Work off that Turkey dinner and join us Friday, November 23rd through Sunday November 25th for an exploratory camping & hiking adventure at Cloudland Canyon State Park, in Rising Fawn, GA!

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 Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. 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 (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park's walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery.   http://www.gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

This is a first time hiking adventure for us leaders and thought this would be a great place to explore!

We have reserved Pioneer group site #4 from Friday, November 23rd through Sunday, November 25th. This site accommodates a maximum of 25 people, has a fire ring and tables, outhouse, water spigot, and a covered pavilion nearby, but no showers or tent pads. It is approximately 200 yards from the parking lot. There will be bathhouse accessibility at the western rim campground approximately 1 mile away w/a $3.00 shower fee. The cost will be divided among all people participating, and is estimated around $10-20.00 per person for the entire weekend.

When you RSVP here, you'll pay a $10 deposit and we'll figure out overage/underage and refund or collect more money depending on the total number of campers who attend.

*If you would prefer to camp at a walk-in site or an electric site please be aware there is a 3 night minimum. Walk-in sites along the West Rim Loop Trail cost $16.00 ea/night. For those interested in electric sites please plan to stay on the west rim (below the walk-in sites). These sites are $25.00 each/ night for a tent. Both walk-in and electric sites have shower/bath houses.  *All sites must be reserved in advance, but are NOT site-specific, meaning that you will be guaranteed a space for either walk-in or electric sites, but can only be selected on a first-come first-serve basis. (Refunds available within 72 hours of reservation date).

Please click on the link below for more details and reservations:

http://www.georgia.reserveworld.com/CampGroundInfo.aspx?i=148&p=R

For more information call [masked], for reservations call [masked]

Map of Cloudland Canyon, trails & legends: http://www.gastateparks.org/content/Georgia/parks/trail_maps/CloudlandCanyon-2012.pdf

Trails at Cloudland Canyon: http://www.gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon-Hiking

Proposed Itinerary:

Friday, November 23rd, Check-in time is at 1 p.m. EASTERN. After getting settled in we will explore 1 or more of the shorter local hikes; Sitton’s Gulf Loop trail (2.5 miles), Waterfalls Trail (2 miles), and/or the Overlook Trail (.5 mile). Time TBA.

Saturday, November 24th we will meet-up at 10:30am (EST), at the Back Country Trail parking lot where we will hike .5 miles to the Bear Creek Back Country trailhead. From there we will hike a 9-mile STRENUOUS loop, which includes hiking into a gorge with an elevation change of approximately 1,000 ft.  Approximate hike time, including lunch break, will be 6 hours.  There will be a wide creek crossing so bring waterproof/water shoes and a change of socks. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. The weather averages a low of 36 degrees and a high of 60 degrees, so dress in layers, and always be prepared for rain.  Alert: THIS IS A STRENUOUS HIKE!

Sunday, November 25th, there will be an optional hike TBA: Possibly the West Rim Loop trail (5 miles). Check out time for campsite @ 1:00pm Sunday.

What to Bring: Car camping gear, warm clothes, waterproof hiking boots, water-shoes, plenty of socks, hiking poles, food, water, cooking supplies, utensils, rain gear and a great attitude!

Well Behaved dogs on a leash are permitted.

Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd.
Rising Fawn, GA 30738 
http://goo.gl/maps/JUdME

GPS Coordinates:N 34.8402630 | W -85.4828810

Located on Ga. Route 136, 8 miles east of Trenton and I-59 (Exit #11), and 18 miles west of LaFayette.