8 Things To Do Near Cloudland Canyon After You Explore One Of Georgia's Largest State Parks
By Marisa Roman|Updated on June 30, 2023(Originally published June 25, 2023)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
For any nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or those looking to disconnect, Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia is a perfect solution. As one of the biggest state parks in the state, Cloudland Canyon features a bevy of scenic attractions throughout the park. We’re talking thousand-foot-deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, forested landscapes, miles of hiking trails, and so much more. But what do you do after you explore this beautiful park? Are there other hidden gems around the park that are worth making a whole weekend out of? Check out these eight things to do near Cloudland Canyon State Park:
1. Howard’s Waterfall Cave - Trenton
Howard's Waterfall Cave, 1728, 264 Back Valley Rd, Trenton, GA 30752, USA
Howard’s Waterfall Cave in Trenton, Georgia is a small but mighty cave worth exploring. Entrance to the cave does require a permit from the SCCi cave preserve, which can be purchased online quickly. As always, remember to take all the necessary cave precautions for exploring this gem, as any cave system can be dangerous for those untrained.
2. Lookout Mountain Pizza Company - Rising Fawn
Lookout Mountain Pizza Company, 203 Scenic Hwy, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
Right outside the south end of Cloudland Canyon, you’ll find To learn more about, Lookout Mountain Pizza Company, a highly-regarded wood-oven pizza spot with delicious offerings. Nothing is more rewarding after a long day of hiking in the state park than a piping hot, deliciously cheesy pizza.
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3. Lula Lake Land Trust - Lookout Mountain
Lula Lake Land Trust, 5000 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, USA
Just around 20 minutes northeast of Cloudland Canyon, you’ll find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Georgia at Lula Lake Land Trust. Hike through the 8,000-acre land trust for some beautiful bouts of nature before making your way to Lula Falls. Please keep in mind though, since this is a land trust, Lula Lake is only open to the public on the first and last weekends of each month. So make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
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4. Lookout Mountain Flight Park - Rising Fawn
Lookout Mountain Flight Park- Hang Gliding and Paragliding Training Center, Scenic Highway, Rising Fawn, GA, USA
Looking to catch some air while in Rising Fawn, Georgia? Heading northeast outside of Cloudland Canyon, you’ll come across Lookout Mountain Flight Park, one of the coolest hang-gliding spots in the state. With lessons and experiences for all levels, guests can launch themselves from a mountainside ramp and soar across the skies. Fly with an instructor and learn the ropes at this one-of-a-kind attraction.
Check out this satisfied customer’s flight on YouTube:
Just outside of Cloudland Canyon Park is another delicious spot to chow down in - Thatcher’s BBQ & Grill. You can practically smell the smokiness as soon as you pull into the parking lot. Thatcher’s offers a wide selection of smoked meats, plus loaded potatoes, buckets of tots, and jumbo-sized hot dogs. This is the place to chow down if we’ve ever seen it.
6. Uncle Lar’s Outpost - Trenton
Uncle Lar's Outpost, 4650 GA-136, Trenton, GA 30752, USA
Another Trenton hidden gem worth exploring is Uncle Lar’s Outpost, part-gift shop, part-mercantile, part-grocery. With a hodgepodge of fun and delicious things to peruse, this is not your average store by any means. You never know what you might find or taste here.
7. Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater - Trenton
Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater, 217 Old Hales Road, Trenton, GA 30752, USA
Wanna catch a flick the old-school way? At Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater, guests can either pull up their car or pull up some chairs and watch a movie outdoors. Come enjoy this cash-only, open-air theater that comes complete with a concession stand and everything. With two screens showing two separate movies, come enjoy a drive-in theater experience with the whole family.
8. Lookout Lavender Farm - Rising Fawn
Lookout Lavender Farm, 044 00 175 00, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
At over 50 acres of farmland, Lookout Lavender Farm specializes in growing lavender and making lavender-based items available for sale. Visitors are able to visit the farm, which is open seasonally, to walk the fields and purchase products from the farm store. Grab a drink from the on-site vendor and sit for a while, enjoying the sweet scent of lavender.
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do at Cloundland Canyon, and you can find some awesome hiking trail suggestions on AllTrails+, which allows you to download maps and plan ahead. So, if you were wondering what to do at Cloundland Canyon, we hope some of these suggestions helped! Have you already crossed some off your bucket list? Tell us about your experience in the comments section. Or if there are other attractions in the area you think we should know about, make sure to shout them out, too!
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