Providence Canyon State Park
In early April, Jesse and I went south to Lumpkin, Georgia. This hiking destination is by far one of Georgia’s most popular – nick-named the “Little Grand Canyon” – and is only three hours away from Atlanta. If you guessed that we traveled to Providence Canyon State Park, you would be correct!
Providence Canyon is nick-named the Little Grand Canyon.
Back in the summer of 2020, we visited Providence Canyon. This was actually the very first hike and brewery trip we ever made (before Trails and Tap was alive). It was exciting to revisit the park – Providence Canyon State Park is out in the middle of nowhere. Once you get past Columbus and Fort Moore (formerly known as Fort Benning), you will drive about 50 minutes through the countryside. Look for signs to turn into Providence Canyon. You will follow an access road, and then you will start seeing parking lots along the access road. These are so that you can park around the rim of the canyon and see the view from above. This is definitely worth doing when you visit. Continue to drive down the road to the state park’s main parking lot. The Providence Canyon State Park visitor center is located here. All Providence Canyon State Park trails start at the visitor center.
After stopping in the visitor center for stickers and a map, we started down into the canyon. The hike down is only a fourth of a mile through the woods with switchbacks. Once you get to the bottom of the canyon, there is a big open space. This is your chance to explore the different sections of the canyon! The entire canyon is split into two parts. Canyons 1-5 are grouped together, and canyons 6-9 are grouped together. Definitely go to both halves!
It is hard to describe the canyon’s otherworldly beauty in words. It feels like you are somewhere out west. A constant flow of water goes through the bottom of the canyon, so the ground has a shimmer from water, sand particles, and different types of rock. The very first time we went, I felt like I was on Tatooine. April was a great time to visit because of all the pink rhododendrons blooming. There were other wildflowers there, too. The canyon walls are layered with red, yellow, purple, white, and orange. It really is so incredible!
Exploring the canyon floor is a very easy hike – coming out of the canyon is definitely the hardest part because it is all uphill. If you want to go for a longer hike, there is a backcountry trail that is 7 miles. The hike we did that day was only 2.36 miles, and the total time spent in the canyon was an hour and a half. Providence Canyon is definitely a place that you take your time and meander through.
Where to stay near Providence Canyon State Park:
- Providence Canyon State Park camping: There are a total of nine campsites within the park. Of the nine campsites, six are designated as backcountry and the other three are pioneer. The campsites are for tent camping only, and have very basic amenities. Check the park’s website for availability and reservation details.
- Other than tent camping accommodations, there are no cabins, hotels, motels, or Airbnb rentals located directly within or around Providence Canyon State Park. The nearest towns to the park that do have lodging options are Columbus (44 miles away) and Eufaula, AL (around 20 miles away).
- Cabins near Providence Canyon State Park: Nine miles away from the park is Florence Marina State Park. This nearby Georgia state park has seven fully-equipped cottages, eight efficiency cottages, and 41 tent, trailer, and RV campsites. Read more about our visit to Florence Marina State Park.
- Plan ahead: Since nearby options are limited, it’s wise to book your lodging well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Providence Canyon is in a remote location:
- Limited services: The area between Columbus and Providence Canyon State Park is largely rural. This means there are few gas stations, convenience stores, or restaurants along the way. Be sure to fill up your gas tank in Columbus and pack any snacks or drinks you might need for the drive.
- Cell reception: Cell phone service can be unreliable in rural areas. Download offline maps or directions before you leave Columbus, in case you lose signal. Consider bringing a car charger for your phone to ensure it stays powered on during the trip.
- By being prepared for the rural nature of the area, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Providence Canyon State Park.
Tips For Your Trip:
- Providence Canyon is very humid, even in early spring. Make sure to bring shoes that can get muddy because there is constant water flowing through the canyon floor. Definitely bring an extra shirt and shoes to change into after your hike!
- Providence Canyon has tons of wasps, hornets, and bees because of the sandy habitat it provides to bugs. If you are allergic, be aware of this upon your visit. Benadryl might also be a good thing to bring in case you get stung. We did not get stung, however we had to watch our step and be aware.
- Spring is a great time to visit the canyon. It isn’t too hot yet and there is a variety of wildflowers!
- Don’t miss Omaha Brewing Company after your hike in Providence Canyon! This brewery is an easy drive from the park.
Take your time in the canyon and don’t rush through. It is so unique there and you don’t want to miss anything.
Happy Trails!
– Katie and Jesse
Providence Canyon State Park Information:
- Providence Canyon Trail Map: Click to View
- Park Hours:
September 15 – April 14: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
April 15 – September 14: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm - Parking: $5 per vehicle per day. Annual passes available.
- Phone Number: 229-838-6202
- Address: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815 (Stewart County)
- GPS Coordinates: N 32.064445 | W -84.921913
- Directions to Providence Canyon State Park: View this Google Map to determine directions to the park from your location.
