Cloudland Canyon State Park trail map [Sept. 2010]

Cloudland Canyon State Park Trail Map

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road Rising Fawn, GA 30738 706-657-4050 Reservations: 1-800-864-7275 www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

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LEGEND
Hiking Trails
2 mile Backcountry Trail Overlook Trail West Rim Loop Trail Waterfalls Trail Sitton Gulch Trail Connector Trails
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Sitton's Gulch Trail

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Sitton's Gulch Trail

Park Visitor Center Interpretive Center
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Phone Restrooms Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Playground Bridge Overlook Observation Tower Cottage Backcountry Campsite Pioneer Camping Area Group Shelter Group Lodge RV and Tent Camping RV Dump Station Disc Golf Course
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LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PARK

Cloudland Canyon State Park, established in 1938, is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain. This is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by combined waters of Bear and Daniel Creeks, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,900 feet. The creeks flow north out of the park, not conforming to the typical drainage pattern of the area. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail.
Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into the pools below. The hiking trail begins the descent to Daniel Creek, which forms the waterfalls and drops into Sitton Gulch. Two waterfalls can be found along this trail, one nearly 100 feet high. The quantity of water over the falls varies greatly from season to season. The water falls into large splash pools and then continues to cascade down over the boulder-strewn streambed. Each of the waterfalls has its own distinctive beauty, making the hike down and back well worth the trip.
The West Rim Trail leads to a picturesque footbridge over Daniel Creek and then continues on the west rim side of the canyon. This side also has gorgeous overlook areas into the canyon and western escarpment of Lookout Mountain, where you can look down on the towns of Trenton and Lookout Valley, a drop of more than 1,200 feet. The trail goes north along this rim to stone steps and a spectacular rocky point overlook. There are a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and bushes in the park, as well as mosses, ferns, mushrooms, and wildflowers. The park is gorgeous at any time of the year, but it is even more beautiful in the spring and fall. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery.
Cloudland Canyon has has been selected as one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Georgia. There is an observation tower where, on occassion, you can watch deer, turkey, rabbits and more grazing around a small pond.
In addition to the hiking, picnicking, and playground facilities, there are also campsites, cottages, group lodging, group shelters, picnic shelters, disc golf and tennis courts. Cloudland Canyon State Park is operated by Georgia's Department of Natural Resources under the Parks and Historic Sites Division. This division is dedicated to conserving Georgia's beauty and history for present and future generations.

PARK TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Sitton's Gulch Loop Trail SITTON'S GULCH TRAIL

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Sitton's Gulch Loop Trail - approximately 6.5 miles roundtrip Stairsteps and Compacted Natural Soil Surface Strenuous in difficulty.

Sitton's Gulch Loop Trail begins in the main overlook area as a part of the second waterfall trail, winding down stairsteps and officially beginning at the new Daniel's Creek bridge. The trail follows Daniel Creek through open, green hemlock groves and overlooks numerous small waterfalls cascading through limestone crevaces. There are excellent spring wildflowers displayed in the loop section of the trail and the autumn color is magnificent. Sitton's Gulch Trail is 5 miles long and 5 considered strenuous due to several steep grades including 1,200 stairsteps.

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Two-Mile Backcountry Loop - approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip Compacted Natural Soil Surface Moderate in difficulty.

The Backcountry loop features Cloudland Canyon's most inexpensive and secluded camping sites, situated within pristine hemlock groves. The trail passes through open woods, progressing down a moderate grade into a hollow, filled with spring and summer flowers. On the far end of the loop, a moderate climb brings hikers out of the hemlocks, back to level trail among oaks and hickories, and eventually back to the parking area.

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Waterfalls Trail - approximately 2 miles roundtrip Compacted Natural Soil Surface Strenuous in difficulty.

West Rim Loop Trail WEST RIM TRAIL

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West Rim Loop Trail - 5 miles Compacted Natural Soil Surface Moderate to Strenuous in difficulty.

The Waterfalls Trail begins on a paved section, at the main overlook, and progresses into the canyon on a 40-degree slope. Most of the trail consists of gravel and stairsteps, numbering over 1,200 in all. Both waterfalls cascade off of sheer faces at 60 and 90 feet, and are among the most beautiful in the state. A strenuous and time-consuming, two-mile hike, swimming and climbing on rocks are strictly forbidden, and regulations are enforced.
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The West Rim Loop Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. Beginning at the Daniel Creek Bridge, and climbing out of the canyon onto the plateau, the trail provides magnificent views of Trenton, Georgia, neighboring Sand Mountain, and of Cloudland Canyon itself. Cottages, West Rim and Walk-In Camping areas are accessible via the West Rim Loop. Passing over varied terrain, most of the hike is moderately difficult, becoming strenuous on several short 5 sections.

SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing inlayers and carrying rain gear. Avoid wearing cotton. Today's hikers can choose from numerous fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly or conserve heat. Many experienced hikers wear a lightweight shirt that wicks moisture, while carrying a fleece pullover and rain jacket.
Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Don't count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
Invest in good hiking socks such as those found at sporting goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying "moleskin" and applying it as soon as you feel a hot spot on your feet. Available in the foot care section of drug stores, moleskin is like felt that sticks to your skin.
Pack out all trash.
Keep pets on a leash.
Do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife.
Protect the landscape by staying on trails.

CLIMATE DATA FOR RISING FAWN, GEORGIA

Avg. Month High
Jan 48F Feb 53F Mar 61F Apr 70F May 77F Jun 84F Jul 88F Aug 87F Sep 82F Oct 72F Nov 61F Dec 51F

Avg.

Avg.

Low Mean Precip. Record High

26F 37F 6.06 in 28F 41F 5.62 in 35F 48F 6.57 in 42F 56F 4.73 in 52F 64F 4.70 in 60F 72F 4.33 in 65F 76F 5.18 in 64F 75F 3.49 in 57F 69F 4.27 in 44F 58F 3.29 in 36F 49F 5.00 in 29F 40F 5.12 in

77F (1950) 80F (1962) 84F (1982) 89F (1986) 94F (1962) 101F (1952) 105F (1952) 105F (1954) 100F (1954) 93F (1954) 84F (1961) 78F (1951)

Record Low
-14F (1985) -12F (1958) 2F (1980) 19F (1992) 29F (1971) 35F (1966) 45F (1967) 46F (2004) 29F (1967) 19F (1961) -2F (1950) -8F (1962)

printed on recycled paper - September 2010 - 20M | $1860