Carved into Lookout Mountain’s western face, Cloudland Canyon State Park has everything you’d want in a mountain adventure: towering cliffs and waterfalls, panoramic views, caves and more.

This rugged gorge, less than a thirty-minute drive south of the Chanticleer Inn, is Lookout Mountain at its wildest. But don’t be intimidated – Cloudland Canyon is wildly accessible.

Cloudland Canyon is a top-down hiking experience, with trails along the rim of the canyon and a more strenuous one leading deep into the gorge. 

Visitors are rewarded with a spectacular view upon arriving at the Main Overlook. From here, the trail splits into radically different hikes.

If you’re up for the challenge, the Waterfalls Trail is the main attraction. It descends steeply – very steeply – and includes a series of staircases at its most vertical sections.

At different tiers, the trail leads to Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls, both popular swimming spots in the summer. Though only a 2-mile round trip hike, keep in mind that the 436 foot descent requires a 436 foot ascent back to the top, which can be more laborious than expected. 

For those wanting a moderate hike, it’s best to stick to the top. The Overlook Trail offers a one-mile round trip hike along the canyon’s rim. If you have more time, the five-mile round trip West Rim Loop Trail features greater vantage points of the canyon and beyond.

What’s more, the mountaintop offers many things to do without barely breaking a sweat. There’s places to camp, fish, mountain bike, horseback ride, have a picnic and even play an entire round of disc golf!

Cloudland Canyon is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.

Explore Lookout Mountain’s wild side during your next stay with us!