West Rim Loop, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, camping

LENGTH OF HIKE: 2 miles or 5 miles

OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Loop

DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Easy–Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN: No

PARKING FEE/PASS: $5

TOILETS: Yes

CHANGING TABLE: No

BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No

CELL RECEPTION: Spotty

DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: Yes

POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Steep drop-offs are fenced, but the
fence is such that a toddler could crawl through it.

GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Carrier or hiking harness for the section of trail near the cliff if your toddler likes to run off or climb through things.

With minimal effort and toddler in tow, there are two amazing places in this park where your family can catch the highest view in Georgia without much effort. The first is along the edge of without much effort. The first is along the edge of the loop of the West Rim Trail. The second is near the visitor center. What we love about this trail is you can park fairly close and spend a little time walking out to the viewing area. If you come for the trail, don’t miss the second viewing spot near the
visitor center. If you can time your visit for fall, even better; the hills are ablaze with color.

If you just do the first section of the West Rim Trail, you are looking at 2 miles and it’s relatively flat and wide in places. However, caution is advised near the fences as ambitious toddlers can crawl through them easily. It goes without saying that the canyon cliffs are dangerous. If you’re interested in hiking the full portion of the West Rim Trail (5 miles), there is a section with steep gullies, cliff walls, and no fence. It’s very easy for an adult to stay safe on this section because it’s flat and wide; however, don’t let children wander unattended ever. This section is not fenced, and even where fences are provided for the canyon walls on other parts of the trail, these are still not very toddler friendly. The trail is wide enough in these sections to stay far enough away from the fences, but keep your eyes on little ones or plan on using a harness.

If you go the distance and opt for the 5 miles or go to the waterfalls (6.2 miles), this is a lollipop loop with the first section being flat; then expect stairs as you hike through the canyon. Adding the Waterfall Trails means, in total, you are looking at
1,400 feet of elevation change as you hike this trail and an estimated 1,200 steps. We only suggest this if you are an experienced hiker and are comfortable carrying your little one for this distance, as this suggestion is not for new walkers.

For the easiest exit on the hike if your toddler gets tired on the way out, you can start off by parking at the farthest parking lot near the loop of the West Rim Trail. This will allow you to complete the loop without having to go down and back up out
of the canyon.

WHY IT’S A FAVORITE
There is so much to see and do in this little spot. There is a sense of wildness here, and yet the park itself is fairly built up, allowing you to explore with comfort nearby. Even though it may be a drive for us to get there, we keep returning every  year. There is something about the trail and the views that keep calling us back.” —MELISSA HOLLINGSWORTH

INSIDER’S TIP
The yurts are amazing and worth an overnight. Stay a couple nights and take the time to explore the other trails and see the waterfalls.