Cloudland Canyon #8

Cloudland Canyon was first known by names such as Sitton Gulch (or Gulf) and Trenton Gulf, after the nearby creek and city. The land on the western edge of Lookout Mountain was privately owned until 1938, when the state of Georgia began acquiring it piece by piece. In 1939, the park officially opened to the public.  Cloudland Canyon State Park is a scenic park located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in northwestern Georgia. It is one of the largest and most picturesque parks in the state, featuring a thousand-foot-deep canyon, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and wild caves. The park offers over 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails – including the West Rim Loop Trail.  It is a 5-mile, moderately strenuous loop that was named one of America’s best hikes by Backpacker Magazine. 

Cloudland Canyon State Park offers diverse hiking trails ranging from easy rim walks to strenuous descents into the canyon floor. The trail system features incredible views of the canyon, waterfalls, and dense forests.  The Bear Creek Backcountry Trail at Cloudland Canyon is a challenging loop designed for experienced hikers and campers. The trail is a rugged, technical path that runs alongside a creek, featuring a significant elevation gain, rocky sections, and roots.  On this hike we started at the trailhead to the primitive camping area, did the two mile loop through the campsites, then followed the Bear Creek Backcountry Trail to the canyon floor where there are some cool caves and waterfalls.  The park may close this trail after heavy rainfall due to safety concerns and potential flooding of the creek crossings so it is recommended you check with the park office for the trail status before your hike.  The primitive backcountry campsites (sites 1-13) are must be reserved online in advance.