Georgia's most popular tourist spots include Atlanta and the coastal areas near Savannah. However, there are also numerous attractions in the western part of the Peach State. From the Tennessee state line to the Florida state line, there is a lot to do in West Georgia.
Providence Canyon State Park is southwest of Macon, Georgia, near the Alabama state line. The park, which is in Lumpkin, features an 1,100-acre, 150-foot deep canyon that is known as Georgia's Little Grand Canyon.
While this canyon is no match for the actual Grand Canyon, it is certainly a geographical oddity and a point of interest. The canyon was formed because of bad farming practices in the 1800s. The result, however, is a visually stunning rainbow of color, thanks to the soil that was left behind and the presence of many wild flowers. The plum leaf azalea, for instance, can be found only in this specific area. It blooms during July and August. Hiking into the canyon is a popular activity, and camping is available at nearby Florence Marina State Park.
Providence Canyon State Park
8930 Canyon Road
Lumpkin, GA 31815
(800) 864-7275
gastateparks.org
Many people mistakenly consider Rock City a Tennessee attraction. While part of Lookout Mountain, where Rock City is located, is in Tennessee, a portion of Rock City also is in the northwest corner of Georgia.
Rock City is 6 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee--atop the area's tallest mountain. The view from the top allows visitors to see seven states from one spot. Reasons to visit Rock City include the walk along the Enchanted Trail and the Grand Corridor. Hikers can squeeze through the Needle's Eye, a narrow passageway in the rocky terrain, see a 140-foot waterfall, cross a swinging bridge over a deep ravine and take in the spectacular view from Lover's Leap at the top of the trail. Nature lovers will enjoy the foliage in the fall and the blooming plants in the spring.
Rock City
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
(877) 820-0759
seerockcity.com
In the southern part of Georgia, near the Alabama state line, there is a public road outside of Ft. Gaines that draws car after car. Some call it Spook Hill. Others call it Gravity Hill. People line up to pull onto this country road, put their car in neutral and ride along as their car seemingly coasts up the hill as if by magic.
The hill is actually an optical illusion known as a magnetic hill. The surrounding land makes the slightly downhill road appear as though it is an uphill stretch. Despite the fact that it can all be logically explained, people still come to experience it. Children, especially, enjoy the ride. The hill is located 7 miles outside of Ft. Gaines on County Road 135, 1.7 miles from Days Crossroads.
