View from the top of Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park lies along the western edge of Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia 30 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN. This picturesque Georgia state park showcases steep canyons and sandstone cliffs surrounded by woodlands. An extensive trail system winds through these woodlands, along the rim of the canyon and past waterfalls, wild caves, streams, and creeks.

Guests love to visit this rustic area and hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, camp, fish, picnic, and bird watch.

Activities

Pack your overnight bags and come spend a few days and nights in northwest Georgia. There’s so much to see and do, especially inside this 3,538 acre park.

Cloudland Canyon State Park offers guests opportunities to rest, relax, and have a few adventures. The park features several overnight options, a Gift Shop, picnic areas, a playground, a Disc Golf Course, a fishing pond, trails, and wild caving (for experienced cavers only).

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Cloudland Canyon State Park:

Hiking at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park’s 64 miles of trails wind through surrounding oak woodlands and along rugged canyons, streams, and waterfalls, offering guests spectacular views of nature and wildlife. Guests may enjoy hiking up to an overlook and observation deck as well as around the rim of the canyon.

boulder hanging over the hiking trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Here are a few of the trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park:

  • Waterfalls Trail – A strenuous 1.8 loop that leads out to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. The portion of the trail that leads to Hemlock Falls is steep and requires hikers to walk down 600 steps. Pet owners should be advised, this trail may be difficult for dogs to navigate.
  • West Rim Trail – A moderate 5 mile loop through the forest and along the rim of the canyon.
  • Meadowlands Trail – An easy 1 mile trail that leads to the observation deck overlooking the meadow and fishing pond. Guests may pick the wild blackberries that grow seasonally in the meadow.

Biking at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Thirty miles of multi-use trails wind throughout the rugged woodlands surrounding Cloudland Canyon State Park.

Included in this area is the new Five Points Recreation Area and the Cloudland Connector Trail, a 14 mile trail that can be accessed from 4 separate trailheads. This beautiful forested area, once the site of coal mines, offers riders single track trails that range from moderate to strenuous and include jumps.

Bike rentals are available inside the park.

view of the canyon below at the overlook at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Horseback Riding at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park offers guests with horses access to more than 16 miles of multi-use trails ideal for riding. One trail, the Cloudland Connector Trail, is 14 miles in one direction.

Fishing at Cloudland Canyon State Park

A fishing pond stocked with catfish lies along the Meadowlands Trail inside Cloudland Canyon State Park. Guests may bring their own fishing gear or borrow a pole for free Saturdays and Sundays at the Interpretive Center.

Birding at Cloudland Canyon State Park

You’ll want to keep your binoculars handy while hiking. That way when you hear a distinctive bird, hopefully you can also get a closer look.

Throughout the woods surrounding the park you may see Blue Jays, Wild Turkeys, Red-tailed Hawks, Eastern Bluebirds, Canadian Geese, Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, American Robins, Carolina Wrens, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Tufted Titmice.

time lapse photo of Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Nature and Wildlife at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Surrounded by woodlands and rocky canyons, this gorgeous 3,538 state park showcases a thousand-foot deep gorge, waterfalls, cascades, wild caves, and a variety of wildlife. Birds, deer, raccoons, foxes, and bears may be seen along the trails and from a wildlife viewing area by the pond.

Pets at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Pets are allowed in designated areas at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Pets must remain with their owner at all times and be held on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet.

Camping at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Spend a peaceful evening nestled within the woodlands inside Cloudland Canyon State Park. The park offers a variety of overnight accommodations – modern and primitive campsites, yurts and cabins.

There are 72 modern campsites for tents, trailers, or RVs. These sites have water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Restrooms, showers, and a Camp Store are conveniently located nearby.

wooden stairs that climb to the top of Cloudland Canyon State Park

The park also offers 30 walk-in campsites and 13 backcountry campsites. These primitive sites are more secluded and may require walking a distance to reach. Walk-in campsites may be located near drinking water and restrooms.

The 10 yurts offer campers a bit of luxury. These structures of wood and canvas are a combination tent and cabin with beds, electrical outlets, large windows and a locking door.

Outside each is a deck, picnic table, grill and fire ring. And drinking water, restrooms, and hot showers are located nearby. You will need to bring your own linens, pillows, and/or sleeping bags.

Cozy cottages are also available nestled within the woodlands. These 16 cottages have either 2 or 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and living and dining areas. Linens and kitchen utensils are provided.

And for groups: A group lodge is available for groups of 40, and 4 pioneer campsites are available for organized youth groups.

Park Location

Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 cloudland Canyon Park Rd
Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Phone: 706.657.4050

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cloudland Canyon State Park: