Cloudland Canyon
Park Overview
What a view! Cloudland canyon has got to be one of the most scenic state parks in the country. The 3,000 acre park features a thousand foot deep canyon, formed by millions of years of gradual erosion as Bear creek, Daniel creek, and Sitton Gulch Creek flowed from the highlands of north Georgia surrounding Lookout Mountain into the Tennessee River.
Southern Appalachia is a region ridden with canyons, gulches, and ravines. just minutes from Cloudland Canyon, the 26 mile long Tennessee River Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Southeast, leaves visitors, hikers, climbers, and passers by in awe. On the opposite side of the state, near the Carolinas, Tallulah Gorge state park remains a must see destination for outdoors enthusiasts. The Ocoee, Hiawassee, and Tellico Rivers draw thousands, if not millions of guests to the mountains of East Tennessee for rafting, kayaking, hiking, and climbing.
Cloudland Canyon boasts over 65 miles of hiking trails, 30 miles of mountain bike trails, 16 miles of equestrian trails, 119 marked campsites, 10 yurts, and over 16 cottages. The park also offers fishing, cave tours, mountain bike rentals, Geocaching, and a disc golf track.
My Park Experience
Despite a 2 hour drive, I was able to make it too the park early in the morning. (about an hour after sunrise) and thankfully the thick fog that plagued me the drive up led to a stunning cloud inversion when i was actually on the rim of the canyon.
for about the first hour, I ambled around the overlook trail near the interpretative center and the campsites. The Park's overlooks are placed perfectly to give the most awe inspiring views of the canyon below and Tennessee Valley in the distance. the cloud inversion made it even better. After about an hour taking in the natural beauty, I began to drive to the park's visitor center/ranger station. This was where I was abruptly reminded that I was in a Georgia state park; for those who are new here I have a bit of a nemesis in the Georgia state parks system stemming from Redtop Mountain State park in my home town. The Ranger station was on a side road directly off from the main entrance. The ranger station was in disappointing condition to say the least. Bathrooms were open but an absolute disaster for having been open only 30 minutes. I will say that the staff was exceptionally friendly, however. I inquired about the mountain bike rentals so that I could possibly experience the parks renowned mountain bike section. however, i decided against it after some consideration, I would rather hike into the canyon and try some free climbing. Additionally, the park attempted to charge a sales tax for the rental. The GA DNR and all government agencies are exempt from sales tax.
Aside from Georgia state parks, the hike around the west rim boasted some of the best views in the region. The hike down to Cherokee and Hemlock falls was enjoyable, though I didn't care for the amount of stairs used to descale the canyon. there is also a 3 mile trail that traces the creeks at the bottom of the canyon that I began to descend, but decided against for the sake of time and heat.
Ultimately, Cloudland Canyon State park is a must see destination in the region, and 100% worth the drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Greenville, or East Tennessee.