Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 3: Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you have been following our blog posts on the Lookout Mountain Parkway then you have already discovered some amazing places to add to your bucket list.  This next and final place, however, was our personal favorite and is well worth working into your summer plans, if you are headed to Georgia!

Cloudland Canyon State Park  encompasses over 3,400 acres and is located in Rising Fawn, GA on the western end of the Lookout Mountain.    Like many other state parks,  accommodations include  cottages, sites for tent camping and RVs, cabins of various sizes, as well as Yurts (which meld the tent camping and cabin experience into one)!  A wealth of activities are to be had in the park including:  guided and unguided hikes, mountain biking, birding, cave tours, and pond fishing.   Perhaps the most breathtaking of views is that of the canyon itself which can easily be accomplished by taking  a short walk from a parking area!  From there, your Frugal Family Travelers will discover an expansive overlook for viewing the canyon! For those wanting to get up close and personal with the canyon a lengthy strenuous trail, laced with approx 600 stairs, can be taken into the canyon itself.  We highly recommend doing so if you are physically able.   The views on the canyon trail are spectacular!   A white water stream is present for most of the trail hike with a rewarding and spectacular view of the  beautiful Hemlock Falls on the canyon floor.  

Cost:

$5 for day use

Directions:

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Tips:

Prior to departure, read the State Park web site for activities and tours offered during you time of visit.  Pack plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike to the base of the canyon.   Plan ample time for your hike if you are traveling with younger children.  Water levels vary depending on the season and amount of rainfall.  As with all outdoor activities pack bug spray! Download digital copies of the trail map on your phone (or take pictures) and carry paper copies provided b the park!  It makes a great back-up!  Pack a lunch /snacks and a portable hammock!  

Link to new 2025 Cloudland Canyon post

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

3 Amazing Spots in GA

One of the many spectacular views to be seen at Duke's Creek Falls!

You would be hard pressed to find someone to dispute the fact that North Georgia abounds with natural beauty!  However, with the Smoky Mountains so close in proximity,  folks sometimes forget to take advantage of some amazing places in neighboring areas.  

There are three such spots to be featured in this post which can be combined with one another or with other spots which have been previously reviewed on this blog (see links below).  Doing so is sure to create a magical trip for your Frugal Family Travelers!

Duke's Creek Falls

Directions:  Richard B. Russell Scenic Hwy; Helen GA 30545

Cost:  $4 per vehicle honor box

Note:  Picnic tables and a vaulted restroom are available at the trail head

The first spot is located in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest and is a short drive from Helen, GA.  Duke's Creek Falls features a scenic trail which parallels the stream for most of the hike. The gently sloping 2.5 mile (round trip) trail is well maintained which makes for an easy hike for families with kids.   At the base of the falls are several decked seating areas to view various sections of the falls.  

 

Chattahoochee River Tubing

Directions:  www.helentubing.com 

Cost:  Approx. $10 per person

Note:  Many tubing facilities are available.  Check around to discover which offers the best rate for your needs.

If adventure is what your Frugal Family Travelers are seeking, then consider tubing down the Chattahoochee River in Helen, GA.   There are numerous outfitters in the area which provide a multitude of options including packages with zip lining or a water park.   The basic trip is around $10 per person and includes shuttle service and life jackets.  It is highly recommended to bring or buy a stick for dislodging yourself from rocks on the river.   Don't panic, this is part of the fun!   The water was very low the day of our visit but we had an amazing time and laughed until our sides split!

 

 

Anna Ruby Falls

Located in Helen, GA and nestled inside Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls offers a breathtaking hike along a white water stream and equally breathtaking water fall!   The 1 mile (round trip) trail is completely paved so those traveling with wheel chairs and strollers can easily access this area, although the incline is quite steep.  The falls has a welcome center with restroom and requires a small fee per person.

Directions:  3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Sautee, GA 30571

Cost: $3 per person

Operating Hours:  Open 7 days a week from 9-6 (summer)  or 9-5 (winter) with the exception of major holidays.  No admission after 6 pm./5pm respectively based on the summer and winter season.

Note:   The falls is adjacent to Unicoi State Park but is run by the National Park Service.  You must travel through Unicoi State Park to access the parking lot for the Anna Ruby Falls trail.  There are amazing picnic spots in Unicoi and other opportunities for explorations there as well so be sure to check it out!  

 

Combine the places above with any of the following for an amazing vacation to the area:

3 Hidden Treasures Near Atlanta

View FrugalFamilyTravelers' photos on Trover

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure

3 Hidden Treasures Near Atlanta

It is no secret that Atlanta, GA is a destination filled with immense opportunities for family fun and excitement.  When one thinks of Atlanta, places like Stone Mountain, Six Flags and the Coca Cola Museum immediately come to mind.   However, did you know that just 10-30 minutes from the city center there are 3 beautiful places for outdoor adventure and relaxation?  Our Frugal Family Travelers recently paid a visit to the area and not only enjoyed some of the typical tourist attractions, but also soaked up the nature to be found at the locations reviewed below.

Whether you are planning a winter or summer trip to the area, consider adding one of these places to your list of things to do!  You won't be sorry!


Sweetwater Creek

Directions:  1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

Nestled in a wooded area just miles from the city, Sweetwater Creek is a Georgia State Park not to be missed. With an amazing hike next to a white water stream and the ruins of an old textile mill, this trek is certain to rejuvenate your spirit.  If you enjoy camping, the newly installed Yurts may be something you and your family investigate.  Fans of the Hunger Games films may recognize the scenery at Sweetwater Creek, as it was featured in the film.

F. D. Roosevelt State Park 

Directions:  2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822


Just a short drive from the city, in Warm Springs, GA, is F. D. Roosevelt State Park.  It is home to some amazing views, cabins, camping and the liberty bell shaped swimming pool created by the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Being that the Pine Miuntain hiking trail is quite expansive, we highly suggest visiting the park office for maps and directions before embarking on an adventure.   There are beautiful waterfalls on the trail but it is important to know on what stretches of the trail these are located! The park rangers give great directions!

Warm Springs is also home to President Roosevelt's "Little White House".   As you may know, he traveled here to take advantage of the warm spring waters for therapeutic polio treatments. His home is open for tours as well as the swimming pool facility where he received therapy.

Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

Directions: 2852 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

Another amazing place just a few miles from the city is the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.  If you are looking for a quick "get-away" while visiting the city of Atlanta, then look no further.    This place features a beautiful waterfall, within a short walking distance from the parking lot.  The hike is very easy for the young and old alike!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover