Community Forums

Mike8253 · 01-18-2022, 02:12 PM

We have interest in going to Cloudland Canyon SP in Rising Fawn, GA this summer. I'm 36' plus toad. I've read that access for Class A's is "hairy" because of switchbacks. We've done our fair share of mountain/canyon campgrounds, last of which was Palo Duro Canyon. Any reason to be more concerned about access to Cloudland Canyon? Or is that description overblown? Thanks in advance.

CharlesinGA · 01-18-2022, 10:36 PM

Go up the east side from Lafayette, its just grade and not too bad curves wise. Going up the west side from Trenton has a couple of sharp switch backs and steeper grade.

I've done the east side in my Winnebago View and also with my pickup and trailer. I did the west side in the truck when I ran to the grocery in Trenton and was thinking it was not something I would want to do with the trailer.

Its not horrible, but I'm just saying, I won't do the west side with the trailer, even as small as it is.

Charles

MarvinG · 01-19-2022, 05:37 AM

I live about 20 miles from Cloudland on Sand Mountain which is across the valley from Lookout Mountain/Cloudland Canyon. I don’t think you will have any trouble with curves or switchbacks. We have a very sharp switchback coming up Sand Mountain that I’ve never had a problem making with mine pulling a Toad.

The incline is fairly steep however which might be as large a concern. If you feel uncomfortable, you could consider camping at DeSoto State Park and driving your Toad the 20 miles or so to Cloudland. There is also a KOA within 20 miles.

CharlesinGA · 01-19-2022, 10:50 PM

If you are real curious go to Google maps street view and "drive" up the road to the park.

Heading up 136 from the west (Trenton) side.

You are behind a white car and after the first switch back, you have a log truck pass you coming down.

Going up from the east on 136 starting at the Dollar General at the intersection with 193

Its a couple of broad curves and then a grade up the side of the mountain and then it flattens out. Its the south end of Lookout Mtn and it basically a plateau. After you get on the top, you cross the intersection with 157 and it flattens out and then you pass another Dollar General at the 189 intersection and its just gentle up, down, up, down, poof passed it! The park entrance is easy to miss. You can also "drive" all of the park roads on Google Maps street view, and all of the walking/hiking trails are also on there. Someone hiked all of them using a 360 view camera. I am seeing lots of that now.

Park entrance

Charles

Mike8253 · 01-20-2022, 12:37 PM

Thanks all. We'll be heading in from the Huntsville area, so we'll be entering Cloudland Canyon SP from the West. Looking at Google Map, the climb doesn't seem too daunting. Looking forward to the visit.

MarvinG · 01-22-2022, 11:53 AM

While there be sure you drive to Desoto Falls. It is another falls on Lookout Mountain well worth seeing and requires just a 30 minute drive and 100 foot walk to see.

Mike8253 · 01-22-2022, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarvinG

While there be sure you drive to Desoto Falls. It is another falls on Lookout Mountain well worth seeing and requires just a 30 minute drive and 100 foot walk to see.

Thanks

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wog099 · 01-22-2022, 10:36 PM

If the state parks there are a little tricky to get to you may want to check this campground out, R Haven Overnite Family Park in Rising Fawn, GA (just below Chattanooga off I59). We stayed there coming and going on a trip last year and thought it was a very nice park and not difficult to get to. There are two exits off I59 to get to it and going north, the first exit is the one you want (I don't remember the number or name, but call and ask the campground owner).
Not sure if this park is convenient for you, but may be an option.
Thanks,