Providence Canyons #4-5

The Providence Canyon area is known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” due to its unique geological features. The soils are very soft and erosive due to the elevation and geologic location of the Park. The area was once an ancient seabed that was drastically effected by farming practices during the 1800’s. Once trees and vegetation were removed, the soil and land eroded at an alarming rate. Ditches 3 to 5 feet deep were cut by the 1850’s and eventually the erosion led to 16 canyons. Some are as deep as 150 feet and expose the colors of iron ore, manganese, kaolin, mica, and sandy clays.

The Backcountry Trail is just to the right of the white-blazed Canyon Trail once you reach the canyon floor. The trail offers views of the remaining seven canyons which cannot be seen from the white-blazed Canyon Trail. So the longer route is well worth the effort if time is available. After leaving the main canyon, pick up the Backcountry Trail and wind past each of the six campsites. The red-blazed Backcountry Trail makes a seven-mile loop that circles the entire park and is used by both day-hikers and overnight backpackers. The trail requires a permit for one of the six campsites, which is situated in a forested area.