Providence Canyon State Park - Lumpkin, GA




Rating

Overview
Visitors are amazed at the breathtaking colors of Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon." The rare Plumleaf Azalea and other wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park. Visitors can enjoy views of the canyons from the rim trail, and backpackers can stay overnight along the backcountry trail. An interpretive center explains how the massive ditches (the deepest being 150 feet) were caused by erosion due to poor farming practices in the 1800s.  

Activities & Amenities

	Hiking Trails		Picnicking		Pioneer Camping Only
	Playground		Telephones		Restrooms
	Visitor Center  Museum

Hiking
We managed to do all the trails in the park on our short stay. There are 2 trails, the 3 mile canyon trail(White Blaze), and the 7 mile backpacking trail(Red Blaze). The 7 mile trails does require a permit you can get at the visitor center.

The Red Blaze Trail starts on a creek bed off of the White Blaze trail at the bottom of the canyon. The trail's difficulty level is easy to moderate and mainly winds through a mixture of hardwood and pine forest. The pioneer campsites are not anything special. The high light of the trail is getting to see the South Glory Hole, which is a big hole in the middle of a small clearing. Some of the trail is actually on the creek bed, which is sometimes muddy, so make sure to wear proper footgear.

The White Blaze Trail is the best trail if you want to see most of the canyon. The trails starts at the visitor center where you should register and get a few tips from the park rangers, and then winds down the canyon through hardwoods. Once at the bottom, the trail crosses what looks like a (most of the time) dry creek bed. This is a trail, it is not marked on the maps that you get in the visitor center, but trust me, you can go on these trails. These creek bed trails all dead end, but they are worth exploring. They are actually the bottom of the canyon, which provide the best up close look at the canyon geology. Sometimes they get a bit narrow and seem to end into brush, but they really keep going. You'll see once you are there. Make sure to bring proper footgear, because you will get muddy! The rest of the trail continues up the canyon and all the way around to get really awsome views from the top. One interesting thing was the abandoned 1950-60's cars that are rusting away near the southeast side of the canyon.

Camping
Camping is only allowed on the Red Blaze trail only, which requires a permit. The campsites are back country sites without water or electricity.


Annual Events
Wildflower Day
Kudzu Takeover Day
Amateur Photography Contest


Nearby Attractions
Florence Marina State Park
Bedingfield Inn
Kolomoki Mounds State Historic Park
Westville Historic Village

Park Times and Information
September 15 - April 14  7am - 6pm
April 15 - September 14  7am - 9pm
Park Office Hours 8am - 5pm
Address:
Providence Canyon State Conservation Park
Route 1, Box 158
Lumpkin, GA 31815
(912) 838 6202            


Park Fee Information
A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is required.  The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays are free days.   Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior discounts available) or by calling (404) 657-9851.

Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept.