| Providence Canyon, Georgia |
 Trail Name:Canyon Loop Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| In the early 1800′s, the rolling hills of south-western Georgia were cleared for timber production and farming. Because of the soft, sandy soils and the unique topography, erosion gullies quickly formed. By the early 1850′s some of these gullies were already 5 ft deep. Once the hardy upper layers of soil eroded away, the deeper, softer clays known geologically as the Providence Formation eroded rapidly. The result is a network of colorful clay canyons and gullies, some exceeding a depth of 150 ft. The majority of the 1,109-acre Park has now been re-forested and is no longer eroding. However, mother nature continues her work in several of the established canyons.
Beginning at the interpretive center, the white blazed trail descends a network of switchbacks from the somewhat dry and well-drained uplands to the shaded creek beds of the canyon floors. Standing at the trailhead, you have a hint of what’s in store. Looking over the forest of white and southern red oak, loblolly pine, dogwood, and hawthorn, it is difficult to know if the land rises up from the canyons or if the canyons sink into the land. The wide and well-maintained footpath winds through spring displays of wildflowers. When you arrive at the first creek-bed, you’re at the canyon floor. The real treat of this hike is not necessarily the blazed path, but the exploration possibilities that lie within each of the canyons. There are 9 designated canyons, identified by the map available at the interpretive center. The canyon floors are actually shallow creeks of flat, hard-packed sand and clay, and can be quite muddy after wet weather. The rangers will inform you of the conditions before you start your hike. Leaving the trail and walking into the canyons is a journey into the geological past of the region. Standing on the canyon floor and gazing up at the walls gives dimension to the scale of the erosion. The colorful streaks of clay and minerals each represent a period in time. Even the creek-bed can be a myriad of color and patterns as the clays and sands mix in the water. Rhododendron and alder thickets predominate. Look for the tracks of white tail deer, fox, raccoon and opossum. If you hear a rustling in the leaf litter of the forest and canyon floors, look carefully. It’s probably the nine banded armadillo. Wild turkeys may dart in front of you. On warm afternoons, you’re likely to see hawks and vultures soaring on updrafts, and hear the calls of pileated woodpeckers. At dawn and dusk, the distant yipping of coyotes can be heard. While the canyon floors are not marked as part of the trail, and are therefore not included in the mileage total, they are relatively short in distance and easily followed. While difficult to do, it is possible to become lost. Check in with the rangers at the interpretive center, get a map, and let them know you plan to explore. Use common sense and you’ll be fine. Rising and falling from the cool canyon floors to the warmer, sunlit and forested ridges, the trail undulates gently. At last, you begin a longer ascent through the forest, topping out at the southern rim of the largest canyon group. There are spectacular views into the canyons from several overlooks. Flirting with the canyon rim, the remainder of the trail follows level ground on the return to the interpretive center. This trail shows that not all great hiking experiences are to be had in the mountains. Geologically unique from all other trails in the state, this one is well worth the trip. Where else in Georgia would an armadillo encounter be considered normal? Backpacking Trail |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Providence Canyon State Park, south-west Georgia. Daily parking fee of $2 (waived on Wednesdays), or $25 annual ParkPass, valid for all Georgia State Parks.
Directions: From the city of Columbus, take US 280 south for 12 miles, US 27 south for 19 miles to Lumpkin, then Hwy 39C west for 7 miles to the Park entrance. Trailhead: Park interpretive center. Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 320 ft / 98 m Duration: 2 hours Trail Condition: Excellent condition – well maintained and clearly marked with white blazes. Features: Canyons, mixed hardwood and pine forests, streams, wildlife. Climate: All year trail, with mild winters and hot summers. The canyon floors are best hiked during dry weather. Accommodation: Motels in Lumpkin and Columbus. Primitive backcountry camping only inside the Park. Trail Notes: Weekdays are quiet and the best time to visit. Maps are available at the interpretive center, staffed by helpful and knowledgeable rangers. |
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