OutdOOrs Revel in Cloudland Canyon State Park’s Scenic Views RISING FAWN Tucked on the western edge of Lookout Mountain among dense forests and tumbling creeks, Cloudland Canyon State Park is a hiker’s paradise. You’ll trek through some of Georgia’s most spectacular surroundings, including deep chasms, rugged sandstone cliffs, secret caves, and plunging waterfalls. To get the most Instagram-worthy canyon views, check out the 5-mile West Rim Loop . This moderate route was named one of the best day hikes in the country by Backpacker magazine for its unparalleled mountain, canyon, and forest spectacles. Up for more of a challenge? The short but strenuous Waterfalls Trail may be just under 2 miles in length, but it includes 600 heart-pumping steps. Your well-earned reward is the lovely sight of two cascades – Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls – tumbling into small pools. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Cloudland Canyon, but taking in the beauty of this marvel is a highlight no matter what. Spreading across 3,538 acres, there’s a lot to discover throughout 60-plus miles of trails amid enchanting passages, intriguing sandstone cliffs, and phenomenal overlooks showcasing miles of verdant hillsides. Find a moment of solitude to appreciate gorgeous views and spot boundless wildlife from the park’s observation deck, which overlooks a small fishing pond in a quiet area. It’s not far from the disc golf course, one of the park’s more amusing amenities in addition to playgrounds, picnic shelters, and geocaches. Planning to travel on two wheels? Check out Five Points Recreation Area for its network of singletrack mountain biking and multi-use trails. Cloudland Canyon’s scenery isn’t just above ground, either. Ranger-led tours into the wild Sitton’s Cave put the fascinating subterranean world on display – be prepared to get dirty. For the best hiking adventure, explore the trails on weekdays to feel like you have all this natural beauty to yourself. Favored for its easy 1-mile round-trip path and two viewpoints, the Overlook Trail boasts impressive canyon and woodland vistas as it meanders along the rim of Cloudland Canyon. There’s no need to pack all your activities into one day. For a unique overnight stay, reserve one of the 10 canvas glamping yurts, outfitted with rustic furnishings, a clear dome skylight, electricity, air conditioning, and front and rear decks. The yurt village, tucked in a peaceful woodsy area, has convenient bathroom facilities and fire rings, too. If you have small kiddos, try Yurts No. 2-6 due to the proximity to the playground and pavilion. Need something wheelchair-accessible? Go with Yurt No. 10. CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK, RISING FAWN/CALEB JONES EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG 39
Official State Travel Guide 2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 39
