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Cloudland Canyon: West Rim Loop
Hiking Trail
Easy
4.63 mi
732 ft
An incredibly scenic hike with surreal views from the west rim of Cloudland Canyon.
Located in the far northwest corner of Georgia lies one of the state's best-kept secrets: Cloudland Canyon State Park. Situated slightly west of Lookout Mountain, this 3,500-acre state park is a quick drive from Chattanooga and a perfect day trip from Atlanta.
Begin your hike at the parking area slightly beyond the East Rim Campground. You can find restrooms, drinking water, and a multitude of picnic areas nearby.
The trail begins by skirting its way south along the east rim as it meanders through picturesque flora. Quickly ahead, a trail intersection leads to the parks two pristine waterfalls, an excellent addition to any hike. Typically, one would want to save the side trip for the end of the hike to ensure they have adequate energy after completing the West Rim Trail.
Ahead, the West Rim Trail reaches an intersection where one has the option to complete a loop in either direction. Most would choose clockwise.
Passing through sandy and rocky terrain, the trail crosses a paved road that doubles as an alternative trailhead to access some quick views by car.
At the northernmost point of the route, hikers are welcomed with a phenomenal overlook to the north, the first of many. Following along the rim of the canyon, the trail provides countless vistas, including some that rival those of the nearby Appalachian Mountains, and maybe even the canyonlands of Utah.
The return trip offers even more views from the canyon rim, sometimes accessible via a side trail. Though the overlooks are partially fenced, the platforms are often several hundred feet to the base of the canyon and should be approached with caution.
The southernmost views from the rim are arguably the best, as one can look directly across the canyon to the trailhead where you began.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Located in the far northwest corner of Georgia lies one of the state's best-kept secrets: Cloudland Canyon State Park. Situated slightly west of Lookout Mountain, this 3,500-acre state park is a quick drive from Chattanooga and a perfect day trip from Atlanta.
Begin your hike at the parking area slightly beyond the East Rim Campground. You can find restrooms, drinking water, and a multitude of picnic areas nearby.
The trail begins by skirting its way south along the east rim as it meanders through picturesque flora. Quickly ahead, a trail intersection leads to the parks two pristine waterfalls, an excellent addition to any hike. Typically, one would want to save the side trip for the end of the hike to ensure they have adequate energy after completing the West Rim Trail.
Ahead, the West Rim Trail reaches an intersection where one has the option to complete a loop in either direction. Most would choose clockwise.
Passing through sandy and rocky terrain, the trail crosses a paved road that doubles as an alternative trailhead to access some quick views by car.
At the northernmost point of the route, hikers are welcomed with a phenomenal overlook to the north, the first of many. Following along the rim of the canyon, the trail provides countless vistas, including some that rival those of the nearby Appalachian Mountains, and maybe even the canyonlands of Utah.
The return trip offers even more views from the canyon rim, sometimes accessible via a side trail. Though the overlooks are partially fenced, the platforms are often several hundred feet to the base of the canyon and should be approached with caution.
The southernmost views from the rim are arguably the best, as one can look directly across the canyon to the trailhead where you began.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Rim Loop - CW | 4.13 mi | -312 ft | -0.0% |
| Cloudland Canyon Park Rd Climb | 0.29 mi | 164 ft | 10.3% |
| Cloudland Canyon Park Rd Climb | 0.45 mi | 148 ft | 6.1% |