Providence Canyon State Park: Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon'

 

AAE recently made a day trip to Providence Canyon State Park. This park, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, is about 43 miles south of Columbus, Ga., in Lumpkin. 

The park is on 1,003 acres in Stewart County in southwest Georgia. It is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

Huge craters, as deep as 150 feet, came about as the result of poor farming practices in the 19th century. The rare Plumleaf Azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color, according to Explore Georgia. The beautiful colors of the canyon's soil range from pink to orange to red and purple. There are plenty of hiking trails that give you different views of the canyon, including from the canyon floor.