Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park: Georgia’s Deepest Canyon
Perched on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park plunges 1,000 feet into a dramatic gorge carved by Sitton Gulch Creek through layers of ancient sandstone and shale. This 3,538-acre wilderness park in northwest Georgia offers twin waterfalls accessed by a strenuous 600-step staircase, over 60 miles of trails including one named among America’s best hikes by Backpacker Magazine, and overnight options ranging from backcountry camping to canyon-edge cottages and yurts.
With 12,500+ Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars, Cloudland Canyon is Georgia’s most dramatic canyon landscape — a place where morning fog fills the gorge like a cloud sea and sunset turns sandstone cliffs golden.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Rising Fawn, Dade County, Georgia (Lookout Mountain) |
| 📐 Park Size | 3,538 acres |
| 🏔️ Canyon Depth | ~1,000 feet |
| 💧 Waterfalls | 2 (Cherokee Falls & Hemlock Falls) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 60+ |
| 🏕️ Campsites | 72 standard + 30 walk-in + 13 backcountry |
| 🛖 Yurts | 10 |
| 🏡 Cottages | 16 |
| 🕐 Hours | 7 AM – 10 PM, year-round |
| 💰 Entry Fee | $5/vehicle |
| 📞 Phone | (706) 657-4050 |
| 🌐 Website | gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon |
Waterfalls
The park’s twin waterfalls are reached via the Waterfalls Trail, a strenuous 2-mile round-trip hike that descends a 600-step staircase into the canyon floor.
| Waterfall | Height | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Falls | ~60 ft | First waterfall — shorter descent |
| Hemlock Falls | ~90 ft | Deeper descent — additional stairs beyond Cherokee |
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Rim Loop | 4.8 mi loop | Moderate | Named one of America’s best hikes — canyon rim views |
| Waterfalls Trail | 2.0 mi RT | Strenuous | 600 steps to twin waterfalls |
| Overlook Trail | 0.25 mi | Easy | Quick canyon overlook — wheelchair accessible |
| Backcountry Loop | 2.0 mi | Moderate | Popular backpacking loop |
| Sitton’s Gulch Trail | 6.0 mi RT | Strenuous | Canyon floor, waterfall, suspension bridge |
| Mountain Bike Trails | 30 mi | Varies | Dedicated mountain biking network |
| Horseback Trails | 16 mi | Varies | Equestrian trails |
Camping & Lodging
| Option | Count | Cost/Night | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Campsites | 72 | $25-$28 | Water, electric, shower access |
| Walk-In Sites | 30 | $15 | More privacy, near West Rim Trail |
| Backcountry Sites | 13 | $9/person | Tent pads, fire rings, outhouses |
| Yurts | 10 | $75-$100 | Unique glamping experience |
| Cottages | 16 | $125-$210 | Full kitchen, fireplace, canyon-edge — #6 & #7 dog-friendly |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, strong waterfall flow, mild temps | Best waterfall season after spring rains |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | All trails open, cave tours, full operations | Hot — start hikes early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Spectacular fall colors, canyon views, cool air | Peak foliage late October — most popular season |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Bare-tree canyon views, solitude, cottage fireplaces | Waterfalls may freeze in rare cold snaps |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Entry | $5 | Daily parking pass |
| Annual Pass | $50 | All Georgia state parks |
| Campsite | $15-$28/night | Walk-in to full-facility |
| Yurt | $75-$100/night | Unique experience |
| Cottage | $125-$210/night | 2-night minimum (except winter) |
Nearby Attractions
- Lookout Mountain — Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway, 30 min
- Chickamauga Battlefield — Major Civil War site, 25 min
- Chattanooga, TN — Tennessee Aquarium, restaurants, 40 min
- Lula Lake Land Trust — Waterfalls and hiking (open select weekends), 20 min
Safety and Tips
- 600-step staircase: Going down is easy — climbing back up is the challenge. Allow time and bring water
- No wading or climbing: Prohibited at waterfalls for safety
- Wild cave tours: Available April, June-July, Sept-Oct — require permits and reservations
- Gates lock at 10 PM: No late access — plan accordingly
- Reservations: Book cottages and yurts up to 13 months ahead (14 for GA residents)
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Waterfalls Trail at Cloudland Canyon?
The trail is 2 miles round-trip with a 600-step staircase descending to the canyon floor. Going down is manageable but climbing back up is strenuous. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Cherokee Falls is reached first, Hemlock Falls requires additional descent beyond Cherokee.
Can you camp at Cloudland Canyon State Park?
Yes, Cloudland Canyon offers diverse camping: 72 standard campsites ($25-$28), 30 walk-in tent sites ($15), 13 backcountry sites ($9/person), 10 yurts ($75-$100), and 16 canyon-edge cottages ($125-$210). Cottages include full kitchens and fireplaces. Book up to 13 months in advance.
