This weekend the family took a little trip to south Georgia.  We decided to visit White Oak Pastures (more on that later) and Providence Canyon State Park.  This 1,003 acre site is sometimes referred to as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon and is a testament to mans ability to bring change to his surrounding environment.  The canyon was formed due to the poor farming and irrigation practices of the 1800’s.  This canyon boasts depths of up to 150 feet, many fingers leading off the main canyon floor, more than 10 miles of connected hiking trails, 3 pioneer campsites and 6 back country camp sites.

For the hikers out there, look for two main trails, the Canyon Loop Trail marked by white blazes and the Backcountry Trail marked by red blazes.   The Canyon Loop trail is about 2.5 miles long and is rated for easy to moderate skill levels.  It takes about two hours to compete the loop and you leave and return through the visitors center.  While on the canyon floor, watch out for muddy soil similar to quick sand.  Walk toward the center of the path to avoid areas of deep mud.

Leading from the white blaze trail, The 7-mile Backcountry Trail explores deeper forested areas. Starting with a quarter mile trail down to the Loop Trail at the canyon floor, turn right into the beginning of the Backcountry Trail.  This trail rapidly becomes quite rugged and steep as it follows an old logging road.  The primitive campsites are located along this trail.  The Backcountry Trail will lead back to the Loop Trail and continue through the day use area of the park. There is a post fence bordering the canyon rim.  Hikers should follow this fence through the picnic area for the best views of the canyon.

Be aware, the soils and rims of the canyon are very fragile.  Climbing the canyon walls is prohibited as well as climbing on the fences or beyond the areas they mark.

For more information about Providence Canyon, visit their website.