One of My Favorite State Parks in Georgia

Mar 21, 20222 min read

Located in Lumpkin, GA luckily just 45 minutes away from where I live, sits Providence Canyon State Park aka Georgia's Little Grand Canyon. This park is gorgeous and a bucket list item that you should check off and visit if ever in the area. At Providence Canyon there are 9 canyons to explore, as well as a backpacking trail, and a moderate white blaze trail for hikers. The hike to the 9 canyons is suitable for beginners and not very strenuous. It is a 2.1 mile loop that takes on average 1 hour to complete. Whenever I visit I take longer than that one hour because I stop for pictures along the way so that is something to keep in mind. Even though the canyon trails are considered easy, I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes, but more specifically waterproof shoes. The canyon hikes are very hilly until you get to the bottom of the canyon floor, but that should not scare you away. I have seen people push strollers down to the canyons, so the hike is very doable for most. Once you get to the bottom of the canyons you will walk through multiple little streams which is why park rangers heavily push waterproof shoes.

My favorite canyons of the 9 are canyons 3 and 8. These two seem to be the biggest ones and are more open for exploring. Each canyon nevertheless is worth exploring and seeing. The entire park makes for some beautiful pictures. When you visit you may even see couples shooting engagement photos because the park is a well known spot to take them. The park is also very suitable for dogs. I always see many dogs out on the trails, so if you have a pup that loves to get in their exercise bring them along when you visit.

If you are into geology or astronomy this park will easily become one of your favorites. The park offers astronomy nights that I have heard are a ton of fun, and in the Visitor's Center you can check out fossils and many other cool finds from the park. For more information visit https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon.

Let me know if you have any questions and happy hiking!