Top Things to do at Cloudland Canyon State Park
Explore North Georgia’s 1,500 ft. deep canyon with this quick guide to Cloudland Canyon State Park. Featuring 7 things to do on your visit.
Our first glimpse of fall colors on our RV tour around the country was at the magical Cloudland Canyon State Park. After leaving the beautiful sunshine state of Florida, we made our way toward the second state on our trip, GEORGIA! We stopped overnight at my uncle’s house just outside of Atlanta then headed to our first destination of exploration, Cloudland Canyon.
It was the beginning of November so we were excited to see the colorful fall leaves and pull out our jackets for some cooler weather. We were absolutely blown away by how breathtaking the canyon views and diverse the hiking trails are. It’s the perfect location to experience every season.
Spring wild flowers, lush green summers, colorful fall leaves, and frozen winter waterfalls make anytime is a great time to visit Cloudland Canyon State Park.
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ABOUT CLOUDLAND CANYON
Cloudland Canyon State Park was established in 1938 and is one of Georgia’s largest and most scenic state parks. It’s known for its 1,000 ft. deep canyon, incredible camping, and unbeatable hiking trails. It makes up over 3,000 acres of Lookout Mountain in the northwest corner of Georgia and has numerous outdoor activities making it a great place for all ages to explore the beauty and wonder that is Cloudland Canyon.
There is a $5 parking fee per car to get into the park or you can use the Georgia State Park Annual Pass.
GETTING TO CLOUDLAND CANYON
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located in Rising Fawn Georgia just outside the city of Chattanooga. The park is open 365 days a year providing year long access to explore.
30 minutes from Chattanooga
2 hours from Atlanta
2 hours from Nashville
2.5 hours from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
TOP THINGS TO DO
#1. OVERLOOK TRAIL
Once you enter the park head straight for 1.5 miles until you get to the Interpretive Center. From here you can walk along the rim of the canyon on the 1.0 mile overlook trail to all the amazing view points of the canyon. Look right into the canyon and hear the rushing waterfalls below. It’s breathtaking. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the area to take in the scenery and enjoy a snack.
#2. WEST RIM LOOP TRAIL
Formerly rated as one of the top ten hikes in the U.S. by Backpacker Magazine, the 5 mile West Rim Loop Trail provides some of the most scenic views the park has to offer. There are several entrances to begin the West Rim Loop Trail depending on where you are in the park. If you’re staying in the park you can enter at the Walk In Campground, West Rim Campground, West Rim Cottages, or the Yurt Village. If you’re just visiting for the day then the Main Trailhead would be your starting point.
#3. SITTON GULCH TRAIL
Hike down to the floor of a 1,000 foot deep canyon on the 6 mile Sitton Gulch Trail. The trail begins at the main overlook area where you’ll descend down 600 metal grated steps into the canyon. Pass by roaring waterfalls and walk under colorful lush trees as you enjoy Georgia nature at its finest. Just remember you have to go back up those 600 steps.
#4. HEMLOCK FALLS & CHEROKEE FALLS
Get your steps in at Hemlock and Cherokee Falls. These short but strenuous trails are not for the faint of heart but are well worth the effort. To get to these beautiful waterfalls start at the main overlook area and take the 600 steps down toward the canyon floor. A left takes you to a elevated boardwalk where you can view Hemlock Falls from a distance. And a right brings you right up in front of Cherokee Falls. And remember just as with the Sitton Gulch Trail get ready to climb those 600 steps.
#5. THROW SOME DISCS
Practice your hole in one on Cloudland’s disc golf course. This 18 hole course takes you through tall lush trees and into wide open fields. We definitely recommend playing in the Fall as all the trees were red, orange and yellow.
#6. STAY OVERNIGHT
There are plenty of options to rest your head at Cloudland Canyon State Park. In the park there are 10 circular tents called yurts which can sleep up to 6 people , 16 2 bedroom cottages which can sleep up to 8 people, and 72 sites in the RV and tent campground. We stayed in the campground and loved listening to the birds as we had our morning coffee.
#7. ROCK CITY GARDENS
Just a short 25 minute drive from Cloudland Canyon State Park is the Enchanted Rock City Gardens. This pet and family friendly attraction takes you on a walk through unique rock formations, dark caves, and incredible views of the Tennessee Valley. If you’ve never been to Rock City then you’ve got to check it out. Other popular things to do in the area are the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Ruby Falls, and the Tennessee Aquarium.
Let us know your favorite things to do at Cloudland Canyon State Park in the comments below!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Enjoy 360 degree views from the highest point in Georgia with this quick travel guide.