The family drove up today to see one of the famous spots in our neck of the woods that none of us had ever visited before. Cloudland Canyon almost doesn't even feel like Georgia because of the stark changes in geography as you start up the mountain and head uphill, and uphill, and even further uphill to get to the entrance to the park. Exposed rock is everywhere and the 90 degree stone faces just seem a little out of place when you are used to the usual "softer" Georgia mountains.
We parked at the overlook and hiked along the rim to the waterfall trail. There are two different falls you can hike to - a little easier hike to Cherokee Falls, and a bit more lengthy stair hike down to Hemlock Falls. No big surprise here, but I was reminded again today that kids are enduring little machines! Both boys pounded up and down the stairs with barely a pause, while the wife and I were red-faced and out of breath. We made it to Cherokee Falls and about halfway to Hemlock Falls before we looked down over a nice vista and saw just how many more steps we had to descend. With that revelation, we turned around and called it a day!
This should have been sufficient warning...
A strategically placed bench at the tops of the falls' stairs. Features shade, seating, and the potential to be crushed under a 30 ton piece of mountain.
The reward - Cherokee Falls! I do not know how it got it's name. Probably named after the Jeep model.
It was a great spot, and would have been a nice place for a picnic if it weren't so busy. Lots of hikers and photographers all over the trail and around the falls. The park is also strict about the frequently posted No Swimming, No Wading rules, which is a tough thing to explain to a couple of exploring little boys.
On the hike back out...
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