If you have ever been to Rock City or Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN, you may hear that they are built on top of a mountain called Lookout Mountain. However, not many know that there is also another famous place that takes its name from Lookout Mountain's interesting geological characteristics. This place is called Cloudland Canyon. Protected by the Department of Natural Resources, this state park is home to the most scenic of places you will ever find in Georgia.
I was honored to have camped at this park last weekend with my girlfriend. The park is welcoming in the fall with all the leaves changing colors and falling with the wind. There are many deer within this park, and they take great advantage of the preservation of a state park. While driving through the park, I found not one, not three, but five deer cross the street right in front of me. It was adorable to see them and wonder how their lives must be like in this beautiful park.
Cloudland Canyon is home to numerous overlooks that will take you breath away. The park also has two famous waterfalls, Hemlock Falls (not to be confused with Moccasin Creek State Park) and the Cherokee Falls. The canyon itself was created a long time ago, similar to the Grand Canyon everyone knows about. Cloudland Canyon was formed millions of years ago by a large river that would force its way through mountains. A park ranger told us that this river washed away certain stones thus causing the canyon-like appearance of the two mountains to exist. Cloudland Canyon's formation, in its entirety, is a great mystery. However, when you visit this park, you will see how breathtaking the park truly is.
This park is also home to a trail called the West Rim, which takes you around the entire park to see both sides of the canyon. When we went last weekend, we were able to see magnificent views of the park from about six overlooks. There are other overlooks that we did not get to see, but we know they were just as beautiful. When you are at these overlooks, you feel as if you are looking over the world looking down at new land to be discovered.
Cloudland is also a great place to go camping. The park has a walk-in tent site that can hold a ton of people. Due to the recent smoke epidemic of north Georgia and a fire ban, no one was at the campsite, despite us. This made the experience just as memorable. The comfort station and even the sites themselves were fantastic!
If you ever find yourself wanting to visit Cloudland, which I recommend you do, it is located near Trenton, GA and is the only park in the North Western point of Georgia. You are even 30 minutes from the great city of Chattanooga where you can go to Ruby Falls and other nice places. The park, like all state parks, only costs $5 to park. So save up that gas money and head over to Cloudland Canyon. It will be both worth it and the best experience of your life!
