Tips for Visiting Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of the most breathtaking places in Georgia, with deep gorge views and stunning waterfall trails. Whether you’re planning a quick day hike or a full weekend of exploring, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Cloudland Canyon State Park.

After multiple visits, I’ve learned a lot about what to expect at Cloudland Canyon — the best viewpoints, how challenging the waterfall trails really are, and the tips that make your visit so much smoother.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, from park history and must-do activities to essential advice for planning your trip.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a 3,488-acre park located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain. It is one of Georgia’s largest and most scenic state parks boasting easily-accessible views of the gorge, two waterfalls, and plenty to see and do.

Cloudland Canyon was designated a Georgia State Park in 1939 and originally sat on 1,924 acres. The park has grown over the years to acquire 3,488 acres of canyons, sandstone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and dense forest.

Located in Rising Fawn, Georgia, this state park is great for a remote getaway in the northwest Georgia mountains.

Dogs and pets are allowed at all Georgia State Parks as long as they’re leashed.

Parking at Cloudland Canyon State Park costs $5. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park’s office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The interpretative center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays seasonally as staffing allows.

Formation of the Canyon

The park sits on the Cumberland Plateau, on top Lookout Mountain. At the top of the mountain, the waters of Daniel Creek and Bear Creek cut gorges through the rock, converging to form Sitton Gulch Creek.

Cloudland Canyon’s 1,000-foot-deep gorge was formed by Sitton Gulch Creek, which resulted in two stunning waterfalls: Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls.

The sandstone forming the canyon bluffs can fracture into blocks, creating unique boulder formations. Lookout Mountain also drains rainwater through fissures into the underlying limestone, forming miles of caves in this area.

Cloudland Canyon Facilities

For those looking to stay overnight, the park contains 75 tent, trailer, and RV campsites, 30 walk-in campsites, 13 backcountry campsites, 4 pioneer campsites, 18 cottages, 10 yurts, and a group lodge.

For those just making it a day in the park, they offer 6 picnic shelters, 1 group shelter, a playground, and a gift shop / camper store.

Cloudland Canyon Hikes

Cloudland Canyon State Park has 64 miles of hiking trails with a variety of trail difficulties, all with incredible views in store.

• The 1 mile long Overlook Trail provides easy access to two overlooks into the canyon.
• The 2 mile Waterfalls Trail takes you down about 600 steps into the canyon to the park’s two stunning waterfalls.
• The 5 mile West Rim Loop Trail branches off the start of the Waterfalls Trail and takes you down into the canyon and back up the other side for several scenic views from the west of the canyon.
• The 6 mile Sitton’s Gulch Trail follows the Waterfall Trail past Hemlock Falls and to the mouth of the canyon.
• The 2 Mile Back Country Loop takes you through hemlock and oak groves.
• And the 1 mile Meadowlands Trail strolls by the park’s meadow and fishing pond.

There are also newer outlier sites to the park — the 5 Points Recreation Area and the Cloudland Connector Trail. The 5 Points Recreation Area was formerly a coal mining site that the park has turned into miles of track mountain bike trails ranging in skill levels. The Cloudland Connector Trail is 14 miles long and is perfect for exploring by horseback.

More Things to Do at Cloudland Canyon State Park

In addition to their many hiking trails, the state park also has 30 miles of mountain biking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails.

Experienced wild cavers can explore the park’s caves systems during April, June–July, and September–October. Cave tours are by reservation only and cost $45 per person.

The park also has disc golf for $4 per person per round, bike rentals for $35 for a half day or $55 for a full day, geocaching, and fishing.

Accessibility at Cloudland Canyon

In partnership with the Aimee Copeland Foundation, Cloudland Canyon State Park provides free, high mobility all-terrain wheelchairs so that those with mobility impairments can reconnect with nature.

The All-Terrain Chair has the ability to navigate through mud, water, sand, and snow. Reservations and certifications are required.

The park also has access to Enchroma Color Blind Glasses that help visitors with red-green colorblindness better experience the canyon’s natural hues. They can be reserved for free, but you will need to put in a reservation request at least 2 days before your visit as there are a limited number of glasses available.

Where to Stay Near Cloudland Canyon State Park

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Cloudland Canyon State Park, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else. Here are the hotels that are closest to the park:

• Days Inn by Windham Trenton — 2.7 miles away
• Peak of Perfection — Cabins in the Clouds — 3.6 miles away
• The Fox Tail Pine Treehouse at Treetop Escapes — 5.3 miles away
• Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain, Curio by Hilton — 7.3 miles away

Restaurants Near Cloudland Canyon State Park

Find an amazing place to eat near Cloudland Canyon State Park! Here are some great restaurants near the park:

• Canyon Grill — American classics, steak, pasta, and seafood
• Lookout Mountain Pizza Company — Neapolitan wood-fired pizza
• Trading Post Smokehouse — Southern barbecue
• Cross Roads Restaurant — Breakfast and lunch

Cloudland Canyon State Park FAQ

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park is truly one of Georgia’s most incredible state parks.

With its 1,000 foot deep canyon, two stunning waterfalls, 64 miles of hiking trails and many other activities such as mountain biking, geocaching, and more, it’s the perfect way to escape modern life and discover natural beauty.

Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time, since the park’s breathtaking views and activities will draw in droves of visitors.

Things to Do Near Cloudland Canyon State Park

Explore the area around Cloudland Canyon State Park.

• Visit Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Visit Rock City Gardens
• Take a North Georgia Winery Tour
• Explore Ellijay, Georgia

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Ready to visit Cloudland Canyon, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top cabins near Cloudland Canyon using VRBO.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.

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Cheers!

Paige

Have you visited Cloudland Canyon State Park? Let me know in the comments!