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A beautiful loop offering remarkable viewpoints of the vast Cloudland Canyon.


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Map Key

4.9

Miles

7.8

KM

Lollipop

1,933' 589 m

High

1,626' 496 m

Low

734' 224 m

Up

737' 225 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Although this route may not be suitable for young children, older kids will enjoy the remarkable views of the canyon.

Overview

A lovely loop through Cloudland Canyon State Park.

Need to Know

Complete lollipop trail is 5 miles.

Description

The West Rim Trail begins at the Cloudland Canyon State Park Interpretive Center. Gorgeous viewpoints including the Main Overlook can be accessed from here as well. Shortly after the trailhead, the .5-mile Waterfalls Trail will spur off to the right and head to, you guessed it, waterfalls. This is well worth the additional 1 mile round trip. To stay on the West Rim Trail, stay straight.

After a descent, visitors will cross a bridge over Daniel Creek and begin climbing up the west rim of the canyon. During the ascent, visitors will face a few switchbacks before reaching the top. Keep your eyes peeled, for two small caves large enough to fit one person can be spotted during the climb.

A little over a mile into the journey, the trail forks. Completing the loop in a clockwise formation allows visitors to first experience the wooded area atop the west rim, an area where massive quartz boulders are abundant. Soon after, the trail crosses a road and leads to the first overlook. This overlook, located on the northwest mouth of the canyon, offers amazing views 1,200 feet above Trenton and other small towns visible from the viewpoint.

As the trail continues, runners will pass the state park cabins and a numerous amount of stunning viewpoints overlooking Cloudland Canyon. Soon enough, the loop will complete leaving visitors to finish the final mile back to the trailhead at the Interpretive Center. The West Rim Trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park is a real gem in northwest Georgia, and is definitely worth your while.

Shared By:

Justin Brock with improvements by Rachel Burk and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 27 votes

#427

Overall
  4.6 from 27 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
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3 Star
7%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Georgia

#427

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3,027 Since Jul 18, 2016
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Photos

The remarkable Cloudland Canyon in Winter from one of the numerous overlooks on the West Rim Trail.
Jul 19, 2016 near Trenton, GA
The second of three waterfalls that can be seen just off the trailhead for the West Rim Loop trail. This one can be seen when hiking down into the gorge trail.
Mar 28, 2018 near Trenton, GA
Enjoying a moment of quiet at Cherokee Falls
May 29, 2018 near Trenton, GA
Cherokee Falls
May 29, 2018 near Trenton, GA
Rim of the canyon
Sep 24, 2018 near Trenton, GA
Cloudland canyon - far view of small falls.
Mar 11, 2020 near Trenton, GA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 22, 2023
Jack Stoner
Leisurely trail, great views 4.9mi — 3h 00m
Jun 3, 2023
Eric S
Aug 13, 2022
Kenneth Dye
2.5mi — 1h 00m
Jun 22, 2022
Matt Suits
Jun 11, 2022
nate w
May 15, 2022
Alex Brendle
Jan 26, 2022
Teri Pope
6.5mi
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