Cloudland Canyon State Park
You stand at the canyon rim, looking down a thousand feet into a world of sandstone cliffs, dense hemlock forest, and two waterfalls that plunge into mist far below. The West Rim Trail stretches before you—ranked among the top 10 hikes in America by Backpacker Magazine. Below, 600 metal stairs descend into the gorge, leading to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, where water drops 60 and 90 feet respectively through rock amphitheaters carved over millions of years. This is not the Grand Canyon. This is Georgia—and Cloudland Canyon is the Southeast’s most spectacular gorge.
Welcome to Cloudland Canyon State Park, perched on the western edge of Lookout Mountain at the intersection of three states. The park’s thousand-foot-deep canyon, cut by Sitton Gulch Creek and Daniel Creek, creates a landscape more reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains than the Deep South. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking rim trails with endless views, camping in the canyon’s shadow, or glamping in a yurt on the canyon’s edge, Cloudland delivers an experience that rivals any western park.
What Makes Cloudland Canyon Legendary
1,000-Foot Gorge
Thousand-foot deep canyon carved through Lookout Mountain’s sandstone.
Two Waterfalls
Cherokee Falls (60ft) and Hemlock Falls (90ft) at canyon bottom.
Top 10 Trail
West Rim Loop named among best hikes in America by Backpacker Magazine.
Yurt Village
10 yurts on canyon rim—unique glamping experience.
The Waterfalls
The Waterfalls Trail is Cloudland Canyon’s signature experience—a strenuous 2-mile round trip that descends approximately 600 metal stairs into the gorge to reach two spectacular waterfalls.
| Waterfall | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 💧 Cherokee Falls | 60 feet | Powerful plunge into rock bowl |
| 💧 Hemlock Falls | 90+ feet | Drops from arced rock wall; most dramatic |
⚠️ Strenuous Hike Warning
The Waterfalls Trail involves approximately 600 metal stair steps—and you must climb back UP on return. Allow 2-3 hours. Not recommended for those with mobility issues or small children. Dogs allowed but find the stairs difficult. Carry plenty of water.
💧 Best Waterfall Season
Water flow is strongest late winter through early spring after seasonal rains. Summer and fall may see reduced flow. Check recent rain forecasts before visiting specifically for waterfalls.
Hiking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👁️ Overlook Trail | 1 mi RT | Easy | Canyon rim views; Main Overlook |
| 💧 Waterfalls Trail | 2 mi RT | Strenuous | Cherokee Falls, Hemlock Falls; 600 stairs |
| 🏆 West Rim Loop | 5 mi | Mod-Strenuous | Top 10 USA hike; multiple viewpoints |
| 🌲 Sitton’s Gulch | 6 mi RT | Strenuous | Canyon floor; smaller waterfalls; Daniel Creek |
West Rim Loop Trail
The West Rim Loop was named one of the top 10 hikes in the United States by Backpacker Magazine. The 5-mile loop follows the canyon rim, offering multiple spectacular viewpoints into the gorge and across miles of distant terrain. Moderate difficulty with some elevation changes.
Overlook Trail
For those seeking views without the stair climb, the easy Overlook Trail meanders 1 mile along the canyon rim to the Main Overlook—one of the best viewpoints in the park. Accessible for most ability levels.
Camping & Lodging
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Standard Campsites | 75 tent/trailer/RV sites with hookups |
| ⛺ Walk-In Sites | 30 sites for more secluded experience |
| 🎒 Backcountry Sites | 13 sites accessed by trail; primitive |
| 👥 Pioneer Sites | 4 group camping areas |
| 🏠 Cottages | Fully equipped; some on canyon edge |
| 🛖 Yurt Village | 10 yurts on west rim; bathhouse, playground, picnic area |
Yurt Village
The Yurt Village offers a unique glamping experience—10 yurts clustered on the canyon’s west rim with a central bathhouse, playground, and covered picnic area. A trail connects directly to the West Rim Loop, offering immediate access to premier hiking.
When to Visit
🌸 Spring (March – May)
Peak waterfall season. Heavy winter/spring rains produce strongest waterfall flow. Wildflowers on trails. Moderate temperatures perfect for hiking. Most popular season—book accommodations early.
Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, photography
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Hot and humid. Waterfall flow may be reduced. Early morning hiking recommended. Shaded canyon trails more comfortable than exposed rim. Good for swimming holes in creeks.
Best for: Early morning hiking, camping, creek exploration
🍂 Fall (October – November)
Fall foliage spectacular in late October/early November. Comfortable hiking temperatures. Crowds moderate. Waterfall flow variable.
Best for: Fall colors, pleasant weather, photography
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Quiet season. Occasional frost and ice on trails—use caution on metal stairs. Leafless trees reveal best canyon views. Strong waterfall flow after winter rains.
Best for: Solitude, canyon views, waterfall flow
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎟️ Entry Fee | $5/vehicle |
| 🏕️ Camping | From $25/night; reservations at gastateparks.org |
| 🛖 Yurts | Reserve well in advance; popular |
| ⏰ Hours | 7 AM – 10 PM daily |
Getting There
- 📍 Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
- 📍 From Atlanta: ~110 miles northwest via I-75
- 📍 From Chattanooga, TN: ~30 miles south
- 📍 From Birmingham, AL: ~100 miles east
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Waterfalls Trail?
Strenuous. The 600 metal stairs are challenging, and you must climb back up on return. Allow 2-3 hours and bring plenty of water. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.
When are the waterfalls flowing strongest?
Late winter through early spring after seasonal rainfall. Check recent weather—extended dry periods reduce flow significantly.
Are dogs allowed on trails?
Yes, on leash. However, dogs often struggle with the metal stairs on the Waterfalls Trail. Rim trails are easier for dogs.
Is this park really comparable to western canyons?
Different but impressive. At 1,000 feet deep with dramatic sandstone walls and waterfalls, Cloudland Canyon rivals many western parks for sheer visual impact—and it’s one of the most spectacular landscapes in the eastern United States.
🏔️ The Southeast’s Grand Canyon
A thousand feet below the rim, waterfalls plunge through sandstone amphitheaters. Above, the West Rim Loop offers views that earned it a spot among America’s top 10 hikes. Cloudland Canyon punches far above its geographic weight—this is not what you expect from Georgia. Camp in the canyon’s shadow. Sleep in a yurt on the rim. Descend 600 stairs to stand at the base of 90-foot Hemlock Falls. This is the Southeast’s answer to the Grand Canyon, and it’s waiting for you.
📍 Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
📞 Phone: (706) 657-4050
