Hemlock Falls is a well-known waterfall at Cloudland Canyon State Park and the best way to hike to it is actually the trail less traveled.
Many people hike to Hemlock Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park from the main trailhead at the top of Lookout Mountain. But, did you know there’s a more scenic trail to take, and in my opinion, a better option? Continue reading to learn more about Sitton’s Gulch Trail and why it’s the best way to get to Hemlock Falls.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
With 3,538 acres, Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of Georgia’s largest state parks. Flowing with numerous creeks, waterfalls, tall cliffs, and views, this park is a very beautiful place to be. It’s also a popular camping destination with all sorts of campground types, including yurts and cottages. There’s so much to do here as well, including 64 miles of hiking trails and 30 miles of biking trails. Not to mention caves, disc golf, horse trails, and fishing. Just note that there is a $5 entry fee to enjoy the park for just the day. Here’s the link for more info about Cloudland Canyon.
Sitton’s Gulch Trail
Now that you see how huge this park is, let’s zoom in and focus on the trail that I highly recommend you take to Hemlock Falls. Sitton’s Gulch Trail starts at the bottom of Lookout Mountain. So rather than entering the park at the main entrance at the top of the mountain, you’ll find this trailhead in a neighborhood at the foot of the mountain.
The same $5 fee applies here as well. All parks in Georgia have an entrance fee to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the trails and facilities. If you find yourself visiting them a lot, you can purchase an annual pass for $50 at the park or online.
Sitton’s Gulch Trail is one of the most scenic trails I’ve explored. The trail follows the Sitton Gulch Creek and slowly heads upstream, ascending the mountain. There’s a couple of loop trails (Wildflower and Case) off this main trail that I have yet to explore but will soon in the coming months. The hike from the trailhead to Hemlock Falls is approximately 2 miles.
Hemlock Falls
If you’re already camping at the park or starting at the top of the mountain, don’t worry, you can still access Hemlock Falls from this direction. Just take the Waterfalls Trail down into the ravine. From here you can visit both Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. Both are close to each other.
For a comparison of the two routes to Hemlock Falls, consider this. Sitton’s Gulch Trail is about a 2 mile hike to the falls. But the climb up is more gradual and the scenery is better with all the creeks and smaller waterfalls along the way. However, hiking down to Hemlock Falls from atop the mountain is only a 1 mile hike. But it’s filled with stairs which are even harder to climb up on your way back. Additionally there are more trails and breathtaking views from the mountaintop making it a great starting point as well. Both routes are great for different reasons, but I prefer the scenic route. If you’re wanting to check out more trails on top of the mountain or are short on time, consider this starting point. Here’s the link for more info on hiking from the top of the mountain at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
Tips for Your Hike to Hemlock Falls
When we went it had rained all week prior and then rained some more during our hike. The creeks were high due to the rain which made it beautiful, but also dangerous. I don’t recommend hiking here after or during rain unless you have the proper footwear and are confident in your footing.
The biggest obstacle was crossing a creek right before reaching the stairs that take you up to the Hemlock Falls viewing platform. This is by far the worst creek crossing I have ever faced. There was water of two feet depth on one side and the edge of the cliff on the other. Crossing atop wobbly rocks with water rushing under, around, and over them is terrifying. I highly suggest trekking poles for this one.
Last time I hiked this trail it hadn’t rained in a week and I can say crossing here was much easier as most of the rocks were above water. However, they’re still loose and this crossing still scares me. See the photos below for the difference between high water from rains and low water from less rain.
As you near the falls there’s a staircase of grated metal stairs and a bridge over the raging creek that is also grated metal. This is very slippery when wet, but also allows for a neat view of the water below.
Final Thoughts on Hiking to Hemlock Falls
Not only is Sitton’s Gulch Trail more scenic than the main trail down the mountain, the best part is that it’s uphill to go in and downhill to go back. Whereas the other trail is the opposite and coming back up the mountain is steeper. Plus, this trail isn’t as popular so you’re less likely to run into crowds unlike the one on top of the mountain. But, on the other hand, the mountaintop has views that can’t be beat.
Here’s the video of my struggles on my first hike and here’s the video of my most recent visit. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Cloudland Canyon State Park before and what your thoughts are on the place.
Hiking Guidebook
I recently released my new hiking guidebook and journal, A Year of Hiking. This hike is the first one in the book along with 11 others. The book encourages you to get out and hike all year long with perfectly paired hikes for every season. Check it out and let me know what you think! Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
