Best of Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

It’s important to stay on marked trails and follow all park rules when you visit Cloudland Canyon State Park. As I share all the details you need to navigate the park’s best features, you might see affiliate links that you can use to help me earn a small commission from your purchase. Rest assured that if I link to it, it’s a great product or service! I am so appreciative of your support.

Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in Georgia. Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state and is home to some truly spectacular scenery. Within the park, you’ll find canyons that are a thousand feet deep surrounded by cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Cloudland Canyon is also home to dense woodland filled with wildlife. Outdoor activity lovers will be happy to know the park offers lots of outdoor recreation options, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and so much more.

Cloudland Canyon is by far one of my favorite state parks in Georgia. You can easily combine a visit to the park with a visit to Chattanooga. Here you can see more waterfalls and deep cave systems. Chattanooga also offers great cuisine, wonderful museums, and nightlife. Check out my complete outdoor travel guide to Chattanooga right here.

You can now get et 15% off a Georgia State Parks Pass with the code AliceAdventures for all membership levels right here.

Guide to Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon is a 4388-acre park that straddles a 1000 foot deep gorge. This gorge has been cut into the mountain by the combined waters of Bear and Daniel Creeks. Visitors will marvel at the sharp vertical sandstone cliffs and waterfalls that are scattered throughout the park. 

During my visit, I explored the Cherokee and Hemlock falls trails before heading out on the West Rim Trail. Keep in mind you will have to go down (and then back up) 600 stairs to get to the base of the waterfalls. For those who want to avoid the stairs, there is the Overlook Trail you can take instead that will bring you to some viewpoints to see the waterfalls from. If you do choose to take the stairs to the bottom of the falls, you will be met with incredible views as you get up close to the falls. 

Once you are back on the West Rim Trail, you will hike along the edge of the canyon while overlooking the deep gorge below. The trail is about four miles long in total, and since it is a loop you will get to explore new areas of the park the entire time.

Things to do in Cloudland Canyon State Park

Hikers and mountain bikers will find 64 miles of trails to explore within the park. There are paths for hikers of all skill levels too. The most popular hiking paths include the short Overlook Trail, which offers views of the waterfalls from above. The Waterfalls Trail will get you down to the base of the falls but be prepared for the 600 stairs back up to the top. The West Rim Loop Trail is a good choice for those seeking a moderate hike, and those looking for more miles or an overnight backpacking trip can try the Sitton’s Gulch Trail and Cloudland Connector. 

Mountain biking is available in the park at the Five Points Recreation Area and along the Cloudland Connector Trail. There are 30 miles of mountain biking trails to discover, and bike rentals are available for those who do not have their own. Cloudland Canyon also offers disc golf (for a small fee), a fishing pond, and trails for horseback riding. Though there are many caves scattered throughout the park, only experienced cavers are allowed to access them. Permits and reservations are required to access the caves.

Where to Stay in the Park

If you are looking to have an overnight experience in the park, there are many options to choose from, depending on what level of comfort you are looking for! There are fully-equipped and comfortable cottages as well as yurts that offer more of a glamping experience. I stayed in one of the park’s yurts during my stay, and it cost just over $100 for the night. For those looking for more traditional camping, there are several regular campsites that fit tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as a few backcountry campsites.

Entry to the park is $5, and reservations are required for the cabins, yurts, and campsites. Reservations can be made here at GA STATE PARKS  

Go Explore Cloudland Canyon

As you can see, Cloudland Canyon State Park is a great park to explore in Georgia for those looking for a short day trip with plenty of accommodation options for others who prefer to stay overnight. Whatever your hiking skill level, there will be a trail suited for you. If you’re feeling up to it, take the hike down the 600 stairs to the bases of Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. Otherwise, the Overlook Trail will give you stunning views of the falls without having to take the stairs. There are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy around the park too.

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