Cloudland Canyon's Waterfall Trail

When you enter Cloudland Canyon State Park you will drive straight through all of the 4 way stops for about 1 mile before you reach the parking lot for the Waterfall Trail. The parking area does have restrooms and picnic tables if you would like to bring a lunch.

What goes down must come up! I know that is not how that saying normally goes, but it is painfully true in this situation. The trail is a 2 mile out and back trail, descending more than 400 feet and 600 steps. The Waterfall trail will follow the yellow markers to the left when looking at the Canyon. You will begin walking around the rim of the canyon before you start descending down the stairs to the canyon floor.

At about .5 miles you will reach a fork. The left trail goes to Cherokee Falls and the right trail goes to Hemlock Falls. Cherokee Falls plunges 60 feet into a large aqua blue pool. In the winter the flow of the waterfall is much greater than the drier summer months. You will have to back track to the fork to continue down the canyon to Hemlock Falls.

Hemlock Falls is another impressive 90 foot waterfall surrounded by trees and boulders. After enjoying the Falls you will return back the way you came. The ascent is difficult so be prepared to take plenty of water breaks on your way back up.

There are many muddy areas on the trail so make sure to bring appropriate footwear. And be sure to bring $5 cash for a parking pass or you can buy an annual for pass for all of the Georgia's State Parks for $50.