Douglas Bauknight – I remember the first time I saw the Grand Canyon when I was a kid. It was far bigger than I had even imagined. Out west there are several canyons that I remember seeing such as Zion, Bryce, and Canyon de Chelly, but the Grand Canyon was the one I really wanted to see, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Words can’t accurately describe the magnificent color and beauty of the great canyons of the wild west.

But what if I told you that type of magnificent color can be found right her in Georgia? Georgia’s Providence Canyon was formed in less than 200 years, due largely to poor farming practices in the early 1800s. Poor conservation techniques back then, combined with the unique nature of the soil allowed plow furrows to turn into something colorful and magnificent.

In 1971, Providence Canyon became a State Conservation Park and is located on State Road 39C, just west of the hamlet of Lumpkin and 45 minutes south of the city of Columbus. It is open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. There is no entrance fee, but parking costs $5 per automobile (more for groups arriving in vans and buses). The park’s Interpretive Center (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) offers a 13-minute video and exhibitions on the origin of the canyon.

This 1,103-acre state conservation park, called the Little Grand Canyon, is a haven for hikers, backpackers, campers, picnickers and even passing motorists. It’s ranked as one of the Seven Wonders of Georgia. The maximum depth of Providence Canyon is 150 feet. As wind and rain deepened them, the gullies became ravines and in just a few decades the ravines became canyons. Today, Providence Canyon is certainly a site to see flooding your eyes with color and beauty.

From the Visitor Center, the Canyon Loop hiking trail leads down the steep slow to the bottom of the canyon where hikers can explore the dramatic ravines close up. The trail provides access to the bottoms of all nine canyons. The total loop is 2.45 miles, but hikers can shorten the distance by retracing their way back to the Visitor Center. For those less interested in a long hike, views of the canyon can be seen from the picnic area and overlooks located along its northern rim. The overlooks and views from the fence in the picnic area provide spectacular views of the canyon and gorgeous photo opportunities.

Because Providence is a short drive to Columbus, GA, it makes for a perfect day trip. Camping and cottages are available however at nearby Florence Marina State Park, the only lodging in the immediate area, set on 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, 10 miles west of the canyon. Eight “dog friendly” efficiencies and six cottages are offered, plus a $3 parking fee if you care to stay overnight.