What: Cloudland Canyon State Park
Where: Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Activities: Hiking, camping and cabin rentals, outdoor education and recreationIf you’re looking for an outdoor-oriented day trip or overnight outing in the woods, consider Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of Georgia’s largest and most scenic state parks located just 45 minutes South of Chattanooga.
Situated on the Cumberland Plateau atop Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park straddles a deep gorge created by Sitton Gulch Creek. Designated a Georgia State Park in 1939, the park protects 3,485 acres of the canyon that is historically known as Sitton Gulch.
Cloudland Canyon State Park offers days-worth of outdoor family fun: miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, camping and cabin rentals, and fun outdoor programming – all within a 45-minute drive of Chattanooga.
Trail Overview
Cloudland Canyon State Park features a number of trails that vary in length and difficulty:
- Waterfalls Trail (approx. 2 miles round-trip): Rated a strenuous hike, this trail begins at the main canyon overlook and progresses into the canyon on a 40-degree slope. Most of the trail consists of gravel and stair steps – 1,200 steps, to be exact – but all the hard work is rewarded with views of two beautiful waterfalls, which cascade off sheer faces at 60 and 90 feet.
- West Rim Loop Trail (5 mile loop): Rated a moderate to strenuous hike, this trail begins at Daniels Creek Bridge and provides scenic overlooks of Cloudland Canyon.
- Sitton’s Gulch Loop Trail (approx. 6.5 miles round-trip): Rated a strenuous hike due to several steep grades and 1,200 stair steps, this trail follows Daniels Creek and offers overlooks of several small waterfalls.
- Long Branch Trail (5.6 miles one-way): Rated a moderate hike, this trail is the first completed section of the Cloudland Connector Trail, a multi-use trail that is cooperatively managed by the Lula Lake Land Trust and the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
- Backcountry Loop Trail (approx. 2 miles round-trip): Rated a moderate hike, this trail features the park’s secluded camping sites, which are situated within pristine hemlock groves. The trail passes through open woods, progresses into a hollow and returns back to the parking area.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Trail (approx. 2.5 miles long): This paved trail overlooks the rim of Cloudland Canyon.
Overnight Facilities
For families and individuals who want to stay overnight in Cloudland Canyon, facilities in the park include: 16 rental cottages ($125-$145), two of which are dog-friendly; a group lodge that sleeps 40 ($205); tent, trailer and RV campsites ($25-$28) with bath facilities; walk-in campsites ($15); backcountry campsites ($6 per person); and a pioneer campground ($50).
To make a reservation, call (800) 864-7275.
Outdoor Fun Recommendations
Hayrides & Evening Campfires: Beginning Saturday, October 1, Cloudland Canyon State Park will feature hour-long hayrides each Saturday in October and November. Rides will begin on the hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The park will also feature campfire fun on Saturdays in October and November for those who want to roast marshmallows and/or hotdogs over a campfire ($3 adults, $1 children ages 2-12). Storytelling and music will also be featured. Bring your own food or purchase food at the park gift shop to benefit the Friends of Cloudland Canyon.
Disc Golf: If you enjoy disc golf or want to give it a try, Cloudland Canyon State Park is home to a popular 18-hole Disc Golf Course. The course begins on top of one of the highest points in the park and winds up and down several hills. The holes are well-marked with signs and concrete tee pads. Discs are available for rent or sale in the park’s gift shop.
Georgia Girl Guides: Georgia Girl Guides is a private company that offers cave tours, guided hikes and backpacking trips in Cloudland Canyon and the Northwest Georgia Mountains. Company owners Christine Rose and Amy Ward, both former employees of Cloudland Canyon State Park, started their company in 2011 to offer guided outdoor adventures. Currently, Georgia Girl Guides are permitted to offer guided tours of Sitton Cave in Cloudland Canyon, one of two caves within the park. Visit the Georgia Girl Guides website for a complete schedule of cave tours and hikes at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
For a complete schedule of programs and activities at Cloudland Canyon State Park, visit the park's website or call (706) 657-4050.
