Providence Canyon State Park, also known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon should be added to everyone’s bucket list STAT. I was mind blown to learn that this place was in Georgia. I mean, Georgia you’re beautiful, but this looks like something that would belong in Utah because of its red rocks. As a matter of fact, my family was baffled that it’s called Little Grand Canyon because it reminded us of a much smaller Bryce Canyon National Park. Regardless, if Bryce or Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, you may want to consider seeing Providence Canyon first. You won’t be sad that you did. Its unusual geological formations are pretty spectacular.
We discovered this unique park when looking for a place to stop and stretch along our spring break road trip. We only spent a few hours here as we needed to get back on the road, but it was a perfect stop. Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon would make for a wonderful weekend getaway, day trip, or road trip pit stop.
Where is Providence Canyon State Park Located?
It is located in Stewart County in Southwest Georgia at 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815 United States
Hours
Outdoor Recreation Area September 15 – April 14 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. April 15 – September 14 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.Phone number- 229-838-6202
Visitor Center Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Reservations– 800-864-7275
Fun facts about Providence Canyon
- It was created as a result of years of poor farming practices in the early 1800s. (OOPS!)
- The rare Plumleaf Azalea only grows in this region. (They make the prettiest photographs)
- The slot canyon’s soil has pink, red, orange, and purple hues.
- Dogs are allowed but must remain on a 6 ft. leash.
- Little Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia.
- It has over 10 miles of trails.
- You can backpack overnight.
- There is a $5 parking fee.
- The deepest canyons are more than 150 ft. deep.
- There are 16 different canyons.
While hiking you may run into a thin layer of water on the trail. This is an indication of the water table and may get your feet wet.
Hiking & Trails
Canyon Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Length: 2.5 miles
- Trail Type: Round trip
- Average Time to Hike: 2 hours
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
- Entrance Fee: $5 daily parking fee, or $50 for an annual ParkPass
We started our hike at the visitor’s center. Here we used the bathrooms (the modern facilities were incredibly clean). Then we spoke to a ranger who advised us to follow the Canyon Loop Trail. The trail started behind the park’s visitor center and went down to the bottom of the canyon. The Ranger said that when we reach the first junction, we should go left to go into canyons 1, 2, and 3. Then come back and go left. Then left into the next set of canyons…
She said, “Just like the Beyonce song- to the left, to the left”
These were hands down the best hiking instructions we have ever received. But be careful not to take too many lefts or you will end up getting lost as we did. (HaHa. I hate to admit it, but it’s the truth y’all)
When we were done exploring in the canyons, we got back on the Canyon Loop Trail and followed it past the abandoned cars in the woods.
Remember, the canyon soil is fragile so you cannot climb canyon walls.
From there, we kept following the Rim Trail along the fragile canyon edge. The Rim Trail had some of the best views of the canyons. We loved the upper views better than the views on the canyon floor. However, we had the best time exploring the massive gullies.
Adventure in style!
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This took us back to the visitor center and concluded our pit stop. This easy hike took us about 3 hours to leisurely explore.
You don’t need to hike to take in the beautiful views. There is a overlook just off the parking lots.
Good to Know
Bees- We went the first week of April and there were so many bees. Just be careful, especially if you are allergic.
Weather- It was hot and sunny. I highly recommend wearing comfortable moisture-wicking clothes.
Shoes- I cannot express this enough. In some of the canyons, you walk on wet red clay. It can ruin/stain your shoes. I strongly recommend wearing old, comfortable tennis shoes. Ones that you don’t care about. Waterproof shoes may be best!
Water- Bring enough to get you through, especially if you plan to go on a particularly hot day. We prefer carrying our hydration backpacks as they hold more water but seem lighter. Although, they aren’t necessary if you are not planning on being out all day.
Crowds- We went for Spring break and it was a pretty quiet park. There were only a handful of cars in the parking lot.
Read More: Alternative destinations for popular places
What to Pack for Providence Canyon State Park
Things to Do At Providence Canyon State Park
- Hiking – Over 10 miles of hiking trails
- Backpacking – 6 backcountry campsites (The backcountry trail is 6.6 miles)
- Astronomy & Geology Programs
- Picnic Areas – 2 picnic shelters with picnic tables and 2 playgrounds
- Camping- 3 pioneer campsites.
Join the Canyon Climbers Club
$20 membership card fee (You get a t-shirt to wear while you hike!)
Hike Amicalola Falls, Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, & Providence Canyon to earn bragging rights.
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources We Can’t Live Without
Accommodations- We love and swear by HiltonHonors, but when we want to stay someplace different, we use Hotels.com. You can search for deals on hotels, cabins, houses & more.
Getting There- Roadtripping with our car is how we prefer to travel. That being said, Skyscanner has great deals on flights and RVShare has deals on RV rentals.
Other Favorites-
Save money on gas- Upside
Find pit stops on your route- RoadTrippers
Deals on local food & attractions- Living Social
Explore top city attractions at a fraction of the price- CityPASS
Looking for gear? See the best deals on clothing & gear here, & best travel essentials here.
Looking for road trip food ideas? Check out food for road trips you’ll love.
Learn how to travel on a budget.
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We had a good time at Providence Canyon State Park aka Little Grand Canyon of Georgia. Will you plan a trip to hike miles of sandy nature trails while exploring portions of the colorful canyon? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for more travel inspiration?
Spring Break Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank
Natural Bridge in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge – A Must See
Things to do in Savannah GA – A Kid-Friendly Itinerary
Pin for later: Providence Canyon State Park
I have traveled to Georgia a lot, and I had no idea the Grand Canyon of the east was here. It is spectacular. I would love to hike there. Maybe next time when I’m back in Georgia.
How did I not know about this! I cannot wait to check this place out next time we are in the area!
We may be passing through there this summer. I have to check it out now!
I hope you do. It’s such a fun, unique place. Providence Canyon makes a great ‘pit stop’ if you don’t have a lot of time.
For the amount of times I have visited family in Georgia I had no idea this place existed. Do you know what the hardest trail would be? If I wanted a challenge or was with some more advanced hikers?
Providence Canyon has a 7 mile backcountry trail. We didn’t have time to hike that trail, so I can’t speak from experience. This website has more information on the backcountry trail at Providence Canyon. https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon/Trails I hope this helps!
Wow- I can see why its called “little Grand Canyon”. The “good to know” section is super helpful. This looks like such a beautiful hike. Thank you for the information.
Does this park require reservations? Should I reserve a picnic area online? Planning on going in later November. Thanks.
Hi Kristin! We went pre-covid, reservations were not required & it wasn’t busy. They do have non-rental picnic areas available. However, their website currently says “Providence Canyon has experienced large crowds on pretty days, and park staff may temporarily limit access to ensure social distancing and protect the health of the public and our employees. Please understand that admission to the parking lots, trails, picnic areas, and more may be limited for several hours and will reopen once there is available capacity. Walk-ins and roadside parking will not be allowed. This applies to day-use, not campers with reservations. Thank you for understanding as we keep everyone safe.” So renting a picnic area may be one of the only ways to guarantee you get in. I would call and ask them what they recommend.
I’ve never heard of this place before. I’ll definitely be adding it to my bucket list! Great tips, definitely going to try and avoid the bees!