Mountain Project Logo

Cloudland Canyon -- Help SCC Open Climbing Access!

Original Post
saxfiend · · Decatur, GA · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 4,221

Located in northwest Georgia, Cloudland Canyon is home to a variety of recreational activities. Unfortunately, that doesn't include rock climbing. But that could change if enough climbers make their voices heard, as noted in this article from Brad McLeod of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC):

There is an opportunity to possibly open climbing and bouldering at Cloudland Canyon near Lafayette, in northwest GA.

The world famous climber/boulderer, John Gill, was photographed climbing in this area many years ago in his book "Master of Rock" by Pat Ament. But Cloudland has been closed to climbing for years due to lack of park management/supervision and a perceived lack of rescue capabilities.

But there is a chance to possibly open this area if we have enough (positive) public comment and support. We really need to get the word out and do whatever we can to take a proactive and positive stance associated with this effort - and it will happen.

We need you to either go by the Cloudland Canyon park and fill out a comment card or fill out one online (link below).

On the comment card state something to the effect that:

"We respectfully request that climbing be opened within Cloudland Canyon. This area is a great climbing and bouldering resource and should be open as it is a State Park. Other climbing areas in Georgia state parks are currently open (Tallulah Gorge, Rocktown, Zahnd Natural Area and Panola Mountain) as climbing is recognized as a legitimate recreational activity by the state. We understand that rescue may be a concern, but we would like to point out that the Walker County Fire and Rescue is a well-trained, world-class rescue group that is located only a few miles away. It is also our understanding that the Cloudland Canyon ranger staff has five DNR high-angle rescue personnel on staff, and nearby Dade County GA rescue staff is also capable.

Please reconsider opening this great resource for climbers to enjoy."

Please personalize the text so it doesn't look like a form letter - but please keep it upbeat and positive.

Fill out a comment card here online and submit via the internet (easy - takes a little over a minute). You can use the text above (modify slightly if you can).

View Comment Card and fill out here: gastateparks.org/net/go/con…

Info on Cloudland Canyon on the Georgia State Parks website: gastateparks.org/net/go/par…

More info on Cloudland:

Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park’s walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park’s spectacular scenery.

Justin Dansby · · NC · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,530

bump.... Hopefully everyone is filling out those online cards. If you haven't checked this place out, you should (when it's legal :)).

Joey Wolfe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,020

I filled out my comment card when i saw Brad's post a couple of weeks ago.

Filling out the card takes about 1 min, super easy.

Even if you are not from the immediate area, chip in and give us a hand. Fill out a card please.

on a side note, When you look at the Cloudland Canyon website they have a link to the "Canyon Climbers Club". At first I was like "oh, wait, there is some climbing going on legally here!!' But alas, when they say climb they mean "hike". Way to get my hopes up GA Park system!!!!

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

Yep, do it.

What is the rock like quality-wise? How tall?

Justin Dansby · · NC · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,530

Ben,
Anything from sick boulders to 150+ ft walls to 40ft walls in other places. Some places are bullet proof sandstone others are crap.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

thanks...I like some long pitches as much as the next guy...I'll check this spot out on the way back from Chatty sometime...

saxfiend · · Decatur, GA · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 4,221

I need to follow up and find out from Brad when they expect any decision on this. Will update if I learn anything new.

JL

Stonyman Killough · · Alabama · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 5,785

A really beautifull area and great walls too. Hope everyone fills a card out, I did!!

villlein · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 0

sent my comment card. I didnt know this place was technically closed to climbing....

cool place though. i hope to make it back someday

Stonyman Killough · · Alabama · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 5,785

I got a message back from a person from cloudland canyon park, and they strongly advise against climbing because most of the trails follow the bottom of the cliff line ( potential rock fall, etc.)

SubantZ · · Georgia SON!!!! · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 5
Brad "Stonyman" Killough wrote:I got a message back from a person from cloudland canyon park, and they strongly advise against climbing because most of the trails follow the bottom of the cliff line ( potential rock fall, etc.)

I dont like this answer.
Can someone tell me after 2 years any thing good come out of the comment cards?
Cloudland is Huge
SubantZ · · Georgia SON!!!! · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 5
SubantZ wrote: I dont like this answer. Can someone tell me after 2 years any thing good come out of the comment cards? Cloudland is Huge
I re read this. SRONGLY ADVISE. does this mean its not not allowed or frowned on.
Very different. How about Bouldering?
Never Mind. I am going bushwackin. Off trail out of mind........
Jeremy Yatvin · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 115

Very old bump. Cloudland still looks like it has tons of potential, anybody know any newer details?

Chris Watford · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 11

Haven't heard much. Its really not worth the effort. I have hiked and thoroughly scouted every square inch of that place for climbing, and you know...it's just not that great. Looks good from a distance but lots of shale bands and vegetation, and they definitely arent going to allow bolting there. There is some decent bouldering

Josh-Junior Humphrey · · Macon, GA · Joined Apr 2018 · Points: 0

Any new news on this??

shannon stegg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 0

At one time I was in favor of opening up climbing to the Canyon, but not any more. As a user group we were at one time environmentally inclined. Not so much anymore! Why ruin such a beautiful serene place with hoards of climbers and dogs, and fixed gear and pads. Let Cloudland Canyon remain a Wild Place with a peaceful aspect for those other user groups for which we seem to forget about in our quest to turn every cliff into an outside gym. Shame on us!

Stonyman Killough · · Alabama · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 5,785
shannon stegg wrote: At one time I was in favor of opening up climbing to the Canyon, but not any more. As a user group we were at one time environmentally inclined. Not so much anymore! Why ruin such a beautiful serene place with hoards of climbers and dogs, and fixed gear and pads. Let Cloudland Canyon remain a Wild Place with a peaceful aspect for those other user groups for which we seem to forget about in our quest to turn every cliff into an outside gym. Shame on us!

Ditto

Jeremy Yatvin · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 115

I agree now Shannon. The volume of climbers (and fucking crag dogs) has too large an environmental impact.

Since my original bump in 2015 I've become a trad dad and tried to get more into the backcountry whenever I can go out west. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
Post a Reply to "Cloudland Canyon -- Help SCC Open Climbing Access!"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.