CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet.
The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.)
Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park?s walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Be sure to stop by the office gift shop for hiking sticks, camping supplies, snacks, toys, disc golf supplies, books at more.
Outdoor lovers should not miss this park?s spectacular scenery.
Park Hours: 7AM-10PM(Please note: Gates lock at 10 p.m. No late access.)Office Hours: 8AM-5PM
Cloudland Canyon State Park is located near Chickamauga, Fort Payne and La Fayette
TWO-MILE BACKCOUNTRY LOOP TRAIL2 mile loop. Rated moderate.The Backcountry loop features Cloudland Canyon?s most inexpensive and secluded camping sites, situated within pristine hemlock groves. The trail itself passes through open woods, progressing down a moderate grade into a hollow, filled with spring and summer flowers. On the far end of the loop, a moderate climb brings hikers out of the hemlocks, back to level trail among oaks and hickories, and eventually back to the parking area.
WATERFALLS TRAILApproximately 1 mile round-trip. Rated moderate.The Waterfalls Trail begins on a paved section, at the main overlook, and progresses into the canyon on a 40-degree slope. Most of the trail consists of gravel and stair-steps, numbering over 400 in all. Both waterfalls cascade off of sheer faces at 60 and 90 feet, and are among the most beautiful in the state. A strenuous and time-consuming, two-mile hike, swimming and climbing on rocks are strictly forbidden, and regulations are enforced.
WEST RIM LOOP TRAIL4.8 miles. Rated moderate.The West Rim Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. Beginning at the Daniels Creek Bridge, and climbing out of the canyon onto the plateau, the trail provides magnificent views of Trenton, Georgia, neighboring Sand Mountain, and of Cloudland Canyon itself. Cottages, West Rim, and Walk-In Camping areas are accessible via the West Rim Loop. Passing over varied terrain, most of the hike is moderately difficult, becoming strenuous on several short sections.
Located on Ga. Route 136, 8 miles east of Trenton and I-59, and 18 miles west of LaFayette.
The highlight of the park is the Canyon. The West Rim Loop Trail has stunning views from the edge of the canyon that leave you in awe of the scenery. This moderate 5 mile long trail offers a different photo opportunity around each turn. I would also recommend a walk down (and remember 300 feet of elevation gain back up) the Waterfalls trail to see Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls. For the non hikers, there is also a paved easy trail (Meadowlands Trail) with another stunning view. The camp sites are set in a wooded setting and not too close together. I really need to come back when the colors turn in October. 
Do not even think about this trail if you have young children with you! I hiked it with my 3 children ages 6-10 and to my surprise found ourselves on a skinny path with NO guardrail or fence! There is a cliff where one wrong move one can plummet down. I still have nightmares. I am a nature lover but strongly believe that section should be fenced off immediately before a tragedy.
My husband and I love coming to Cloudland Canyon State Park for a relaxing getaway. Beautiful scenery and trails. If you need something else to do, Chattanooga is not far away, or Fort Payne where you can visit the Alabama Museum.
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