Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park is a protected area in Lumpkin, Georgia, with deep gullies carved up to 150 feet into sedimentary layers. The walls show alternating bands of pink, orange, red, and purple, formed by different minerals in the soil.

The gullies formed starting in the 1800s through soil erosion following intensive farming. What was once cropland developed into a network of channels and crevices that deepened over the decades.

The park draws hikers and nature lovers who search for rare plants and wildlife along the trails. Many come for the unusual colors of the soil layers, which shift with the time of day and weather.

Hiking trails of different difficulty levels run through the park and provide access to viewpoints along the rim and descent options into deeper sections. Those staying longer find backcountry campsites, some near Florence Marina by the river.

The Plumleaf Azalea growing here blooms in July and August, while other azalea species have already finished flowering. Only a few locations in Georgia host this rare species in the wild.

Location: Lumpkin

Address: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815

Phone: +12298386202

Website: https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon

GPS coordinates: 32.06444,-84.92191

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:33