By Gail Marsh
While doing some research for an extended RV trip, 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 wasn’t just planning a trip for then, I was 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!
RELATED
- North Rim or South Rim: Which Grand Canyon experience is “grand” for you?
- Grand Canyon to raise camping fees
- It’s a great time to visit “the Grand Canyon of the Mojave”
- Grand Canyon’s top fatal tourist activity will surprise you
##RVT1216
not exactly named “grand”, but Palo Duro Canyon Amarillo Texas. the 2nd largest canyon in the US
Actually, I was more enthusiastic about Canyonlands NP. Less commercial and beautiful vistas.
Thanks for this list. We will definitely visit some of them.
If you are in Mexico….
Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon)
https://tinyurl.com/5b7udt5j
Very interesting Gail. I look forward to researching exploring these more.
Thank you for the information on the additional “grand” canyons, Gail! These may interest DW. Have a great week and safe travels!