Since the Georgia State Parks are open and our state is lifting shelter-in-place restrictions, we chose to hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Located 120 miles northwest from Atlanta, it’s almost in Tennessee near Chattanooga.  

Dear Hubbie (DH) and I hiked the rim trail years ago and more recently, we took the whole family on a Wild Cave tour. Click here to read the article “Muddy Adventures” I wrote for Atlanta Parent magazine.

The Trails

Cloudland Canyon offers over 60 miles of hiking trails ranging from the 1-mile Overlook Trail to the 14-mile Cloudland Connector Trail. Top-rated trails include the 5-mile Western Rim Loop Trail and the 2-mile Waterfalls Trail.

The Waterfalls Trail

At the Main Trailhead, we stood on the rim and looked at the vast canyon. Although only 1- mile (one-way), the strenuous-rated Waterfalls trail drops almost 400 feet in elevation and includes over 500 stairs. 

The trail follows the Western Rim Loop Trail past several rental cabins until it splits off to the right. Soon, we came to the first set of stairs that looked built right into the canyon’s side. To our right, water gingerly dripped from the rocky walls. To our left, we could see the trail continuing far below us.

After 0.5-miles, we came to the sign pointing to Cherokee Falls. Most people visit these falls before going to Hemlock Falls at the canyon’s bottom. Since I always say, “What goes down, must go up,” we chose to do the harder hike first.

Hemlock Falls

We continued straight down a set of stairs to Hemlock Falls. Every time I thought we had finished the stairs, the trail curved around to another set of stairs. Soon the roaring water in the distance let us know the falls were not too far away. 

From the viewing platform, we witnessed recent spring rains steadily plummet 90 feet to the pool below. Although we couldn’t get close to the waterfall, we sat on the wooden benches marveling at the natural beauty surrounding us.

We turned around and retraced the path high above the rapids where multiple “mini-waterfalls” crested over the rocks. At this point, hikers can return on the 1-mile trail back to the parking lot or join the 6-mile Sitton’s Gulch Trail. We walked a few yards onto Sitton’s Gulch Trail, crossing over a bridge to get a better view of the rapids. Constructed of metal grates, we could also see the fast-moving currents on the bridge below us.  

Returning back to the Waterfalls trail, the multiple sets of stairs greeted us. But it’s far better than not having stairs. With this attitude, the hike back up wasn’t as bad as I thought and I only sat down once on the many wooden benches provided at several of the landings.

Cherokee Falls

After climbing 3/4 of the stairs, we turned right at the sign for Cherokee Falls. Encountering more people and families, we walked on a relatively level path before passing gentle rapids on our right.

We turned a bend where rocks led right up to the water’s edge at Cherokee Falls. Although its vertical drop of 60 feet is smaller than Hemlock Falls, Cherokee Falls is no less alluring. Walking to the pool’s edge, we marveled at how crystal-clear the water was as we could see the rocks below the surface. 

If forced to make a choice between the two, I prefer these falls mainly because you can take your shoes off and dip your feet in the water. Also, the large rocks offer plenty of room to spread out to have a picnic or just relax. 

Parking, Fees and Facilities

Parking at all Georgia State Parks is $5 for a daily pass and we purchased it online to avoid dealing with cash and the pay stations. At this point, I think we may consider buying an annual Georgia State Parks pass for $50. During the pandemic, the park is limiting visitors if crowds become large. We visited in the morning on a weekday.

Hiking trails are open and there are clean restroom facilities in the parking lot. However, the interpretive center remains closed.

For more information, see the park’s website here.