Cloudland State Park (Chattanooga, Crossville, Trenton: homes, tenant, college)

[Grizzlybear34]

A friend told us about Cloudland in Trenton, Ga, and said that it was the place to visit when we are up there. Hiking, nice views, and reasonably traveled. They also mentioned a hang gliding place off of McCarty Bluff. Has anyone been there and what can you tell me?

Is the hiking trail very strenuous? Also, I heard there is a scenic back way from Ruby Falls to Cloudland and to the bluff. I would appreciate anyone's comment with info.

We leave tomorrow afternoon!

[Jon F Moss]

haven't been out that way...yet

[jkmewright]

Hey Grizz, looks like you guys are gonna pack in alot of stuff on your visit. When you were asking about scenic routes, THIS one is one I was thinking of but you are gonna need mapquest to do it lol Head down HWY193 from St Elmo into the beautiful cove area of Chickamauga, it splits off into W Cove Road/Chattanooga Valley, go up the mountain, hang a R on Lula Lake/157, L on 136, stay on 136 to the park. 189 will take you back to Ruby Falls and such on a great road on top of the mountain. You can cheat and go directly from 193 to 136 but you will miss much of the cove. There is a cool shop at the top of the mtn and should be someone there to help you guys if you get lost.

Here's the link including a map:
Cloudland Canyon State Park

Some pics:
Procrastination: Cloudland Canyon

An amazing church in the cove:
Cove Methodist Church, Chickamauga, Walker County, GA

I have never hiked Cloudland, but most report it as easy to moderate. It's probable that there will be no falls as someone reported on 10/20 but we just had a huge rain so I will cross my fingers for you.

Wait 'til you see the Cove, you are never going to want to leave! Fair warning...

[beachbyrd]

Oh, and we can't wait to hear and see all about your trip!!

[jkmewright]

Oops I forgot the hanggliding! It's on 189 as you head back toward Ruby Falls on the top of the mountain. Here are a couple more links:

Hang Glide at LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDING (broken link)

Map of 7201 Scenic Hwy Rising Fawn, GA by MapQuest

[Jon F Moss]

forget reading about their trip......let's go and see for ourselves!!!

[jkmewright]

The cove trip is one of my favorites in this area. Remember as you headed north towards Crossville and came into that sheltered farming area before you headed up the mountain? The cove is like that but closer lol. As you head towards the "end" of the cove there is a BEAUTIFUL farm. Well, there are farms everywhere and it's just so nice. The actual public street before you head up the mountain is lined with trees so it looks like a lane. They have a corner market there that has food and such. Tenant homes, barns, etc... We always take our visiting family out that way and across the top of Lookout past Covenant College and back down into St Elmo. I think you guys would enjoy it!

[Grizzlybear34]

Originally Posted by jkmewright

Hey Grizz, looks like you guys are gonna pack in alot of stuff on your visit. When you were asking about scenic routes, THIS one is one I was thinking of but you are gonna need mapquest to do it lol Head down HWY193 from St Elmo into the beautiful cove area of Chickamauga, it splits off into W Cove Road/Chattanooga Valley, go up the mountain, hang a R on Lula Lake/157, L on 136, stay on 136 to the park. 189 will take you back to Ruby Falls and such on a great road on top of the mountain. You can cheat and go directly from 193 to 136 but you will miss much of the cove. There is a cool shop at the top of the mtn and should be someone there to help you guys if you get lost.

Here's the link including a map:
Cloudland Canyon State Park

Some pics:
Procrastination: Cloudland Canyon

An amazing church in the cove:
Cove Methodist Church, Chickamauga, Walker County, GA

I have never hiked Cloudland, but most report it as easy to moderate. It's probable that there will be no falls as someone reported on 10/20 but we just had a huge rain so I will cross my fingers for you.

Wait 'til you see the Cove, you are never going to want to leave! Fair warning...

Thanks for all of the info. I thought I had posted a thank you yesterday, but don't see it. This is going to be sweet! Just hope the camera lasts long enough!

[Grizzlybear34]

The directions looked little different on Mapquest??