Providence Canyon Facts: Learn About Its History & Significance

Canyons are some of the most wonderful creations of nature that we can see anywhere in the world.

These canyons are a testament to the miraculous power of how soil erosion can create different pieces of land around the world, and one of the most famous canyons is the Grand Canyon. Providence Canyon, while not as large, is one of the canyons formed in the United States of America!

History & Formation

The Providence formation has become one of the foremost features of what makes up southern history in the United States of America.

Providence Canyon has become the pinnacle of the natural formations located in America. The formations of the massive gullies of one of the deepest canyons are attributed to what is known as soil erosion.

Usually, when such canyons are formed by the flow of rivers, the soil erosion that created the canyon floor, and the canyon walls are from the rainwater that is runoff from farm fields.

What the Georgia department refers to as one of their seven natural wonders are responsible due to the poor farming practices that took place around the Providence Canyon. This took place in the 1800s.

What were the small gullies eventually became the tall canyon walls that we see today.

It is often referred to as the Little Grand Canyon. The farming practices that led to the creation of this canyon in Georgia have been attributed to farming practices that were brought over from Europe, and have been mentioned inside the Georgia encyclopedia.

Characteristics & Features

The Little Grand Canyon has several different interesting facets that make it one of the prime locations to visit in Georgia.

Around the area that is the Providence Canyon, is a state park that has been established. The Providence Canyon State Park is an outdoor recreation area, and one of the best picnic areas in all of Georgia.

The pine trees that sprawl all over the state park can provide much-needed shade on a family day out in the state park. There are two picnic shelters that are located inside the state park.

Additionally, the park also offers different campsites. If you do intend on staying overnight in the park, the Backcountry Trail is a popular option, as it highlights the beauty of the canyon in a very unique way.

Additionally, the Providence Canyon has hiking trails that are littered across the park. All of these trails originate in the visitor center, and then they descend into the shady forest of the park.

There are about nine hiking trails that are located all across Providence Canyon State Park, with trails ready for you to explore! If you are looking for one of the more scenic locations all across Georgia, make sure to visit the Rim Trail.

It is important to remember that you stay behind the safety railings that have been put into place by park authorities. Since this trail is at a significant height, staying behind the fence is a way to ensure that you stay safe!

Area, Location & Size

Here are a few facts about one of the most prominent historic sites of what is also known as the Little Grand Canyon.

Providence Canyon is a series of little canyons that combine to form what is collectively known as Providence Canyon. Providence Canyon is set in southwest Georgia. It sprawls for about 43,690,680 sq ft (4,058,997 sq m).

The canyon is located in the southwest region of Georgia. It is close enough to the city of Atalanta to make an excellent day trip.

Geology

Providence Canyon is made up of different natural resources. Let's dive into the geology of the Providence Canyon.

The park itself lies on marine sediments, on what is known as the coastal plain of Georgia. The majority of the Little Grand Canyon is made up of the formation known as Providence Sand.

The upper layer of this part is largely made up of fine sand, which is mixed with a white clay known as kaolin. After this comes the middle layer, which adds a splash of color to the layer, particularly yellow due to limonite, and purple due to manganese.

Then comes the oldest layer of the three, known as the Perote member, visible at the bottom of Providence Canyon. It is black and yellow mica-rich clay.

Another formation that makes up Providence Canyon is what is known as the Baker Hill formation. This part of the canyon is the youngest, and it forms what is the upper layer of the soil of the state park of Providence Canyon.

The soil was deposited here between 59-62 million years ago during what is known as the Paleogene period.

It is very interesting to note that this formation is not seen on the walls of the canyon. The entrance to the state park, as well as the Interpretive Centre, is located on this formation.

The next formation also comes from the Paleogene period and is known as the Clayton formation. It did come before the Baker Hill formation, somewhere in the region of 63-65 million years ago.

To put that into perspective, this formation was around right after the age of the dinosaurs. The sand is reddish in color and is known to be coarse. The color is attributed to the presence of iron oxide.

Additionally, at the base of the formation, the iron oxide precipitates into a dark layer of iron ore, which has been mined on a few occasions. This formation can be seen from the top of the canyon walls.

The final formation is named the Ripley formation and makes up the floor of the canyon. The formation is orange in color and is built up from bedded sand, as well as clay.

The layer is thought to be deposited somewhere between 70-74 million years ago. The layer is known to be rich in the number of fossils that it contains.

FAQs

What is Providence Canyon known for?

Providence Canyon is known for a variety of different things. It has been referred to as one of the natural wonders of Georgia. The different spots on the canyon make for a picturesque view of the state.

What caused Providence Canyon to form?

The soil erosion that took place at Providence Canyon led to the region made up of sediments being eroded. It carved through the land and created the Providence Canyon that we know today.

What happened at Providence Canyon?

The time period of the formation of Providence Canyon is interesting as the natural resources, i.e. the marine sediments were deposited millions of years ago. The soil erosion started in the 1800s and is estimated to have taken about 50 years or so.

How long did it take to form Providence Canyon?

The formation of Providence Canyon has been attributed to poor farming practices that caused soil erosion. According to the Georgia Encyclopedia, these practices were brought over from Europe, and are responsible for the soil erosion that occurred.

What animals live in Providence Canyon?

Providence Canyon has wildlife of its own. There is a range of wild animals across the state park such as deer, lizards, snakes, as well as raccoons, and armadillos.

If you plan to visit the state park for camping or hiking, be careful that you steer clear of any snakes or other wild animals, and stay safe! Animals are not the only thing special about the canyon. One of the rare plants, the plum leaf azalea, is grown in the canyon between mid to late summer.

These plants are known to be found only in southwest Georgia, and some regions of Alabama. The canyon has the largest colony of the wild species of these plants.

What is the nickname for Providence Canyon?

Providence Canyon has been given the nickname of 'Little Grand Canyon'. While it is not as deep as the Grand Canyon, it is one of the most iconic locations across Georgia.