Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland's Sitton Creek Gulch

Essentials

Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours Directions: Drive north on I-75 to Chattanooga to I-24. Head west on I-24 to I-59 back into Georgia. Take I-24 to Trenton. From Trenton take GA 136 east to Lookout Mountain. Cloudland Canyon will beon your left. Information: 706-657-4050 Reservations: Yes Fee: Campsites are for standard sites and $8 for walk-in tent sites. Open: Yes

Cloudland Canyon State Park

High atop Cloudland Canyon's Lookout Mountain is a spectacular tent-only campground that makes a delightful respite from the chaos of downtown Atlanta . Cloudland is a perfect example of a state stepping in just in time to preserve a special slice of nature for all of us to enjoy. Nearby Sitton Creek has carved a gorge on the mountain's western edge, providing breathtaking vistas from the rim of the gorge into the lands below the grounds.

On my last trip, fall had reached Lookout Mountain. Colorful maples and oaks mingled with the green pines against a backdrop of deep blue skies. We set out on the five-mile West Rim Loop Trail, crossing Daniel Creek and skirting the Daniel Creek Gorge, where we could see the three gorges of Cloudland Canyon simultaneously. Eventually we reached the side trail leading to the walk-in tent campground. Side trails near the site will take you to the park's two waterfalls. Campers also may want to consider Cloudland's Backcountry Loop, where more vistas and great overnight spots await.

The area has three campgrounds, but the walk-in tent campground is by far the best. It's located in an attractive pine-oak woodland farthest from park developments—some of its sites may be 3/4 mile from your car, but they're worth every step.

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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 30 Jun 2003
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.