On paper, it’s a two-mile walk. Then you see the first sign at the top of the canyon, warning about the stairs, and you look down. The Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail in Georgia drops off the rim of Lookout Mountain on roughly 600 metal steps, through boulders and hemlock forest, to two waterfalls that pour into a canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep. Going down is fun. Coming back up is the workout everyone talks about.
It’s the most popular hike in Cloudland Canyon State Park, and for good reason. In about a mile you reach Cherokee Falls, a 60-foot waterfall spilling into a wide rocky pool, and Hemlock Falls, a 90-foot plunge at the bottom of the gorge.
This guide covers it all: the stairs (and how many you really climb), the real distance, the trail section by section, how hard it is, the best time to see the falls flowing, parking fees and current construction, dogs and kids, other trails in the park, and where to stay.
Cover photo: a waterfall in Cloudland Canyon State Park. Photo: Loc Giang / Unsplash
Visiting now (November 2026): The park’s entrance road has roadwork, with one-lane traffic and flaggers during the day. The visitor center is being rebuilt, and a temporary visitor center is at the Group Lodge (follow the red and white signs). The trails are open as usual. Check the park’s alerts before you drive.
Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail: The Short Answer
The Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail is a strenuous out-and-back hike of about 1.8–2 miles round trip in Cloudland Canyon State Park, near Rising Fawn, Georgia. It descends roughly 600 metal stairs and more than 400 feet into the canyon to Cherokee Falls (60 ft) and Hemlock Falls (90 ft), then climbs the same stairs back out. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours. The falls are strongest in winter and early spring. Parking requires a $10 daily ParkPass.
Waterfalls Trail: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 |
| Trailhead | Main Trailhead by the canyon rim (shared with the Overlook and West Rim trails) |
| Distance | About 1.8–2 miles round trip to both falls |
| Stairs | About 600 metal steps down (and the same back up) |
| Elevation change | More than 400 feet down and back up |
| Waterfalls | Cherokee Falls (about 60 ft) and Hemlock Falls (about 90 ft) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous (park rating) |
| Time needed | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best waterfall flow | Winter and early spring |
| Parking | $10 daily ParkPass per vehicle; annual passes available |
| Park hours | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Swimming | Not allowed in the waterfall pools |
| Dogs | Allowed on a leash, but the metal stairs are hard on them |
Where Is the Waterfalls Trail?
Cloudland Canyon State Park sits on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in Dade County, in the far northwest corner of Georgia. Creeks have cut deep gorges into the mountain here, and the park’s elevation runs from about 800 feet on the canyon floor to nearly 2,000 feet on the rim. The park has been a Georgia state park since the late 1930s; before that, the gorge was known as Sitton’s Gulch.
- From Chattanooga, TN: about 30–40 minutes southwest via I-24 and I-59 to Trenton, then GA-136 east up the mountain.
- From Atlanta: about 2 hours northwest via I-75.
- From Birmingham, AL: about 2.5 hours via I-59.
Time zone tip: The park is on Eastern time, like Chattanooga and Atlanta. If you’re driving in from Alabama on Central time, you’ll “lose” an hour, so plan your start time around that.
Once inside the park, follow the signs for the main overlook and picnic area. The Waterfalls Trail starts from the Main Trailhead beside the canyon rim, the same spot where the Overlook Trail and West Rim Loop begin.
Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail Distance
You’ll see the hike listed as 1.8 miles on the park’s printed trail map and 2 miles on its website. Both are right. The small difference comes from where you start counting and whether you walk out to every viewing platform. GPS apps often show a bit less, because the stairs drop fast over a short horizontal distance.
| Hike option | Approx. round trip | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Falls only | About 1–1.2 miles | Cherokee Falls and its big pool |
| Hemlock Falls only (skip Cherokee) | About 1.5 miles | Hemlock Falls from the viewing platform |
| Both waterfalls | About 1.8–2 miles | Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls |
| Both falls + part of Sitton’s Gulch | 2.5+ miles | Extra cascades along Daniel Creek |
How Many Stairs Are on the Waterfalls Trail?
The park says there are about 600 metal stair steps one way down to Hemlock Falls. Since it’s an out-and-back trail, you climb them all again on the way out, so plan on about 1,200 steps in total if you visit both falls.
- Not one long staircase. The steps come in flights, with dirt trail, rocky ledges and wooden boardwalk in between.
- The steepest part is near Hemlock Falls. The branch to Cherokee Falls is much gentler once you reach the junction.
- The steps are open metal grating. You can see through them, which bothers some people (and many dogs).
- Handrails line most flights, and there are landings where you can step aside and rest.
- Wet or icy steps get slippery. Hold the rail and take your time.
Can you avoid the stairs? Not if you want to reach the waterfalls. If stairs are a problem, walk the easy Overlook Trail instead. You’ll look down into the canyon and may catch a glimpse of Cherokee Falls from above.
The Waterfalls Trail, Step by Step
1. Along the Rim and Down the First Stairs
From the Main Trailhead, follow the signs for the Waterfalls Trail. You’ll walk a short stretch near the rim, then start down the first flights of steps. The trail slips past huge sandstone boulders and under a big rock overhang, with the canyon walls rising higher around you as you drop.
2. The Junction
About half a mile in, you reach a fork with signs. Left goes to Cherokee Falls. Right goes down more stairs to Hemlock Falls. Most people visit Cherokee Falls first, come back to the junction, then head down to Hemlock. You can do it in either order.
3. Cherokee Falls (60 Feet)
The short, fairly level path to the left brings you out on a wide, rocky area facing Cherokee Falls. Daniel Creek pours about 60 feet over a curved rock wall into a broad, round pool surrounded by boulders. There’s plenty of room to sit, eat a snack and take photos. It’s the more open and relaxed of the two falls, and a great stopping point if you’ve had enough stairs.
4. Down to Hemlock Falls (90 Feet)
Back at the junction, take the right-hand branch. This is the steepest part of the hike: long flights of metal stairs and boardwalk winding down the canyon wall. At the bottom, a wooden viewing platform faces Hemlock Falls, which plunges about 90 feet off a rock ledge into a boulder-filled pool. It feels deeper, darker and wilder than Cherokee Falls.
Just below the platform, the Sitton’s Gulch Trail continues down the canyon along the creek, past smaller cascades. Only follow it if you’ve planned for a longer hike.
5. The Climb Back Out
Now comes the real workout: every step you came down, you climb back up. Go at your own pace, stop on the landings, drink water, and let faster hikers pass. Most people take two or three times longer going up than coming down. It’s tiring, but almost everyone makes it, and the feeling at the top is worth it.
Cherokee or Hemlock: which is better? Cherokee Falls is easier to reach and has more room to hang out. Hemlock Falls is taller and more dramatic but costs you the steepest stairs. If you can only do one, Cherokee is the safer bet for tired legs, kids and wet days. If you can do both, do both.
How Hard Is the Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail?
Georgia State Parks rates it strenuous, which surprises people because it’s so short. The difficulty is all in the elevation: you drop more than 400 feet and climb it right back, mostly on stairs. Think of it as climbing a 35–40 story building after a short walk.
- Fit hikers: a good, sweaty workout, but very doable.
- Beginners in average shape: doable if you go slowly and rest often. Consider stopping at Cherokee Falls.
- Bad knees, heart or breathing problems: think carefully. The going-down part is hard on knees, and the climb out is hard on everything else.
| Hiker | Typical time for both falls |
|---|---|
| Fit and fast | About 1 hour |
| Average pace with photos | 1.5–2 hours |
| Families or slower hikers | 2–3 hours |
New to hiking? Our hiking for beginners guide covers pacing, water and shoes.
Best Time to Hike the Waterfalls Trail
The park says the falls are usually strongest and most reliable in winter and early spring. In a dry late summer or fall, they can shrink to a trickle.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Strong falls, bare trees with clear canyon views, few people. Watch for ice on the stairs on freezing mornings; icicles sometimes form around the falls. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Full falls, fresh green leaves and wildflowers. Busy on spring weekends and spring break. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Shady and cooler at the bottom, but hot and humid on the climb out. Falls often lower. Start early. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Gorgeous colors (usually best late October to early November) and crowds. Falls can be low after dry spells. |
Best time of day: Weekday mornings. Arrive by 9 a.m. on weekends, especially in fall, to find parking. Going after a good rain (but not during a storm) gives you the biggest waterfalls.
Parking, Fees and Hours
- ParkPass: A daily ParkPass is required for every vehicle. Georgia State Parks lists it at $10 per vehicle in 2026. You can pay at kiosks in the park, by QR code or at the office. Annual passes are available and work at all Georgia state parks.
- Overnight guests pay the ParkPass once per vehicle for their whole stay.
- Hours: The park is open 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Parking: Park in the lots near the main overlook and picnic area. They fill on nice weekends and in peak foliage.
- Restrooms: Near the trailhead and picnic area. None on the trail.
What to Wear and Bring
- Shoes with good grip. Hiking shoes or trail runners work best on wet metal and slick rock. Skip flip-flops.
- Water, at least 1 liter per person, more in summer.
- A snack for the bottom before the climb.
- Layers. The canyon floor is cooler and damper than the rim.
- A light rain jacket in wet seasons (see our waterproof hiking jacket guide).
- Trekking poles help on the dirt sections and save your knees on the way down (see budget trekking poles). Collapse them on the steepest stairs and use the handrail.
- A small daypack, so your hands are free for the rails.
Safety and Park Rules
- No swimming or wading in the waterfall pools. The rocks are slick and the water is cold and deeper than it looks.
- Don’t climb on the falls or wet rocks for photos. Falls here have caused serious injuries.
- Stay on the trail and stairs. Shortcuts damage the canyon walls and are dangerous.
- Turn back early if you’re tired. The climb out is the hard part, not the walk in.
- Watch the weather. Heavy rain makes the trail slick and the creek fast; ice makes the stairs dangerous.
Can You Bring Your Dog?
Leashed dogs are allowed, but the Waterfalls Trail is one of the hardest trails in the park for them. Many dogs won’t walk on the see-through metal grating, and small paws can slip into the gaps. The park suggests carrying your dog on the stairs or choosing a different trail.
If you have a dog with you, the West Rim Loop or Overlook Trail is a much happier walk. Bring water for your dog, and consider dog boots for rocky trails on the rim’s rough sandstone.
Is It Good for Kids?
Kids who are used to hiking usually love it: stairs, boulders, waterfalls and a “we did it!” moment at the top. But it’s tough for little legs on the way up, and you can’t use a stroller or carry a stroller-sized child easily on the stairs.
- Start with Cherokee Falls only, and see how everyone feels.
- Use a child carrier for toddlers, and keep a hand on the rail.
- Bring snacks and make the landings into “rest stops.”
- Keep kids off the wet rocks around the pools.
Waterfalls Trail vs. Other Cloudland Canyon Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfalls Trail | About 2 miles round trip | Strenuous | Cherokee and Hemlock Falls |
| Overlook Trail | About 1 mile round trip | Easy | Big canyon views, families, no stairs |
| West Rim Loop | About 5 miles | Moderate to strenuous | Many overlooks along the rim; one of Georgia’s most loved hikes |
| Sitton’s Gulch | About 6 miles round trip | Strenuous | Following the creek down the canyon past smaller cascades |
| Bear Creek and Five Points | Varies | Varies | Longer hikes and mountain biking |
Best combo: Do the Waterfalls Trail first while your legs are fresh, then walk the short Overlook Trail for the classic view down the canyon. Strong hikers can add the West Rim Loop for a full day.
Waterfall Photography Tips
- Cloudy days are best. Soft light avoids harsh bright spots on the water.
- Shoot Cherokee Falls from the wide rock area to fit the falls and pool in one frame.
- Go vertical at Hemlock Falls to capture its full 90-foot drop.
- For silky water, rest your phone or camera on the platform rail and use a long-exposure mode.
- Pack light. You’ll carry every ounce back up 600 stairs.
Where to Stay
- Cottages: Furnished cottages in the park, some near the rim, great for families.
- Yurts: Walk-in yurts with beds and a deck, a fun middle ground between camping and a cabin.
- Camping: RV and tent sites with hookups, walk-in tent sites, and backcountry sites for backpackers.
- Chattanooga: Plenty of hotels and restaurants about 40 minutes away.
Book park lodging early for October and November weekends. Parking isn’t included in lodging reservations, so you’ll still need a ParkPass.
A Half-Day Plan at Cloudland Canyon
- Arrive early: Pay for your ParkPass, use the restroom and park by the main overlook.
- First hour: Head down the Waterfalls Trail to Cherokee Falls.
- Next: Back to the junction and down to Hemlock Falls.
- Climb out: Slow and steady, with rests on the landings.
- Finish: Walk the easy Overlook Trail and have a picnic with a canyon view.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Judging the hike by its distance. Two miles with 1,200 steps is harder than five flat miles.
- Wearing slick shoes. Wet metal and mossy rock need grip.
- Forgetting water. The climb out makes everyone thirsty, even in winter.
- Going to Hemlock Falls when you’re already worn out. Stop at Cherokee instead.
- Bringing a dog that won’t do metal stairs. Pick a rim trail.
- Visiting in a dry spell and expecting big falls. Check recent rain before you go.
Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail FAQs
How many stairs are on the Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail?
About 600 metal steps one way down to Hemlock Falls, so roughly 1,200 steps in total once you climb back out.
How long is the Cloudland Canyon Waterfalls Trail?
About 1.8–2 miles round trip to see both Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.
How long does the hike take?
Most people need 1.5–2 hours. Families and slower hikers should allow 2–3 hours.
How tall are the waterfalls?
Cherokee Falls is about 60 feet tall, and Hemlock Falls is about 90 feet tall.
Can you see Cherokee Falls without doing all the stairs?
Yes. Cherokee Falls is reached by fewer stairs than Hemlock Falls. Turn left at the junction and skip the steepest section.
Is the Waterfalls Trail hard?
Yes, the park rates it strenuous because of the steep stairs and 400+ feet of climbing back out.
When is the best time to see the waterfalls?
Winter and early spring, or a day or two after a good rain.
How much does it cost?
There’s no trail fee, but every vehicle needs a daily ParkPass, listed at $10 in 2026.
Can you swim at the waterfalls?
No. Swimming and wading in the waterfall pools aren’t allowed.
Are dogs allowed on the Waterfalls Trail?
Yes, on a leash, but many dogs struggle with the metal stairs. The park suggests carrying your dog or picking another trail.
Is the Waterfalls Trail open year-round?
Yes, during park hours (7 a.m.–10 p.m.), though it can close briefly for storms, ice or repairs.
Is Cloudland Canyon worth visiting just for the waterfalls?
Yes. Add the short Overlook Trail and you’ll see the best of the park in half a day.
Is the Waterfalls Trail Worth It?
Every step. Two big waterfalls, a canyon that feels like it belongs out West, and a staircase adventure your legs will remember for days. It’s one of the best short hikes in the Southeast.
Just go in knowing the deal: the way down is the easy part. Wear good shoes, bring water, take the climb out slowly, and be happy stopping at Cherokee Falls if that’s what your legs say.