Near West Rim Loop Trail
The remarkable Cloudland Canyon in Winter from one of the numerous overlooks on the West Rim Trail.
Near West Rim Loop Trail
Travel companion looking at the third of three waterfalls that can be seen along the gorge trail at Cloudland State Park.
Near West Rim Loop Trail
Walkway, Cloudland Canyon
Near West Rim Loop Trail
Enjoying a moment of quiet at Cherokee Falls
Near West Rim Loop Trail
The second of three waterfalls that can be seen just off the trailhead for the West Rim Loop trail. This one can be seen when hiking down into the gorge trail.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

West Rim Loop Trail

4.6 (27 Ratings)
A beautiful loop offering remarkable viewpoints of the vast Cloudland Canyon.
4.7
mi
Distance
930
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.73mi
Distance
930ft
Elevation Gain
930ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
1,940ft
High Point
1,614ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The West Rim Trail begins at the Cloudland Canyon State Park Interpretive Center. Gorgeous viewpoints including the Main Overlook can be accessed from here as well. Shortly after the trailhead, the .5-mile Waterfalls Trail will spur off to the right and head to, you guessed it, waterfalls. This is well worth the additional 1 mile round trip. To stay on the West Rim Trail, stay straight.After a descent, visitors will cross a bridge over Daniel Creek and begin climbing up the west rim of the canyon. During the ascent, visitors will face a few switchbacks before reaching the top. Keep your eyes peeled, for two small caves large enough to fit one person can be spotted during the climb. A little over a mile into the journey, the trail forks. Completing the loop in a clockwise formation allows visitors to first experience the wooded area atop the west rim, an area where massive quartz boulders are abundant. Soon after, the trail crosses a road and leads to the first overlook. This overlook, located on the northwest mouth of the canyon, offers amazing views 1,200 feet above Trenton and other small towns visible from the viewpoint. As the trail continues, runners will pass the state park cabins and a numerous amount of stunning viewpoints overlooking Cloudland Canyon. Soon enough, the loop will complete leaving visitors to finish the final mile back to the trailhead at the Interpretive Center. The West Rim Trail at Cloudland Canyon State Park is a real gem in northwest Georgia, and is definitely worth your while.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Cloudland Canyon: Waterfalls to Sitton's Gulch Trail

Hike Route

Cloudland Canyon: Waterfalls to Sitton's Gulch Trail

Views
moderate
4.96 mi
+1,189 ft
Lula Lake Land Trust: Middle Trail

Hike Route

Lula Lake Land Trust: Middle Trail

Lake
easy
2.75 mi
+562 ft
Bluff Trail (Sunset Rock to Point Park)

Hike Route

Bluff Trail (Sunset Rock to Point Park)

Views
moderate
3.32 mi
+1,545 ft
Blue Loop

Hike Route

Blue Loop

Dogs Allowed
moderate
3.54 mi
+678 ft
DeSoto Park Never Never Land Loop

Hike Route

DeSoto Park Never Never Land Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
2.78 mi
+214 ft
Fiery Gizzard

Hike Route

Fiery Gizzard

Birding
strenuous
12.21 mi
+2,178 ft
Contributors
Justin Brock