Join us Saturday, November 24th for an exploratory hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park, just south of Chattanooga! This is a day-hike option for those not able to camp all weekend.

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.  Outdoor lovers should not miss this park's spectacular scenery.   http://www.gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

Itinerary:

Saturday, November 24th we will meet-up at 10:30am (EST), at the Cloudland Canyon State Park, Main Parking Lot, where the overlook, interpretive center, rest room facilities, etc., is. Just stay straight on the park road and it is almost the last thing you come to.

From there we will drive to the Bear Creek trail head parking lot. Then 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 5-6 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!

FYI- There will NOT be an organized Meetup in Nashville for this hike.

The estimated drive time from Nashville is about 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that our hike time will be an hour ahead, on Eastern time.

There is an option to camp with other group members on Saturday night at the Pioneer Group site #4 for only $10/person. If you would like to participate in camping out please let me know so we do not exceed our limit of 25 persons...

For more information 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

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

Well Behaved dogs on a leash are permitted.

Directions:

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.