Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a protected area on Lookout Mountain near Rising Fawn in Dade County, featuring sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and two waterfalls. The terrain covers roughly 14 square kilometers (3,538 acres) and offers more than 100 kilometers (64 miles) of trails through forests and along canyon rims.

The area was established in 1938 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to protect the geological formations of the Cumberland Plateau. This region displays rock layers from the Paleozoic era, shaped by erosion over millions of years.

The name refers to the mist layers that often collect in the valleys, making the rock formation appear to float above the clouds. Hikers encounter traces of the original Cumberland Plateau wilderness, where forests and gorges have been protected for decades.

The reserve offers accommodation in cabins, yurts, and at several campgrounds, including remote backcountry tent sites. Many routes are steep and require good fitness, especially the waterfall trails with numerous steps.

Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls lie deep in the gorge and are reached by a steep staircase of around 600 steps. The descent passes through different vegetation zones, from dry plateau to moist canyon floor.

Location: Dade County

Inception: 1938

Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Phone: +17066574050

Website: https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

GPS coordinates: 34.84026,-85.48288

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:44