10 Notes On Visiting Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon is a Georgia State Park in the far northeast of Georgia. I’ve been able to visit several times including on day trips, yurt trips, cabin trips, and camping trips. Here are a few notes on visiting.
Cloudland Canyon Is Georgia’s Most Scenic Park

Despite spending most of childhood abroad, I am a native Georgian and I’ve heard about Cloudland Canyon for most of my life. It was always the State Park that people planned to go to…but never actually went. I couldn’t help but think it might be a little overhyped by the Georgia Tourism, sort of like Providence Canyon.
It is not overhyped.
Cloudland Canyon is actually Georgia’s most scenic park.
I’ve been able to visit more than 40 of Georgia’s State Parks. Cloudland Canyon is all that.
The Waterfalls (both!) Are Stunning

I though the Canyon was the main attraction. And it is.
But the waterfalls in the bottom of the Canyon are a big “but wait! there’s more!”
They are quite a hike down and up – but are both absolutely worth it.
The Hiking Is World Class
Cloudland Canyon ranks up there with Fort Mountain and FD Roosevelt State Parks for the best hiking in the Georgia State Park system.
The Parks Has an Incredible Mix of Lodging
Unlike a lot of State Parks, Cloudland Canyon has the full spectrum of lodging options.
They have actual backcountry campsites – like you have to backpack a few miles in. They have walk-in sites where you are near-ish to your car, but you are away from the parking lot. They have regular tent camping but still near your car and electricity. And they have lovely cabins overlooking the Canyon.
There Are Lots of “Extras”

But Cloudland Canyon is more than Canyons and waterfalls. They also have fishing lakes, caving (like spelunking!), a huge disc golf course, and even a huge system of mountain bike trails.
The Drive Is Much More Accessible Than I Expected
The drive over from I-75 is pretty straightforward. But I was very surprised by how close the Park is from I-59 which loops up to Chattanooga.
Private Land Is Closer Than I Expected
One downside is that there is quite a bit of private land around the Canyon. There’s even an awkward inholding inside the Park. I wish the State had bought up more when they could back in the 1930s.
The West Rim Trail Is Scary For Parents

The West Rim Trail makes for incredible hiking. But they keep it very real. There are “railings” but it is very much open. Not recommended for parents of super young children.
Now, for cautiously-brave children, the trail is a thrill.
The Hemlocks Are Being Dying (but Might be Saved!)
A big reason the Park is so scenic is the population of Eastern Hemlocks.
However, they have all been hit hard by the Woolly Adeglid. Many of the biggest, mature trees are being vaccinated to ensure a healthy new generation 50 years from now.
But for right now, hurry to see the Park before the forest transitions.
The Park Is All that & Worth A Trip
Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of the first Parks I recommend to out of staters to see. And I think it ranks in Georgia’s Eight Must Visit places for citizens, right up with the Okefenokee and Cumberland Island.
It’s a true treasure – an old, forested canyon. Plan a trip!