Providence Canyon State Park

Open — Open year-round with seasonal hours. September 15 through April 14: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15 through September 14: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Backcountry campers must arrive before the gate closes and before dark.

About

Providence Canyon State Park, often called Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, is a testament to the power of erosion caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. The park features massive gullies as deep as 150 feet with stunning pink, orange, red, and purple soil hues that create natural paintings across the landscape. The rare Plumleaf Azalea, which blooms in July and August, grows only in this region. Visitors can explore the canyon from rim trails or hike into the deepest canyons where a thin layer of water along the trail indicates the water table below. The 7-mile backcountry trail winds through mixed forest and highlights portions of the canyon for those seeking overnight adventures. Hikers who reach canyons 4 and 5 can join the Canyon Climbers Club. The park offers 6 primitive backcountry campsites and 3 pioneer campsites for overnight stays. A visitor center and museum provide information about the canyon's geology and history. The park spans 2,706 acres in Stewart County, southwest Georgia, with additional camping and cabin accommodations available 9 miles away at Florence Marina State Park on Lake Walter F. George.

Directions

From Atlanta, take I-85 south toward LaGrange, then I-185 to Columbus. Exit onto US HWY 27 south to Cusseta, turn right at the caution light, and continue on US HWY 27 to Lumpkin. Turn right on HWY 39C and follow signs to the park, located 8 miles on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds