Cloudland Canyon - West Rim and Sittons Gulch

Join this exhilarating hike through Cloudland Canyon, one of our state’s most beautiful parks. 

We will take a full tour of the park - visiting the amazing waterfalls and hiking the length of the  Sitton's Creek Trail.

Starting at the Interpretive Center near the Main Trailhead, we will start hiking at 9:45 am sharp - so be ready to go by 9:30 am so we have time for introductions and instructions. We'll first hike to the Main Overlook, and enjoy a spectacular view of the canyon. Next we will head to the Main Trailhead, descend the staircase on Sitton's Gulch Trail to Cherokee Falls, one of two major waterfalls on our route. We'll return to Sitton’s Gulch Trail and continue down the stairs, into the canyon for a view of Hemlock Falls. We will stop at both waterfalls long enough to admire their beauty and take photos. We'll continue on Sitton's Gulch Trail alomg the creek to the end of the trail, take a lunch break beside the creek, and then return to the top of the canyon on the same trail. 

The first part of the hike, Sitton's Gulch, is the most challenging. Much of the ascent upon our return will be climbing 600+ metal stairs. We will take a short break after the climb to rest our legs and catch our breath before beginning the second segment of our hike - West Rim Loop Trail.

The West Rim Loop will take us through the woods and around the rim of the canyon where we will stop at several overlook site. The overlooks offer more amazing views across and down into the canyon.  We will finish the West Rim loop and retrun by the same trail back to the parking lot.

This is a challenging D4 hike. It is 10 miles in length and more than 1,700 feet elevation gain. The ascent is difficult and requires good physical condition. Recent D4/D5+ hiking experience or equivalent is required. If your AOC profile doesn't indicate this level of experience, the Trip Leader will move you to the waiting list pending vetting to determine  your suitability for this event. 

This is not a self-paced hike. Registrants must be willing and able to maintain a pace of 2.7 - 2.9 throughout the hike. 

Please feel free to contact the Trip Leader if you have any questions.

There is a $5 fee to enter the state park unless you have a Georgia State Park Pass.

Hiking shoes or boots

Water or sports drinks

Layerable clothing

Lunch or snacks

Hiking poles

Water shoes or boots (there is a water crossing in both directions on Sitton's Creek Trail)