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: http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/contactparks.aspx?et=4&s=>>>>>

Info on Cloudland Canyon on the Georgia State Parks website: http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?LocationID=38&>>>>>

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.

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

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!!!!

Yep, do it.

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

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

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...

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

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

Got mine done too.

I hope they open this place. There's climbing there alright, and even a few old timer outlaws still around up in that neck of the woods that can point ya in the right direction if you've got those kind of connections.

I think I still have a couple of phone numbers........;)

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

cool place though. i hope to make it back someday

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.)