Providence Canyon

My adventure at Providence Canyon begins long before I get there. Driving from the east, my route takes me through Plains, home of President Jimmy Carter, and through large sections of rural landscape dotted with very small towns and farms. Leaving early in the morning, pecan orchards and cotton fields are covered in a fine mist clinging to the earth as if trying not to let go. Tops of trees are bathed in the warm glow from the rising sun. Don't get so caught up in the destination that you don't enjoy the journey!

Arriving at Provident Canyon entrance, the road takes me past the overlook views and picnic areas to the visitor center. There is a small gift shop with camping supplies, snacks, t-shirts and the usual fare. Information is provided about how the canyons were formed (not naturally but through poor farming practices), and what you can expect to see. 

A short hike from the visitor center takes you down the day hike trail (white blaze) through hardwood trees to the canyon floor where you will have to cross a creek. You can turn left at this point and go up into some of the canyons, or turn right and head toward the beginning of the backcountry trail loop (red blaze). Here, the creek is your trail for a small distance. Continuing on straight will lead you to additional canyons, and eventually to the back end of the backcountry trail loop. Turn right to follow the backcountry trail at this point, or turn left to stay on the day hike trail up to the overlooks and back to the visitor center. A map is available at the visitor center or at the Georgia State Parks web site.

You can explore the canyons and overlooks by following the white blaze day hike trail as one option. You can also take the longer 7-mile red blaze backcountry trail. You will need about 6-8 hours to do both. Off the beaten path is a narrow, obscured trail leading to a small pond, a pleasant surprise I found during my last trip.

Plum leaf azaleas, a rare type of azalea, are found only in this area, and you will see the occasional deer, armadillo, various birds, and other wildlife. A few old cars from the 1940s still remain trapped in the canyon, slowly giving in to the passage of time. Only 8 miles away is Florence Marina State Park where you can access the 48,000 acres of Lake Walter F. George (known as Lake Eufaula on the Alabama side).