Cloudland Canyon Waterfall Backcountry Trail is a premier hiking destination in Walker County, Georgia, covering 5.0 miles with 1600ft of elevation gain. Stats: 5.0 miles, 1600ft gain, Hard. Type: Loop. Surface: Rock/Dirt/Stairs. Time: 3-4 hours. Fee: $5 GA park fee. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, herons, timber rattlesnakes. Best seasons: Spring for maximum waterfall flow; fall for dramatic canyon foliage; 600 stairs descend to the falls. Cloudland Canyon is Georgia's grand canyon — an 1,800-foot-deep sandstone gorge on Lookout Mountain. The backcountry trail descends past Cherokee Falls (50 ft) and Hemlock Falls (90 ft). Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.