South Georgia
South Georgia is worth the drive. About 2.5 hours from Atlanta you'll find Providence Canyon, Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, and I'm adding more parks and small towns from this part of the state. Here's where to go.
Pick a spot
Radium Springs and Albany
Georgia's largest natural spring, a free garden with clear blue water, live oaks and the ruins of a 1920s casino.
Providence Canyon and Lumpkin
Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, with canyon walls up to 150 feet deep, a hike down onto the canyon floor and a 7-mile backcountry loop.
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Five complete day trips from Atlanta: the trail, the small town and where the locals eat, all planned by someone who has actually been. Drive time, parking and every fee are up front.
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Providence Canyon is in Lumpkin, about 2.5 hours from Atlanta, so leave early and hike in the morning. On the way home, stop in Columbus to walk the Chattahoochee RiverWalk and eat at Banks Food Hall.
Radium Springs Gardens in Albany is about 3 to 3.5 hours from Atlanta and free to visit. Plan about an hour to walk the grounds, and remember it is closed on Mondays.
When to go
From April 15 to September 14 the park stays open until 9 p.m., so summer gives you the most daylight. The rest of the year it closes at 6 p.m. In July and August the rare plumleaf azalea blooms in the canyon.
Good to know
- Providence Canyon is a Georgia State Park, so parking is $10 per car with the ParkPass.
- The canyon floor is often wet and muddy, so wear shoes you don't mind getting orange.
- Climbing on the canyon walls isn't allowed and can get you fined.
More of South Georgia is on the way
I'm adding more South Georgia parks and towns. Until then, browse every park in my Georgia State Parks guide, or find a trip by drive time.
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