Georgia's 'Little Grand Canyon' Is An Uncrowded Geological Wonder That Thrives With Fall Hues

Fall is here, and leaf peepers everywhere are breaking out their flannels and mapping out routes to view the season's best colors. While the Blue Ridge Mountains and Tallulah Gorge usually get all the fall attention in Georgia, Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area is an overlooked spot that delivers big on fall foliage views without the crowds. In a Mixbook survey ranking the top 150 hidden gems for fall foliage nationwide, Providence Canyon snagged 11th place, making it one of the best state parks for fall foliage. Two other places in Georgia were also listed: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (32nd place) and Cohutta Wilderness Area (125th place).

Located about an hour's drive south of Columbus, this Little Grand Canyon brings fall flashiness every year with reds, oranges, and yellows set against its rugged canyon walls. These enormous gullies, plunging up to 150 feet, were created by shoddy farming practices in the 1800s. Today, they make up the canyon's nine sections created by water erosion, exposing different shades of soil, from orange and red to purple and pink. These unique layers, set against the backdrop of the surrounding forest, make it one of Georgia's best hikes, especially during autumn.

This leaf-peeping excursion requires some hiking for the best views, so it's ideal for people looking to get out and about in nature. Be sure to wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty, as there may be mud along the way. Canyon Loop Trail is one of the more popular routes to take. At just over two miles, it can take about an hour to complete (although you could spend much more time meandering along and taking in all the seasonal hues). In addition to exploring the main canyon sections, there are backcountry hiking trails that wind through the forest, but these are recommended for more experienced hikers.

There are some rules visitors need to follow, too. Dogs are allowed to come along, but they must remain on a leash at all times. Also, don't attempt to climb the canyon walls — not only is this area still eroding to this day, but rangers will slap you with a fine if they spot you climbing or carving on the walls. For safety's sake and out of respect for nature, stay on the marked trails during your leaf-peeping adventure, and pick up after yourself along the way.

For people who hate hiking, you don't have to hike up the other side of the loop trail. Visitors can check out the canyons and then return to the visitor center for a shorter trek of just about a mile round-trip. Each of the canyons is numbered, but if you don't plan to see all of them, insiders recommend not missing out on the fourth and fifth canyons for the best views.

Visitors looking for accommodations near Providence Canyon can check out nearby Florence Marina State Park to rent cabins or set up a campsite. It also gives you easy access to Lake Eufaula if you want to add a little fishing or boating to your itinerary. There are also some less-equipped campsites on the backcountry trails if you're more into remote camping, and Providence Canyon also offers some closer camping areas with space for larger groups. Then again, Columbus is a reasonable enough distance away for travelers looking for more amenities like hotels and restaurants.

Once you arrive at Providence Canyon, it's recommended to check out the visitor center to pick up a map of the area before heading out to explore. There's also a museum on site for those interested in learning more about the history and geology of the area. Aside from hiking, picnicking, and camping near the canyon, the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is nearby. Unlike captive wildlife tourist attractions, this refuge offers observation posts to check out the region's diverse wildlife in its natural habitat, including nearly 300 species of birds (we see you, birders).

If you plan on hiking the canyon and also checking out other natural areas in Georgia, the Canyon Climbers Club might be worth signing up for. Not only will you get a guided checklist to some of the best sites in the state, including Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge, but you'll also have a keepsake shirt and certificate of accomplishment to show for it when you complete the challenge.