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Georgia
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Georgia State Parks

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USA Parks
Georgia
Historic High Country Region
Cloudland Canyon State Park
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Cloudland Canyon State Park © Lee Reed
Cloudland Canyon State Park Canyon View © Lee Reed
My friends used to bring me to Cloudland Canyon when we were in college but it always seemed we came in the winter. I always thought it would be a wonderful place to visit in the fall I could not have predicted how right that would be.
Cloudland Canyon State Park © Lee Reed
Cloudland Canyon State Park © Ben Prepelka
Cloudland Canyon State Park © Ben Prepelka
Cloudland Canyon State Park © Ben Prepelka
Cloudland Canyon State Park © Ben Prepelka
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CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK
CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road
Rising Fawn, Georgia   30738

Phone: 706-657-4050
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet.

The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.)

Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park?s walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Be sure to stop by the office gift shop for hiking sticks, camping supplies, snacks, toys, disc golf supplies, books at more.

Outdoor lovers should not miss this park?s spectacular scenery.

Park Hours: 7AM-10PM(Please note: Gates lock at 10 p.m. No late access.)Office Hours: 8AM-5PM
History of the Area
Located in northwest Georgia, the park was established in 1938. It spans over 3,485 acres on Lookout Mountain's western edge. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed its initial infrastructure during the Great Depression era.

The CCC built trails and picnic areas using locally sourced materials like sandstone and limestone from within the park itself. They also constructed a lodge that no longer exists today due to erosion issues.

In terms of natural history, it is home to diverse flora and fauna including hardwoods forests with oak-hickory species dominating most parts of this area along with various animal life forms such as deer or foxes among others.

Over time additional facilities were added: campsites for tents/RVs; cottages; yurts etc., making it one of Georgia's largest state parks offering outdoor recreational activities year-round which includes hiking/biking trails plus fishing opportunities too!

Today visitors can explore two waterfalls via staircases descending into Sitton Gulch Creek gorge while enjoying panoramic views across Trenton Plateau towards Sand Mountain beyond - all part of Appalachian Mountains range extending northwards up through eastern USA region overall.

Camping
- Walk-In Campsites: Offers 30 tent campsites with water and shared facilities.

- Backcountry Camping: Provides four backcountry sites for hikers.

- Yurts Rental: Six yurts available, each accommodating up to six people.

- Cottages Rentals: Ten cottages are offered that can accommodate eight guests each.

- RV Sites: There are 72 RV camping spots equipped with electric hookups and a dump station.

- Pioneer Group Camping Area: A group campsite is also provided which accommodates ten tents or more.


Location
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located near Chickamauga, Fort Payne and La Fayette

Picnicking
1. Cloudland Canyon State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the park for visitors to use.
2. Picnic shelters are available, with some accommodating up to 100 people - perfect for large gatherings or events.
3. You can enjoy a scenic meal on top of the canyon rim overlooking stunning views of Sitton Gulch Creek below.
4. Hike down into the canyon after your picnic; there's plenty more beauty waiting at Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls!
5. For those who prefer solitude, secluded spots away from main trails provide peaceful picnicking amidst nature's serenity.


Trails
TWO-MILE BACKCOUNTRY LOOP TRAIL2 mile loop. Rated moderate.The Backcountry loop features Cloudland Canyon?s most inexpensive and secluded camping sites, situated within pristine hemlock groves. The trail itself passes through open woods, progressing down a moderate grade into a hollow, filled with spring and summer flowers. On the far end of the loop, a moderate climb brings hikers out of the hemlocks, back to level trail among oaks and hickories, and eventually back to the parking area.

WATERFALLS TRAILApproximately 1 mile round-trip. Rated moderate.The Waterfalls Trail begins on a paved section, at the main overlook, and progresses into the canyon on a 40-degree slope. Most of the trail consists of gravel and stair-steps, numbering over 400 in all. Both waterfalls cascade off of sheer faces at 60 and 90 feet, and are among the most beautiful in the state. A strenuous and time-consuming, two-mile hike, swimming and climbing on rocks are strictly forbidden, and regulations are enforced.

WEST RIM LOOP TRAIL4.8 miles. Rated moderate.The West Rim Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. Beginning at the Daniels Creek Bridge, and climbing out of the canyon onto the plateau, the trail provides magnificent views of Trenton, Georgia, neighboring Sand Mountain, and of Cloudland Canyon itself. Cottages, West Rim, and Walk-In Camping areas are accessible via the West Rim Loop. Passing over varied terrain, most of the hike is moderately difficult, becoming strenuous on several short sections.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the 14-mile Five Points Recreation Area. Be aware, it's challenging with steep climbs and descents.

The Sitton's Gulch Trail is less demanding but still requires caution due to its rocky terrain.

For a more relaxed ride, consider the West Rim Loop trail; however, be mindful of hikers sharing this path.

Remember that helmets are mandatory for safety reasons when biking in these areas.

Always check weather conditions before setting out as trails may become hazardous after rain or snowfall.

Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including hawks and songbirds. The park's diverse habitats attract many birds year-round. There are several trails ideal for birding such as the West Rim Loop Trail or Sitton's Gulch Trail. During spring migration season, visitors may see warblers and other migratory birds.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 22 Execllent State Park by Eric
park review stars; one to five The highlight of the park is the Canyon. The West Rim Loop Trail has stunning views from the edge of the canyon that leave you in awe of the scenery. This moderate 5 mile long trail offers a different photo opportunity around each turn. I would also recommend a walk down (and remember 300 feet of elevation gain back up) the Waterfalls trail to see Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls. For the non hikers, there is also a paved easy trail (Meadowlands Trail) with another stunning view. The camp sites are set in a wooded setting and not too close together. I really need to come back when the colors turn in October.
March 22 VERY DANGEROUS!!! by JRay
park review stars; one to five Do not even think about this trail if you have young children with you! I hiked it with my 3 children ages 6-10 and to my surprise found ourselves on a skinny path with NO guardrail or fence! There is a cliff where one wrong move one can plummet down. I still have nightmares. I am a nature lover but strongly believe that section should be fenced off immediately before a tragedy.
April 23 Great Scenery by Laurie
park review stars; one to five My husband and I love coming to Cloudland Canyon State Park for a relaxing getaway. Beautiful scenery and trails. If you need something else to do, Chattanooga is not far away, or Fort Payne where you can visit the Alabama Museum.
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Pets
- All pets must be leashed and under control at all times - no exceptions.
- Pets are not allowed in any park buildings, including cabins or yurts.
- You may only walk your pet on designated trails.
- Pet owners will clean up after their animals immediately - failure to do so is unacceptable.
- Noisy, aggressive, or unruly pets that disturb other guests will face immediate expulsion from the park premises.
- Do not leave your pet unattended anywhere within the state park boundaries for any length of time whatsoever.
- Pets should have current rabies vaccinations - proof might be required upon request by Park officials.
- The maximum number of domesticated animals per campsite is two.

Directions
Located on Ga. Route 136, 8 miles east of Trenton and I-59, and 18 miles west of LaFayette.

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Georgia State Parks

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