While researching for an extended trip we hope to take in 2023, I Googled “Grand Canyon.” I’d hoped to find information about the Grand Canyon in Arizona. (The only Grand Canyon I thought existed!) Imagine my surprise when I found a map of the U.S. dotted with more Grand Canyons than I could count! Suddenly I’m not just planning a trip for 2023. I’m working on mapping out a route that includes many of the lesser-known “other Grand Canyons.” And we plan to see them soon!
Each canyon has its own special features. You might just have one in your home state ‘cause these beauties are in places from Maine to California and Louisiana to North Dakota! They’re (almost) everywhere!
Let’s look at just a few of the “other Grand Canyons” in the Midwest:
The Little Grand Canyon. Located in my current state of residence, Missouri! Grand Gulf State Park’s canyon was formed by a system of collapsed caves in the Ozark mountains. Located near the Missouri/Arkansas state line, this canyon extends for almost a mile in length and features walls as high as 130 feet. I’m hoping to hike the trails at the top, but Hubby (the more adventurous of our dynamic duo) may want to trek to the bottom.
Little Grand Canyon, Illinois. Located right smack dab in the middle of the Mississippi River’s floodplain is this Grand Canyon. A 365-foot climb will take you from the canyon floor to the top of this unexpected sight, and you’ll see sandstone cliffs all along the way. Looks good to me!
Arkansas’ Grand Canyon. Hoping to visit this one via motorcycle! Located in the northwestern part of Arkansas, this gem is in the heart of the Ozark National Forest. Formed by the Buffalo River, the canyon ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 feet from the rim to the bottom. The distance across the gorge is as wide as 15.5 miles in some spots, so there’s a lot to explore. I can’t wait!
Check out this Google Map to find even more Grand Canyons. You just might find one near you! Happy exploring!
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There is a little grand canyon near Orangeville Utah.
Yellowstone has one. So does Australia.
Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. State parks on both sides with trails to the bottom. Rails-to-trails conversion at bottom. Bikes enter at end of gorge. Rentals are available.
Grand Canyon Of Pennsylvania
4797 Rte. 660
Wellsboro, PA 16901
How about the second largest Grand Canyon. Palo Verde Canyon near Amarillo, TX.
Correction, Harry. That’s Palo Duro Canyon (not Verde) (https://www.palodurocanyon.com/)
We are working there as volunteers in 2024 and can’t wait!
And if you are there in the summer, you simply must see the production Texas. Where the canyon itself is a major star of the show.
Thank you!
Letchworth state park, New York State.
billed as the Grand Canyon of the east.
Just got home from Letchworth last night after 4 days camping. Stunning place. Beautiful, and I mean beautiful, CCC park! Very nice camping accommodations, lots of activities for kids of all ages, nice hiking trails, and we were surrounded on all sides by the most lovely people, and pets.
Providence Canyon in Georgia is a great hike in the fall or spring and an opportunity to see the effects of erosion. It is rumored to have started by run off from a barn roof and poor farming practices in the 1800s. Right now rare azealeas are blooming. While there in Lumpkin GA go to Lilly’s for some authentic southern cooking. The 1000 acre state park does not have camping but there are several private campgrounds and state parks in the area.
Love the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
Oh my yes. I wonder if it is still one of the little visited National Parks?
We are there right now. Many people visiting but not as crowded as the more well known parks.