Cloudland Canyon is beautiful, but I think I have been spoiled by living so close to the wild and wonderful North Carolina mountains. The park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and is billed as “one of the most scenic parks” in Georgia offering rugged geology and exceptional hiking. We had a lot of fun in the short time that we were there. I think if we had been there longer, Cocoa would have given it a “four paws” rating.

It was tough to photograph. There was lots of really bright light transitioning to deep shadows at this time of the year. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and the elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. I don’t know if I will ever hike down to the waterfalls at the bottom of the canyon simply because of the steps that take you there. They are metal and you can see through them! The dogs freak out over these. We had a couple of levels to go down to get to this observation point in the photo above, and it was tough on Cocoa and Chip. I don’t know why the park service does this. My guess is that they are much more durable than wood and allow snow and ice to filter through.

Lots of views like this one from across the gorge. Makes me miss dramatic Tallulah Gorge just north of Toccoa on Hwy 441.

The most spectacular view into the canyon is an easy walk from the picnic area. Backpackers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can explore several miles on the Cloudland Connector Trail, which I’m sure I’ll do at some point in the future. But I will probably wait until summer and will study the park’s map before returning.

Now on to something else like photographing the deer at Berry College! I also have my eye set on the Len Foote Hike Inn for an overnight adventure. This is getting a little crazy, but I’m beginning to consider doing some day hiking along the AT with Cocoa and crew. 🙂

Pin It