November 1, 2025 | Rising Fawn, Georgia
Falling for Cloudland Canyon
Courtney, Anna, Evan and I took a day trip up to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest GA. We arrived just after lunch on a cool, crisp November day that was perfect for exploring. Once you enter the park, a short drive opens up to reveal one of the most breathtaking views in the state.
The View from the Overlook
Standing at the Main Overlook, we were met with an explosion of fall color – orange, gold, and deep red – with the ridges fading into the blue haze of Lookout Mountain.
We only had a few hours to explore and we wanted to make sure we saw both of the park’s two main waterfalls: Cherokee and Hemlock Falls.
The Trail to the Falls
After a few quick pictures, we quickly started down the path to the waterfalls. Every turn seemed to bring a new burst of color. and the light filtering through the trees made everything glow.
Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls weren’t roaring this time of year, but they didn’t need to be. They were just beautiful in their simplicity with water pouring gently over dark layers of rock while the season’s leaves floated down around it.
We stayed at each of the falls for a little while, taking photos and just enjoying the stillness before making our way back up. The climb was no joke — those stairs remind you that this canyon runs deep — but the views made every step worth it.
A Canyon You’ll Never Forget
You don’t have to spend a full weekend at Cloudland Canyon to feel its pull; even a short afternoon is enough to remind you how beautiful Georgia really is in the fall.
If you plan to visit, late October through early November is prime time for fall color. Bring sturdy shoes, a good camera, and plenty of water for the hike to the falls. And if you’re coming from Atlanta, plan for about a two-hour drive northwest — it’s a trip that pays off the moment you step out at the overlook.
If You Go
Location: Rising Fawn, GA
Best Time to Visit: Late October–Early November for peak fall color
Trail Highlight: Waterfalls Trail to Cherokee and Hemlock Falls (moderate, with over 600 stairs)
Drive Time from Atlanta: ~2 hours northwest via I-75 and Hwy 136
Joe Bryant 