The best hike we've ever had! Caves, waterfalls, views and more.
Thinking about taking a hike...
This is the most amazing hike my husband and I have ever been on, and that's saying something! The canyon is about a four hour journey from where we live, one of our longer day trips, but well worth the long haul. The canyon is located in a large state park and has a variety of camp sights for visitors to enjoy.
The canyon is massive, and features three waterfalls along the Sutton Gulch Trail. Two of them have become synonymous with the canyon. Cherokee Falls drops 60 feet into a beautiful blue pool. Hemlock Falls drops 90 feet into another clear blue pool. Many people swim in the pool at Cherokee as it doesn't feature the large rocks like Hemlock.
“The woods are lonely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep .” ~Robert Frost
The hike itself is very strenuous, mainly because of the many stairs leading down into the canyon. This is not the trip for dogs or kids, as the stairs go on and on and on. Nugget managed to make the trip but we had to carry him most of the way. He was afraid of the metal stairwell and also the grates on the steps caught his corgi toes. Also dogs have a really hard time crossing the numerous bridges as they are see through. Nugget was not a fan. Again, glad he is small enough we can carry him.
There are numerous trails that go through the canyon, including a trail that leads to a beautiful cave. My favorite cave features the Moon Room where the surface of the cave floor looks just like the moon. It's a beautiful and haunting spot. There are more caves that the park provides tours to--but only during certain times of the year and some are far more strenuous. The caves are along many of the pathways--so common sense advise here....DON'T GO IN THEM UNLESS ON A TOUR. Thank you.
The third waterfall is only visible from the top of the canyon. You can walk to the edge of falls but you cannot see it very well. Still, worth a look!
Final Notes
This is by far our favorite hike of all time. It will be hard to beat Cloudland Canyon in our minds. The view was amazing and so were the waterfalls! I've had several friends who have camped at the park and have loved it. Dogs are welcome in the area, but I will warn it's very hard for them with the stairs.
Gear for this Hike
1) Backpack with
a. First Aid
b. Survival kit
c. Water bottles
d. Dog bowl--if Fido comes with
2) Trekking poles
3) Waterproof boot or boots with good tread
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