Canyons & Gorges of Georgia's State Parks
- Cloudland Canyon: Located in Rising Fawn, on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is one of the largest state parks in GA. It not only offers amazing views of a beautiful canyon, but you can hike down to waterfalls, also! There is a short, easy Overlook Trail where you can see miles of the canyon, or you can take the moderate West Rim Loop Trail to see more views. The trails that lead down to the waterfalls are strenuous but so worth it. There are a lot of large rocks to go over and under, stairs, large roots, etc. If you want to stay in the park, there is a campground, yurts and cabins. There are also playgrounds, disc golf, mountain biking and hiking trails, and you can book tours to go into caves!
- Tallulah Gorge: Located in Rabun County, this gorge is one of the most amazing gorges in all of the eastern US, not just GA! The gorge is nearly 2 miles wide and 1000 ft deep. Tightrope walkers have actually crossed the gorge, one including Karl Wallenda, which was televised. You can hike the gorge, or you can get a permit to go to the gorge floor. Some can even get a permit to climb! A little too scary for me. Although the views are amazing, the hike along the gorge is rough because it is all stairs. You will have to walk hundreds of stairs to get to the bottom or the top. You are able to see a bit of the gorge with just a short walk from the Visitor Center, but you'll want to see more if you go. The Visitor Center is one of the best ones in any of the GA parks because it has a very large gift shop as well as an interpretive center with exhibits and information about the gorge. You can camp, swim, bike, hike and fish here, or just come for a day with family!
- Providence Canyon: This canyon is called "GA's own little Grand Canyon" for a reason. It is beautiful but it is all GA red Clay! So don't go after a downpour. Located in Stewart County, this little canyon is actually not natural, but a result of very poor farming. And man that's got to be some major black thumbs to do THAT much damage. You can walk along the top in a very easy walk, and see amazing views. Or you can hike down into the bottom of the canyon. If you are willing to hike into your campsite then you can camp here, but there are no other accomodations. Nearby is Florence Marina State Park with a campground, efficiency cottages, and regular cottages if you are coming from far. This is where we stayed when we visited Providence.
Cloudland Canyon overlook
Tallulah Gorge State Park
