Tips for Visiting Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of Georgia’s most scenic state parks with views of the gorge, two waterfalls, and plenty to see and do. Read this visitor’s guide to the state park before you go!
In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the history of Cloudland Canyon State Park, what there is to do in the park, and more important tips for visiting.
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 72 tent, trailer, and RV campsites, 30 walk-in campsites, 13 backcountry campsites, 4 pioneer campsites, 16 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.
Hiking Essentials
Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:
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.
The park also has disc golf for $4 per person, bike rentals for $35 for a half day or $55 for a full day, geocaching, and fishing.
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
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:
- Cafe 136 — home-style cooking
- Canyon Grill — American classics, steak, pasta, and seafood
- Lookout Mountain Pizza Company — Neapolitan wood-fired pizza
Cloudland Canyon State Park FAQ
Is Cloudland Canyon State Park worth visiting?
Cloudland Canyon State Park is definitely worth the visit! With its stunning waterfalls, incredible canyon views, miles of hiking trails, and great camping options, there’s a lot to love about this Georgia State Park.
How many waterfalls are at Cloudland Canyon State Park?
There are 2 waterfalls down in the canyon at Cloudland Canyon State Park: Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. They’re both a short hike to get to, but there are a lot of stairs!
What town is near Cloudland Canyon State Park?
Cloudland Canyon State Park is in the town of Rising Fawn, Georgia. The park is close to Trenton, Georgia and is only 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee and Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
Are there yurts at Cloudland Canyon State Park?
There are 10 yurts for rent at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
How much does parking cost at Cloudland Canyon State Park?
Parking at Cloudland Canyon State Park costs $5 per vehicle.
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.
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.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you visited Cloudland Canyon State Park? Let me know in the comments!