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CLOUDLAND CANYON (Sittons Gulch + West Rim)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cloudland Canyon State Park   Hike: CLOUDLAND CANYON (Sittons Gulch + West Rim)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Apr 29 2024  8:30 am >> Mon, Apr 29 2024 1:00 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Apr 24 2024 7:07 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Apr 29 2024 7:07 am
Event Duration:4 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:8.7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kiran
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:7
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 4 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

 

It's the best time of year to explore this treasure called Cloudland Canyon, one of the most popular State Parks in Georgia!

The plan is to meet at the parking lot at 8:15 AM, get to know each other, and by 8:30, migrate to the main overlook for a quick view of the canyon. Then, we pick up the Sitton's Gulch trail to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, after which we'll continue into the canyon, beside Daniel's Creek and Sitton's Gulch creek to the end of the trail. Hikers on All Trails say that "...there are inclines and lots of stairs towards the end, with gorgeous wildflowers, water views, and woodpeckers along the way. While the trail is strenuous in parts, it is worth the effort for the stunning views and waterfalls. Typically in April, the trail may have some muddy spots and rocky areas, with high water levels making the waterfalls more impressive." Nice! After a quick hydration and refreshment break, we head back up the incline/stairs to the West Rim trail, picking up the "stick" end of the lollipop West Rim trail, which will take us along the western edge of the Canyon until the trail loops back around, bringing us back to the parking lot.

DISCLAIMER: This is a moderately strenuous hike with 1700+ foot elevation gain and a substantial amount of stairs. Also, this is not a go-at-your-own-pace event, which means you should plan to hike at a moderate 2.5-2.75 mph pace (approx. 21-24 minutes/mile) and stay with the group. 

So, if you do not have recent D3+ hiking experience, or have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slow pace, please sit this one out!


Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate gear

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Water

Snack, and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trekking poles

Hat

Snack

Camera

Dark chocolate (for Kiran)!


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

I will email participants the exact meeting location and detailed directions a few days before the event.


Notes:

  1. Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!

  2. Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event, make it difficult for those on the waitlist to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.

  3. I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE! However, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event, however, Cloudland Canyon State Park charges a $5 entry fee per vehicle. The good news: If you have the annual State Park parking pass, you're in for free!


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

  1. If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT me with your NAME, or leave a voicemail at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5. FYI, thanks to those annoying robocalls, calling me will send you to my voicemail, but feel free to leave a message.

  2. In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.