Tucked into the northwest corner of Georgia and making up part of the western edge of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park straddles a pair of deep gorges, offering spectacular canyonland scenery. Just beyond the picnic area and campground, Sitton Gulch and Daniel Creek merge, forming a majestic point that's seen from high above the Cloudland Canyon overlook.
   It's the canyon view that's the primary draw and lends its name to the park, but the park also boasts two dramatic waterfalls. Here in Daniel Creek Gorge, two of northern Georgia's major waterfalls, Cherokee and Hemlock falls, drop 60 and 90 feet. With rainfall totaling nearly 80 inches a year, the river's water-works usually put on a good show.
   Labeled as a strenuous hike, getting down to view the falls from the West Rim Trail is relatively easy. Plenty of warning is given as you descend into the canyon ... and with every step you'll see reminders of the 1200 stair steps that wait for your return. There's a good chance you’ll soon forget about counting stair steps on the way down, as steep cliffs tower overhead, creating a dramatic pathway. The Cherokee Falls, pictured here, is just off a short spur from the trail. The Hemlock Falls (inset) is found after another good drop into the canyon. Thoughts of this beautiful canyon view and the scenes along Daniel Creek Falls will carry you up the long flights of stairs and steep pathway up and out of the gorge.

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