Explore Cloudland Canyon

Located in the northwest part of the state, Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia's most beautiful state parks and was the site of one of the Georgia Conservancy’s signature trips held the weekend of June 30-31, 2011. Activities included music, games, hiking and caving (more on caving later).

See pictures from the weekend here >>

From the Georgia State Parks website:
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and exceptional hiking. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation ranges from 800 at the canyon floor to 1,980 feet at the rim.

The most spectacular view of the canyon is an easy walk from the picnic area; however, hikers can also explore a rim trail or journey to the canyon floor by a series of staircases.  Two waterfalls cascade over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below, with their flow depending on recent rains. This Waterfalls Trail is part of the popular Canyon Climbers Club.

Overnight guests can choose from cottages near the canyon edge, a modern campground and spacious, walk-in tent sites. Backpackers can enjoy camping in a hemlock grove on the 2-mile Backcountry Loop.

Click here to see a map of Cloudland Canyon>>

Click here for a geological history of the canyon>>

Staying in Cloudland Canyon

There are many options when staying at Cloudland Canyon, from a group lodge that will fit you and all of your friends to primitive campsites a short hike away from the parking area.

1. Group Lodge: Sleeps 40 people (only $200 a night).  A great bunkhouse, but make sure you rent the small cabin located next to the Group Lodge if you want more privacy or separate accommodations for group leaders. 
   
   
2. Cottages: Like all Georgia State Park cabins, they are affordable and very well appointed. Canyon views and walking trails are literally right outside you door.
   
   
3. Campsites: Perfect for car and RV camping.
   
   
4. Walk-in campsites: A little more “natural” than the other campsites, and only a short distance from the parking lot.
   
   
5. Primitive campsites: These campsites are at least a ½ mile from the parking lot and are best suited for those looking to “rough it” overnight.

Caving

The purpose of this “do it yourself” description is to educate experienced cavers about the opportunities at Cloudland Canyon and to encourage the general public to learn more about caving. Do not enter a wild cave without an experienced guide and DO NOT GO ALONE. The provided description is to be used for informational purposes only. The Georgia Conservancy and its employees are not responsible for any harm caused by the use or misuse of this information.

One of the activities participants enjoyed on our trip to Cloudland Canyon was an expedition into Sitton’s Cave. Sitton’s is a wild (and sometimes WET) cave located at the bottom of the canyon on State Park property. Visitors must proceed with caution. Experienced guides led our expedition into Sitton’s Cave and we encourage you to check out our list of caving groups and organizations at the bottom of this page.

Directions to Sitton's Cave:

From Cloudland Canyon State Park, turn right onto 136 and head towards Trenton. After a steep decent, take a right on Canyon Park Drive. Take another right on Canyon Park Drive (it’s a loop) and the parking lot is on your right. When you park, you will see two “changing stations” on the left  (no bathrooms – just an area for changing clothes).

The trail to the cave's two entrances is unmarked, and located on your right as you pull into the parking lot. You will feel the cold air from the first (and more challenging) entrance as you walk towards the mountain. But if you keep following the trail straight ahead and to the right, up the base of the mountain, you will make your way to the large, second entrance. Again, we recommend you do not enter the cave without an experienced guide.

Things to remember:

1. Get a permit and a cave map from Cloudland Canyon State Park. Sitton’s Cave is only open certain months of the year – so call in advance.
   
   
2. Let the Cloudland Canyon Park Staff know when you start your trip and when you finish.
   
   
3. Make sure to follow these guidelines for caving equipment. Most importantly, have at least two sources of light, a first-aid kit, food, batteries and emergency clothes.
   
   
4. It ‘s up to every single visitor to respect the cave you visit;  we must keep them clean, minimize contact with formations and under NO circumstances leave graffiti.

More about caving, caving associations and local groups

The National Speleological Society (NSS) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the scientific study of caves and karst; protecting caves and their natural contents through conservation, ownership, stewardship, and public education; and promoting responsible cave exploration and fellowship among those interested in caves.

What is a Grotto?

The NSS is made up of individual members. In many parts of the country, these members have formed local grottos or chapters and regional organizations. These groups sponsor trips, offer training, teach and practice cave conservation and generally provide a framework for studying caves. Most grottos will welcome new members who are interested in caves and committed to cave conservation.

Athens Speleological Society
157 Madison Oaks Dr
Colbert, GA, 30628-2051
Publication: No publication
More Info

Augusta Cave Masters
4010 Brownstone Drive Apt 1120
Evans, GA, 30809
Publication: Nineteenth Hole
More Info

Clayton County Cavers
2053 Cezar Dr
Kennesaw, GA, 30152-3109
More Info

Clock Tower Grotto
24 Lakeview Drive
Lindale, GA, 30147
More Info

Dogwood City Grotto
200 Arizona Street Suite 108
Atlanta, GA, 30307
Publication: Georgia Underground
More Info

Middle Georgia Grotto
300 Flora Cir
Warner Robins, GA, 31088
Publication: Cave Talk
More Info

Pigeon Mountain Grotto
PO Box 7
Rock Spring, GA, 30739
Publication: Pigeon Droppings
More Info

Central Alabama Grotto
6890 Garrett Road
Gardendale, AL, 35071-2029,
Publication: Alabama Underground
More Info

Chattanooga Grotto
PO Box 11506
Chattanooga, TN, 37401-2506,
Publication: The TAGLine
More Info

Crescent City Cavers
1837 Woodrow Ave
Metairie, LA, 70001,
More Info

Flint River Grotto
71 S. Spruce Ln
Havana, FL, 32333-5539,
Publication: Deep South
More Info

Jackson County Grotto
706 Garland Ferry Rd
Scottsboro, AL, 35768,
Publication: The Jackson County Grotto News
More Info

JUST Cavers
157 Dogwood Circle
Brandon, MS, 39047,
More Info

Sewanee Mountain Grotto
482 Wild Heart Lane
Sewanee, TN, 37375,
Publication: T.A.G. Caver.....quarterly pub
More Info

South Carolina Interstate Grotto
PO Box 1171
Greer, SC, 29652-1171,
Publication: Tunnel Vision
More Info