally found a way down into the canyon. We then walked through the canyon back in the direction of the car and found another way out on the other side that led us to the interpretive center. I would recommend starting at the interpretive center and walking down a .25 mile trail into the canyon. When you get down, go to the left and there are several "Instagram-worthy" spots. If you start on the other side like us, you will end up walking through a lot of forest before you see anything really cool read more
5 years ago
A very nice place to come if you are in Atlanta and you do not mind driving a couple hours. I went really early...actually, at 7 am when the gate opened because I wanted to avoid the crowd of people and the heat of summer. As other reviewers mentioned, you can do the 9 canyons and the 3.5 miles trail in 4 or 5 hours. I liked the colors of the clay and enjoy walking with my hiking boots in the wet and muddy surface. The small canyons are mostly well signed and easy to follow...you can see that some people do not have respect of nature and carved their names (like someone would really care to know that they went there). I do not like when people are so egotistic. Bring water in sunny days and do not go too fast, really enjoy the view and see how the sun could make change the colors of the canyons walls. read more
I usually don't review trails, parks, or nature places, but this place is truly a gem in Georgia. Yes, the rumors you've heard are true: This is seriously like the little Grand Canyon of Georgia. For only $5 in parking fees and a day's worth of hiking (more like 3 hours or so if you do the 1 thru 8 loops), you will be pleased that you visited. One part of the park was truly amazing where you can walk within the canyon and see the colorful sediments and unique rock structures. It wasn't crowded either here on a random fall (but rather warm) Thursday in early Nov. Some folks wore masks and some didn't. We chose to wear ours whenever we encountered people along the trails. The hubs said that the staff in the welcome center mentioned how the weekend could bring in large crowds and that they have been closed on certain days due to Covid-19. So check before planning a trip. There are 8 out of 9 different paths that I'd say would be the main and more easy hikes. Paths 4 and 5 were the best as they are on the main route. If you didn't do much research and just went ahead and visited this place, these paths will provide you with the great initial wows and wonders. Path 8 had a great open area that was carved were you could feel really immersed. And psst. Wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty as you will be walking beside and sometimes on the riverbed. So mud is expected even if it hasn't rained the days leading to your trip. There is a constant flow of water shaping the valley so the sand and sediments continually are being molded. The path down to the hiking area is rocky and uneven with roots and stones so be cautious and wear something comfortable that has good gripping. --- Now the camping experience... Camping here was a tad spooky as the camp site was super large and was made to accommodate groups. But you do get a visit from the friendly, native animal neighbors (see the last three paragraphs). For $40, you'll get a pitch black camp site with a little outhouse. Sorry, there are no running water or plumbing out here. There is another camp site in the general area, but it's not within eye sight. Aside from the fire pit, a turned-over bench, two picnic tables, and pavilion shelter, this place would truly be like a rugged spot you'd pick in the tree clearing by a little dirt road. Oh. There was the little outhouse that did have toilet paper. Also, it would be cheaper to buy firewood from outside the park. This place doesn't have strict guidelines like say The Smokey Mountain campgrounds where bringing outside wood may bring along foreign bugs. These intruders may in turn destroy or invade the native species. I have to mention this so you get the feel of how alone you may feel with no other campers nearby... In the middle of the night (more like 7 ish in the fall when it gets dark much sooner), we had a major spoke. We were enjoying the nice fire, breezy air, and just relaxing and enjoying the stars above when we hear rustling in the dark woods getting louder and louder. I thought it was a coyote or wolf while the hubs thought it was a mad person out to kill us (we had watched too much Forensic Files at this point), but it turned out to be two armadillos scurrying in the night. Yeah. We felt like it was a suspenseful movie scene being at such a secluded campsite. And in the middle of the night, the hubs said he heard some sniffling outside our tent. Perhaps more nightly creatures checking out our campsite. But even before falling asleep, you could still hear the nearby traffic from the main road. So, it's not that eerily quiet even though you can hear animals and insects chatter in the dark. read more
If you've seen the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, this little canyon will remind' you of the former in Namibia on a micro-micro level. It's a beautiful little canyon with walking trails at the bottom of the gorge. It's easy to visit easy to get into and out of and park and to find the walking trails. It's a park set up quite nicely. Go and enjoy. read more
6 years ago
My first comment..WEAR HIKING BOOTS!! I promise you, you have a much easier time climbing with hiking boots. We wore nikes and were having a hard time. We were also slipping down, which made it dangerous. When you pull inside this park, just keep going all the way to the back. If you stop in the front, you won't see all the canyons unless you walk all the way around. There are two sets of bathrooms, which is good but make sure you go before hiking. There are essentially two different trails. One trail is short and you can see the canyons. The other trail is super long and all you see is nature. We only did the canyon trail. There are multiple areas to walk around. It's basically A and B. In A there are 5 branches. In each branch, you're able to see different parts of the canyon. When we went, we asked the ladies in the merch shop. They said since it had rained the day before, B would have been really muddy and hard to walk through. We decided to skip out on it. That being said, it too 3.5 hours to walk around and take pictures. Some trails are harder than others. Do not push yourself if you cannot do it. Some would be rather hard to walk with dogs and children. Some are easier. In A.1, I would skip it. It's incredibly hard to get up! A.2-5 are all pretty decent and easy to walk around. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, we did not see B. You could see the water running down hill and we had on nikes. It had started raining too, so we kept hiking back up the mountain. It took probably 20 minutes? hiking back up through the woods. When we finally got to the top, we were able to look out over the mountains and it was so incredibly beautiful. Nothing does this place justice. Side note: when we're back up at the top, there was a moment where our time changed. Be aware of this. One minute it said it was 1:30pm. Then the next, it was 12:30pm. It only happened in one spot that we noticed. Unfortunately, I'm not sure where. Other than that, bring lots of water and those boots! This place was truly beautiful! Oh..and your clothes will get dirty. I wore grey and you could see sweat, rain, and clay all over my pants. My friend wore a white shirt and the clay stained her shirt. So just another thing to take note of! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
First time in the Providence Canyon State Park and it was really good! The trail is pretty easy and quick to get down in the canyon, around 0.25 miles from the interpretive center. There are some great viewpoints around the canyon! It takes about 2 hours to see everything. read more
2 years ago
Such a unique thing to see in south GA. Signage can be a little tricky on the trails but the experience is worth every step! read more
5 years ago
A really unique hidden gem. Some strenuous hiking and some easy. I liked that this location had both. The lower part had water so if you don't want your shoes wet, keep that in mind when hiking. Keep a hat on you to block the sun and bring lots of water. I loved they had some unique features through the wooded hiking trails. I would recommend visiting this area! read more
For starters, This was my third hike this week and my legs were already noodley lol so I was not feeling up for the challenge of a rigorous hike. However, apparently I didn't do my research well enough because the first thing mentioned on the sign as you enter is "this is not a hike for people of poor physical condition" (pictured) I cackled off that alone and continued down the trail. Some things I would like to note... this is a long adventure to take if you decide to explore this entire park in one day. You've got what I call "the floor" which is canyons 1-5 to the left. This is what we did and it was honestly just enough for me on this hot/humid day. Then you've got the overlook which is 3 miles uphill. And lastly, there's more trail/sights to see labeled "back country 1-6" which was to the right. Ultimately, this is an all day adventure to say the least. I don't recommend doing it on a harshly hot and humid day like we did because you won't be able to enjoy it. Luckily our group of brave souls made this fun and enjoyable even though we were absolutely miserable. I would highly recommend this hike but pleaseeeee bring a hiking first aid kit (because I got stung by a hornet/wasp or something and it didn't feel good), TONS OF WATER. Not those lil water bottles from the store I mean a liter or more of water to really stay hydrated! And a snack because this is a long adventure for the 50th time lol. You'll love the sights. It's crazy to believe that something so beautiful came from such a mistake and terrible time! There's a bunch of history linked to Providence Canyon so definitely stop to read and learn more when you can. It's pretty interesting... Enjoy! read more
This is my third time at Providence Canyon Park. However, it's been 3 years since the last time I was here. First time, I went and my daughter tagged along. Second time, I went and my daughter, husband, and niece tagged along. This time, a friend tagged along who has never been before but was interested. It's a farther drive and I remember the parking lot is small so gotta get there early. It's a state park so it's $5 entrance fee. From IG and great online photos I've seen, the first few times I've gone, I keep missing seeing the pretty canyon photos, I asked a friend and was told I need to go to Canyon 4 and 5. The first few times, I've gone to all the canyons except 4 and 5 and went to the top. This time, I made sure to pay a visit to the Canyon 4 and 5. Just remember since you're heading down to see the canyons, you gotta go back up to get back home. Your legs will burn a bit but it's not too bad. If you're out of shape, good luck but it's still doable. Overall, I think its an easy hike. When visiting the canyons, it's wet and muddy so wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring extra clothes, shoes, and/or socks if you want. Canyons 4 and 5 are so beautiful! It's just like the IG photos I see. I am so glad I made a visit to see. There is a visitor's center and bathroom but if you're hungry, better pack up some food! If you want to visit all the canyons and hike up, it'll be for an all day trip! You will lose phone reception when you're here so be prepared! 94/2020 read more
6 years ago
Such a lovely spot! It's billed as "The Little Grand Canyon of Georgia" and that's sure what it looks like. A major difference, besides size, is the Grand Canyon is rock, and this is Georgia clay. Which explains why there are signs EVERYWHERE reminding you NOT TO CLIMB UP! You will add to the erosion. Apparently, this place was caused by bad farming practices in the 1800s. You can click and read online about that. But it is a nice hike/walk, and pretty views. read more
Was here in March 2018 and had a great time, this place is like a mini Grand Canyon worth visiting if you are in GA. The views are impressive and the weather was perfect, this is without a doubt a very poorly advertised gem in the middle of nowhere. Man made Canyon of red clay beauty Spent about 3 hours hiking and it would have been more but thanks to the Ranger at the booth we had to make two trips to the Florance Marina Camp where we were staying because he refused to let us in if we didn't have the vehicle Pass with us, the credit card dated receipt with my name was not enough, it is only a 8 mile trip but still a round trip took about 30 minutes of our time to enjoy the Canyon and guess what: when we returned at 2:00 the booth was empty and he had gone home for the day, what a blank guy. Minus 5 stars to him read more
3 years ago
What a great day trip! We drove in for the day. Great little hike on the 2.1 mile loop. Had to park at the church due to the road being closed to the park office. Walked to the office and it was open. Shop has some souvenirs and the park ranger was very helpful on trails, etc. we walked down from the store into the canyon floor and walked around several areas and then followed the trail up to the top rim and walked around back to our vehicle. The hike had some small hills but was not difficult. The canyon floor was wet so you need hiking or water shoes. The place was beautiful and I would highly recommend the hike. There is a much larger 4 hour trail but we did not hike it. The park does look like a little Grand Canyon! We had a blast! Can't wait to do it again! read more
My friends and I live in Central Florida and have been talking about planning a visit to Providence Canyon AKA Little Grand Canyon for at least a year now. My friend and I decided to fly to Atlanta and make the 2 hour drive to Providence Canyon. On the way there make sure you get gas because there is nothing for the last 30ish minutes prior to the canyon. There is also nowhere to get food except for the welcome center at the park if its open while you are there. The trails are 3 main portions, the perimeter, into the canyon and the back country trails. My friend and I did the perimeter (about a mile I think?) and most of the smaller hikes into the canyon. The hikes into the canyon are 1-9 and we did 1-6. If you are going to choose any of the hikes into the canyon make sure you do 5, it's by far the best out of 1-9. We hiked the perimeter first then down into the canyon. It rained on us as we were finishing the perimeter so it made for some water in the canyon floor. Make sure to wear good shoes, there were plenty of spots where the wrong type of shoes could result in an accident. Along the perimeter there are plenty of lookout spots and great photo ops. There is also an old church on the property with some really neat, really old gravestones. We enjoyed looking at the old graves and reading about the history of the people buried there. (There isn't a sign or anything, people had left laminated pages at the graves of people telling their stories.) The website says to give yourself about 3 hours but we did the perimeter and trails 1-6 plus the church in about two hours. We hiked around 3 miles total. One of the neat things about hiking the perimeter was the old cars that were left there from the time before the canyon was formed. The sign by the cars says that they decided to leave the cars since they turned into an ecosystem. If you only want to hike down into the canyon make sure to go RIGHT from the welcome center, the trails into the canyon are right there. The hike down is only about a quarter of a mile so it's a quick, easy trek to the bottom. If you are thinking about going I definitely suggest it. There are other parks around the area too if you want to make a weekend of it! read more
Since finding out about "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon", we have wanted to take a camping trip. Well, an opportunity has finally presented itself. Located only a two hour drive north of Tallahassee, FL through winding backroads of Georgia. If camping, I highly recommend getting your food prior to setting camp as area is a food desert, and closest food is over a 30 minute drive. Now the park, the Canyon was created through poor farming practices which makes for a great history and science lesson for the whole family. It is a good example of weathering and erosion. The hiking trails numbered 1-5 are good for the whole family. Dogs are welcomed in the park but not in the gift shop. It costs $5 a car to get in the park which makes for a great deal. Highly recommend having a picnic on the grounds as many tables are available on the top but not in the canyon itself. The views from top and in the Canyon are breathtaking. Definitely bring your camera for fantastic family photos. Overall, we had a wonderful time hiking the trails. You need to bring boots or hiking shoes you do not wOrry about getting clay all over. The dog did great. read more
Decided to go on a day hike here because we are trying to social distance! First off, it wasn't that packed and we got there around 11:15 AM. It's a five dollar fee that you pay in an envelope and slip into a container. There's plenty of parking when we went but the bathrooms were not working bc there wasn't water. Bummer. There's a visitor center and a map. We did the red blaze trail which connected to the white blaze trail it was a total of about 7 miles, may be up to 8! It definitely was a great day hike. There's plenty of different terrains including muddy and some areas that are very wet, like a tiny creek you walk through. I would say for the most part it's a fairly flat, easy hike however for a good 0.75-1mile (intermittently) there's some pretty moderate uphill climbing. It's not easy but it's not long. The rim is beautiful and the backcountry red blaze trail is fun! It's shaded about 70% of the time but in some areas there is a lot of sun. I used more water than I thought, so do t underestimate how much water you need. Bring snacks. Take pictures, lots of bugs, so bring spray. Also suncreen. Have waterproof shoes if you can. I think, not sure, you can hike to the bottom but that's separate and we didn't do that. I'm sure it's busier on weekends so get there early but we went on a Wednesday. Overall, 4.5 stars. Enjoyed it! Definitely unexpected in GA! As a side note: the loop bw mile 3-4 on the red trail is okay, just woods, nothing too special in there but did it for the hike. We didn't get much from that loop, on saw camp sites. If you want I skip it, you won't miss much, We saw animals from a distance: Deer, lots of frogs, a very small snake and lizards! read more
Went here last weekend and love the colors. Sited as one of the seven wonders of georgia, this sandstone canyon has been result of bad farming practices and formed over 100-150 years.. my friends told me that every time they come here, the landscape changes due to erosion from winds, rains etc.. Dont forget to wear waterproof boots or some shoes you would not mind getting muddy or wet bc the base of the canyons are wet. You can also walk around the canyon and see the canyon from above. It is recommended that you get a map from the visitor center because it would be easy to get lost here. At the visiting center, you can buy a card for 10 bucks and get it stamped. If you climb 4 canyons (providence, cloudland, tallulah and amicolola), get this card stamped at each location, and sent this card to the address on the card, they send you pretty sweet "georgia canyon climber" tshirt. It is a nice souvenir to have for the people who like hiking and have lived in georgia enough to visit these places. read more
4 years ago
6 years ago
Nature. So beautiful. Go for a hike, rase your frequency vibration and health. Positive energy everywhere! Highly recommend read more
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More info about Providence Canyon State Park
Ask the Community - Providence Canyon State Park
Is there a fee to enter the museum?
There is a $5 per car state park entrance but no additional fees.
Has anybody visited during Dec.?
No but that would be a good time to go as it wouldn't be hot and humid!
What month is the best time to visit?
We went in October requiring lots of water due to the heat and humidity. We did not encounter any rains and gad plenty of daylight to explore. To me there is no such thing as too hot. I lived in Boston and view heat as uncomfortable and cold as… Read more
Review Highlights - Providence Canyon State Park
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2 reviews that are not currently recommended
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6 years ago
Providence Canyon State Park - parks - Updated June 2026
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