About
Put on your hiking boots, grab water and food, and prepare for a wondrous hiking adventure!
Cloudland Canyon is on the southern edge of Lookout Mountain and captures the essence of pristine beauty and wild ruggedness.
The canyon was formed through the gradual erosion caused by Sitton Gulch Creek, cutting into the sandstone. Today's result is a stunning scenery of sheer cliffs, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls.
Nature lovers will marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that call Cloudland Canyon home.
Until 1938, the canyon was known by locals as Sitton Gulch (or Gulf) or Trenton Gulf since the nearby city was Trenton, Georgia. Since the area was privately owned, Georgia acquired the land over time. During the Great Depression, with FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC,) the area became a park. After exhaustive work by the CCC, the park opened in 1939 with a new name: Cloudland Canyon.
Visitors to Cloudland Canyon are privy to a rich palette of natural wonders. Cloudland Canyon is a photographer's paradise, from the mist-shrouded waterfalls tumbling off steep cliffs to the sweeping views from the canyon rim.
As the seasons change, so does Cloudland Canyon. In the spring, colorful wildflowers dot the greenery. Autumn hosts red, yellow, and orange hues exploding across the valley. In winter, the bare trees and snow-capped cliffs present a stark but beautiful contrast.
Exploring Cloudland Canyon is where you can reconnect with nature, feel the wind in your hair, hear the rustling of leaves, and lose yourself in the grandeur of nature.
So load up your backpack and hiking gear and discover what adventures await at Cloudland Canyon!
Fun Facts & Cool Features
Cloudland Canyon State Park is nestled in the heart of Georgia's stunning mountainous landscape near Lookout Mountain.
One of the park's most spectacular features is the Sitton's Gulch Trail. The 4.8-mile out-and-back trail is a moderately challenging route. Plan on it taking 2.5 hours to complete.
The best times to hike are March through October, and because it's popular, expect to see other trekkers. Adventurers are rewarded with stunning views of Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, two majestic cascades that plunge dramatically into the canyon below.
Cloudland Canyon is a haven for bird watchers since it's home to various species like the Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, and the American Goldfinch.
The park transforms into a painter's palette of reds, oranges, and yellows in the autumn months, making it a popular destination for leaf peepers.
Getting There
Getting to Cloudland Canyon from Lookout Mountain is relatively straightforward.
- Start on Scenic Highway 189 E from Lookout Mountain
- Continue onto GA-136 E
- Turn right onto GA-189 N
- Continue onto GA-136 E
- Turn left onto Nickajack Rd
- Turn right onto GA-189 N
- Continue onto GA-136 E
- Turn right onto Cloudland Canyon Park Rd
The journey is approximately 12 miles and should take 30 minutes by car. Always check the local traffic reports for delays or road works affecting your journey.
Cost
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Cloudland Canyon.
- Daily parking fee: $5
- Annual pass: $50
- Camping starts at $15 per night
Please note: Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Don't miss out on the stunning views from the lookout points - they're breathtaking!
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails.
- Wear sturdy shoes when hiking because the terrain can be challenging.
- The cooler months offer a less crowded experience, and the fall colors are spectacular.
- Don't forget to bring your camera - the canyon offers beautiful photo opportunities.
- If you're camping, remember to pack warm - it can get chilly at night.