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Cloudland Canyon State Park: A Natural Masterpiece

Explore Georgia's majestic Cloudland Canyon: breathtaking views, stunning waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails await on Lookout Mountain.

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Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of Georgia's largest and most scenic parks, offers visitors a stunning landscape of rugged canyons, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and biking trails for all skill levels.

A brief summary to Cloudland Canyon State Park

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, especially if hiking the Waterfalls Trail, as it has over 600 steps.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the trails can be strenuous.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in the canyon can change rapidly.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking can fill up quickly.
  • Consider joining the Friends of Georgia State Parks for discounts on camping and lodging.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cloudland Canyon State Park is located in Rising Fawn, Georgia, approximately 30 minutes southwest of Chattanooga, TN. From Chattanooga, take I-24 W to US-27 S. Follow US-27 S to GA-136 W in Dade County. Continue on GA-136 W to Cloudland Canyon Park Rd in Rising Fawn. The park entrance is well-marked. Parking is available throughout the park, including near the Interpretive Center and trailheads. A daily ParkPass is required: $5 per vehicle.

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Discover more about Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park, sprawling across 3,485 acres on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, is a natural wonderland offering breathtaking views and diverse recreational activities. The park's defining feature is the deep gorge carved by Sitton Gulch Creek, creating thousand-foot-deep canyons with sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. Originally known as Sitton Gulch State Park, the area was acquired by Georgia in 1938 and opened to the public in 1939, thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, Cloudland Canyon is a year-round destination for hikers, bikers, campers, and nature lovers. The park boasts over 60 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The Overlook Trail is a paved, accessible path offering stunning canyon views. For a more strenuous hike, the Waterfalls Trail descends into the canyon, leading to the beautiful Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. The West Rim Loop Trail, once named one of the top 10 hikes in the US, provides panoramic vistas and explores the canyon's rim. Beyond hiking, Cloudland Canyon offers a range of activities, including mountain biking on the Cloudland Connector Trail and at the Five Points Recreation Area. Visitors can also enjoy disc golf, fishing, and cave tours (by reservation). The park provides various lodging options, from comfortable cottages and yurts to tent, trailer, and RV campsites.

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