Cloudland Canyon State Park trail map [Mar. 2012]

Cloudland Canyon State Park Trail Map
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road Rising Fawn, GA 30738 706-657-4050 Reservations: 1-800-864-7275 GeorgiaStateParks.org
GATE
P
2.0 miles X 136

Sitton's Gulch Trail

Loop
West R im

136 136

PARK BOUNDARY

X 1.5 miles

Sitton's Gulch Trail

X 2.5 miles

P

Loo p Trail

X 1.0 mile

X 2.0 miles

X
6-9 3.0 miles

PARK BOUNDARY

Creek

X 1.5 miles

10 - 16
X 3.5 miles

Whiteoak Spring

1.0 mileX

X 0.5 mile

Hemlock

X Falls
4.0 miles

Trail Head

Cherokee

Yurt

Falls

1 - 5

Village X X4.5 miles

0.5 mile

O

verloo
1 - 4

k Trail

Bear

Bear Creek Backcountry Trail
(By permit only. Subject to closure.)
PARK BOUNDARY

ckcountry Trail

Private Property
Priv. Prop.

G3 P
DISC GOLF

Bear Creek Ba Creek

P X start
2.0 miles X 2 Mil e

Backc

0.5

mileX ountr

y

Tr

ail

1.5 miles X

X 1.0 mile

PARK BOUNDARY
189

PARK BOUNDARY

WAY

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PARK

5 Points Recreation Area Foot, Bike & Horse Trails
L E G E N D Cloudland Connector (multi-use) Multi-Use Beginner Intermediate Expert A larger map of the 5 Points section is on the other side of this brochure .
Ascalon Trailhead cars & horse trailers
P
Old Ascalon Road
FREE MOBILE APP DOWNLOAD

Long Branch Trailhead (cars & horse trailer - 5.6 miles)
157

P

5 Points Trailhead cars only

LEGEND

157

Hiking Trails

Bear Creek Backcountry Trail

2 mile Backcountry Trail

Overlook Trail

West Rim Loop Trail

Waterfalls Trail

Sitton Gulch Trail

Connector Trails

Symbols X Trail Mileage Markers
Paved Road Streams

Park Visitor Center

Interpretive Center

P Parking

Phone

Restrooms

Picnic Area

157

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
DISC GOLF
G3 Concessionaire

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's 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.

CLIMATE DATA FOR RISING FAWN, GEORGIA

Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avg. High
48F 53F 61F 70F 77F 84F 88F 87F 82F 72F 61F 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 - March 2012 - 30,000 | $4322

SitSItTToONn'S'GsULCGH TuRAlILch Trail

1500

1400

1300

1200

1100

1000

900 0

1 Miles

2

2.5

Sitton's Gulch Trail - approximately 2.5 linear miles Stairsteps and Compacted Natural Soil Surface Strenuous in difficulty.

Sitton's Gulch 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 2.5 linear miles long and considered strenuous due to several steep grades including 1,200 stairsteps.

TwTWoO--MMILEiBlAeCKCBOaUNcTRkYcLOoOPuntry Loop
1950

1900

1850

1800

1750

1700

0

1

2

Miles
Two-Mile Backcountry Loop - approximately 2 linear miles

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.

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.

WWeEsStT RRIMiTmRAIL Loop Trail

1900

1850

1800

1750

1700

1650

1600 0

1

2

3

4

5

Miles

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

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 sections.

5 Points Recreation Area Foot, Bike & Horse Trails
L E G E N D Cloudland Connector (multi-use) Multi-Use Beginner Intermediate Expert

WaLOtWeERrFfAaLLlSlTsRATILrail

1750

1700

1650

1600

1550

1500

1450

1400 0

1 Miles

Waterfalls Trail - approximately 2 miles roundtrip

Compacted Natural Soil Surface

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 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.

5 POINTS RECREATION AREA CLOUDLAND CONNECTOR TRAILS:
The 5 Points Recreation Area is comprised of 21 miles of combined single-track and multi-use trails. Passing through this area is the second section of the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail.
Section 1 (Long Branch) begins at the Nickajack Road Trailhead and extends 5.5 miles to Highway 157 crossing.
Section 2 (5 Points) begins on the west side of Highway 157 and extends 3 miles to the Ascalon Road Trailhead.
Section 3 (Price Branch) extends from Ascalon Road to Cloudland Canyon State Park and is slated for opening by
the end of 2013.
Once completed, the Cloudland Connector Trail system will host close to 30 miles of trails that will be open to the public seven days a week year round. It is owned and managed by Cloudland Canyon State Park. The Lula Lake Land Trust and Southern OffRoad Bicycle Association (SORBA) built and will maintain the trails. Funded by a grant from The Lyndhurst Foundation.

5 POINTS RECREATION AREA RULES: No motorized vehicles. Trails are open from 7 AM to sunset, 7 days a week. Trail difficulties are marked at the beginning of each trail. Trails may be closed due to weather or construction.
Obey any and all closures.
Stay on marked trails only. Respect private property boundaries. Horses are limited to the Cloudland Connector (green
dashed) and the Multi-Use trails (green & white dashed.)

TRAIL #

NAME

LENGTH (miles)

1

Cloudland Canyon

3.4

Connector Trail

2

Bankhead

0.4

3

Peace Can

1.2

4

Shale Flats

1.1

5

Tailings Run

1.5

6

Fuggett Lift

0.4

7

Windy Shot

0.8

8

Slickenside

0.9

9

Hanging Wall

0.4

10 Foot Wall

1.0

11 Kettle Bottom

2.3

12 Cross Cut

1.3

13 Back End

0.9

14 Bella's

0.8

15 Torino Hill

0.5

16 Mick's

1.3

17 Caprock

1.1

18 Caprock Cut Thru

0.2

19 North Hogsback

1.1

20 South Hogsback

0.3

21 Kettle Bottom

Alternate

0.1

TOTAL MILEAGE

21.0