Providence Canyon, Stewart County. One of Georgia's seven natural wonders.
Providence Canyon, Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” ranked as one of the state’s Seven Natural Wonders, is actually the result of poor farming practices and unchecked erosion. It simply has to be seen to be believed. Perhaps even more difficult to believe is that in 1859 the canyon was only a shallow gully.
There are several overlooks from which to view the canyon, most of which require some walking. One of the best, though, requires relatively little walking and is one of the first you come to, just beyond the restrooms. The state parks people, who should know, say the canyon is 150 feet deep. But it looks much deeper.
In addition to viewing the canyon, which is certainly worth the trip, the 1003-acre state park also offers picnic shelters, pioneer campsites, back-country campsites, 3 miles of hiking trails, and a 7-mile back-country backpacking trail. It’s open daily 7 a.m.–6 p.m. September 15–April 14, and 7 a.m.–9 p.m. April 15–September 14. As with most Georgia state parks, there’s no admission fee but a $5 parking pass is required. It's located west of Lumpkin in southwest Georgia's Stewart County.
Note the two front entrances at Providence Methodist Church.
When
Providence Methodist Church was organized, around 1832, the congregation
met in a log building on a site that is now between two of the canyons.
The present building was erected in 1859, fortunately on a different
site. At the time the church was built, the canyon was nothing more than a gully about five feet deep!
The church is not locked. You can go inside, but be respectful. Laid out in the old style, there are separate entrances and seating for men and women. The pulpit area, pump organ, and pot-bellied stove are all as they were left by the last congregation.
Unfortunately, the state, which owns the land, has not done a good job of upkeep on the cemetery, where many Stewart County pioneer families are buried.
Adapted from my book Backroads and Byways of Georgia.
About the photographs: Both were made with an Olympus E-M5 digital camera and the Panasonic Lumix G-Vario 14-140mm lens.
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Photography and text copyright 2025 David B.Jenkins.
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Tags: photography travel photography digital photography Olympus E-M5 camera Panasonic Lumix G-Vario 14-140mm lens Georgia's Natural Wonders Historic churches Stewart County, Georgia Georgia State Parks
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