Cloudland Canyon State Park

Logging My Favorites

Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, one of our much loved camping locations is Cloudland Canyon. It is tucked away in a corner of Georgia so remote that until the early 20th century it was only accessible from neighboring Alabama or Tennessee. The 3,485-acre park is one of the largest and most scenic state parks in Georgia.

The park provides beautiful vistas of the rugged geology of this area. Chiseled by wind, water, ice and gravity, Cloudland’s rugged beauty is a joy year-round; each season offering special sights and sounds. Fall is by far my favorite time to visit.

A deep gorge runs through the park, which is filled with creeks, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The sound of rushing water fills the air, but due to the heavy tree cover it can only be heard and not seen. The only way to see the water is a strenuous hike down to the canyon floor (including a 600 step staircase); it is not a walk for the faint of heart!

It is said that at night, after the campfires are out and the campers have retired to their tents, a ghost wanders the park leaving footprints behind him. He is seen on horseback and in the garb of a Cherokee brave. I have not seen the ghost, but many campers report seeing him at their campsite and finding the tracks of an unshod horse when they wake up in the morning. He seems to be watching the campers, but the sightings are not described as frightened encounters and many believe the Native American is there to protect the land and its forest residents. I can see why he would want to stay in the park even after death, it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever camped.

Cheers!
Lori In Blue Ridge, GA