Cloudland Canyon State Park

Located in the extreme northwest corner of Georgia lies Cloudland Canyon State Park. The park is remote but very popular for those in the tri-state area. Situated on the same mountain ridge that hosts Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon has something for everyone.

Some of the most popular features of the park include hiking trails, picnic areas, cabins, campground, yurts, disc golf and a fishing pond. The park also has trails for horseback riding and mountain biking.

Three of the most popular hiking trails include the short Overlook Trail, the strenuous Waterfalls Trail and the moderate West Rim Loop Trail. I have hike all three in the past and each is unique but today my focus would be on the waterfall trail.

Waterfalls

The waterfall trail features 2 large and beautiful water falls, Hemlock and Cherokee. As advertised this is a strenuous hike as it rapidly drops into the canyon depths via 600 metal stairs.

For out of shape hikers like me these stairs can take their toll. I hadn’t hiked in a few months so I found myself stoping often on my return to the top. Luckily, there are many places to rest along the way so unless you have a serious physical condition you can make it. Just take your time and expect your body to yell at you the next day or two.

Helmock Falls is the taller of the two falls and is located at the very end of the trail and bottom of the Canyon. Once you reach the falls sit back on the wooden observation deck and enjoy the sounds and sites of the falls. If more adventurous explore the pool below the falls and maybe even take a dip before starting the grueling ascent up the stairs.

About halfway to the top the canyon the trail splits, leading to Cherokee Falls. The walk from the split is short and provides a level reprieve before the final push to the top. Cherokee Falls is wider than Hemlock Falls and not as tall. However that does not hinder its beauty. Once at the falls you will find plenty of places to sit and relax on the banks of the pool.

Once rested it is time to complete the 600 stairs to the canyon rim. After reaching the rim be sure to take a few minutes to rest and just enjoy the view of the canyon. Regardless of the time of year that you visit Cloudland Canyon State Park the view is awesome but the changing of the leaves the fall will provides an extra treat.

Other popular hikes

The Overlook trail. This is an easy hike that meanders along the rim of Cloudland Canyon. The trail offers impressive views of the state park’s rugged canyons and dense woodland. Be sure and hike down to the Main Overlook, arguably the best viewpoint in the park. At Overlook #2, turn around and retrace your steps for a one-mile round trip walk.

The West Rim Trail is a less strenuous but a longer hike. This popular trail was formerly rated by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top 10 hikes in the United States! It offers several scenic viewpoints of Cloudland Canyon as well as the more distant terrain. The rocky, rooty trail is most easily accessed from the Main Trailhead. The West Rim Loop Trail is a lollipop-style hike or loop trail as the first and last mile retraces the same section of trail, and there is a three-mile loop in the middle of the hike.

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a unique destination for any nature lover. If you find yourself in Southern Tennessee or northern Georgia/Alabama be sure to check it out. Maybe I will see you there.

Slow-LEE Hiking