Georgia Has A Little Grand Canyon And It's Too Beautiful For Words
Marisa Roman
Author
For those of you who haven’t been, Georgia has its very own incredibly beautiful, and wildly popular canyon spot. Although it may appear similar to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, it actually is quite smaller. Thus the name this spot was given, Little Grand Canyon in Georgia, and it definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Providence Canyon State Park, near the town of Lumpkin, is more than 1,000 acres of pure man-made beauty. What was once sprawling hills of dense forest land is now filled with massive gullies that drop over 150 feet and can be up to 1,000 feet long. However, these gullies weren’t the work of nature. The canyons were formed due to a few spotty farming practices back in the 1800s.
The land was originally inhabited by the Muscogee tribe, long before Europeans came over to Georgia. However, just between 1790 and 1830, the European population started booming in the area, and beautiful, lush creek land was successfully resumed by the government for a settlement for farmers.
From the 1820s on, farmers starting clearing out the trees, in order to grow crops such as cotton and corn. What the farmers didn’t know, though, was that the roots of these trees actually stabilize the soil. Without the trees, erosion of the land became rampant, especially once rainy season hit. Since the uppermost strata was mainly composed of the resistant iron-rich clay, once rain got beneath the clay and reached the sand strata underneath, there was no stopping the erosion. It was even said that locals spoke of lying in bed on cold winter nights during heavy rain and hearing loud BANGS that sounded like cannon fire. It was really just the big chunks of earth falling from the steep-sided walls into the canyons.
Today, Providence Canyon is a natural beauty. In fact, it’s even listed as one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through each of the nine canyons that are part of the day access area, or they can hike around the trail that skirts the rim of the canyon. It’s here at the rim where you can catch some spectacular views.
If you’re visiting the park, make sure you keep an eye out for the rare Plumleaf Azalea, which grows only in that particular region and blooms during July and August, when most azaleas have already lost their color for the season. Also, make sure you keep an eye out for the unique soil and layers that can still be seen in the canyon walls. Red, orange, pink, purple—all different types of sediments layering the scene.
But, for now, indulge in this insanely beautiful aerial view of Providence Canyon, thanks to YouTuber Lake Murray Aerial. Feel what it’s like to soar above this Georgia wonder, and see from a vantage point that few have seen this canyon from.
Are you looking to take a trip to Providence Canyon? Just follow the address below:
Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area
8930 Canyon Road
Lumpkin, GA 31815
Stewart County
Click here for the official website.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, peruse this little guy: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Georgia.
Happy Trails, everyone!
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little grand canyon in georgia
Where else can I find the best views in Georgia?
How do you like your views? Of a sprawling city shimmering in the golden sunlight? If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Westin in Downtown Atlanta. You’ll ascend to the top of the Westin in a glass elevator that travels 73 stories just 85 seconds. Jaw dropping views await at the top.
How about pairing your next meal with sensational sweeping views of the water? For some of the best views in Georgia, head over to Riverbend Restaurant in Thomaston. The country-style restaurant boasts a delicious menu that includes fried catfish and shrimp. Sit outdoors for breathtaking views of the Flint River.
What are the most scenic hiking trails in Georgia?
Some of the best hiking trails in Georgia promises sensational natural scenery. If you’re up for a bit of a challenging hike, set off on the Tesnatee Gap to Cowrock Mountain section of the Appalachian Trail. The nearly two-mile hike offers scenic views of Cow Rock and Mt. Yonah. It’s one of those hiking trails that is pretty all year around – dressed in the colors of fall, covered in snow, and shimmering in the golden sun of spring and summer.
Are there any other natural wonders in Georgia?
Road trip! If you want to see some of the best natural wonders in Georgia, gas up the car, turn up the tunes, and hit the highway on the natural wonders road trip. Carve out at least two days for the epic road trip that takes 14 total hours of driving time and spans 800 miles. During your journey, you’ll stop at such natural wonders as Okefenokee Swamp, Tallulah Gorge State Park, and Stone Mountain Park.
However, if you prefer just a day trip to a natural wonder in Georgia, you’ve still got plenty of options. Plan a visit, for example, to Cave Spring. Don’t forget to bring your empty water bottles with you. Visitors routinely fill up their water bottles with the fresh spring water found in the cave.