Located just under 4 hrs from Jacksonville, Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia is a full day trip that you have to take this summer! This picturesque miniature Grand Canyon features massive gullies and canyons, 10+ miles of hiking trails, a variety of wildlife, back country camp sights, picnic overlooks, and much more. Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area is a 1,003-acre Georgia state park located in Stewart County in southwest Georgia. The park is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
Providence Canyon actually is not a purely natural feature—the massive gullies (the deepest being 150 feet) were caused by erosion due to poor farming practices in the 19th century. It is also home to the very rare plumleaf azalea which blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color.
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This old story of the origin of the canyons has been commonplace since the 1940s. Although there were probably a few early arrivals before 1825, the first heavy influx of settlers in Stewart county came after the Treaty of Indian Springs (1825) by which the Creek Indians were forced to cede all their lands east of the Chattahoochee river. Evidence of the existence of the canyons is their mention in a deed by James S Lunsford to William Tatam recorded in 1836.
In addition to beautiful canyons and trails, the park is also home to an abandoned homestead including nearly a dozen rusty, 1950s-era cars and trucks. Due to the environmental damage that removing the vehicles would cause, park officials have decided to leave them alone.
There are no cabins offered at Providence Canyon State Park, but those looking to take on the full experience of Providence Canyon can sleep in nature at Providence’s pioneer or backcountry campsites. More modern facilities can be found at Florence Marina State Park, located just a few miles northwest.
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Park 229-838-6202
Reservations 800-864-7275
8930 Canyon Road
Lumpkin, GA 31815
Stewart County
N 32.064445 | W -84.921913
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