Читать книгу Afoot & Afield: Atlanta. 108 Spectacular Outings in North-Central Georgia онлайн

82 страница из 110

At 4.5 miles (Waypoint 6), the trail intersects FSR 64. Turn left and walk 100 feet to reach the junction of FSR 64, FSR 22, and Foster Branch Road at Watson Gap. From Waypoint 6, retrace your steps to return to Dyer Gap. (You can also walk southwest on FSR 64 to return.)

WAYPOINTS

1. N34º 52.096' W84º 30.875'

2. N34º 52.074' W84º 30.964'

3. N34º 52.255' W84º 31.172'

4. N34º 53.336' W84º 31.634'

5. N34º 53.972' W84º 30.958'

6. N34º 54.355' W84º 30.758'

7 CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK: Overlook, West Rim, and Waterfalls Trails

Distance 5.4 miles, semiloop

Hiking Time 3 hours

Difficulty Moderate to strenuous

Elevation +1,545'/–1,550'

Trail Use Leashed dogs and good for kids (Waterfalls Trail)

Best Times Winter (for canyon views), spring, and fall

Agency Cloudland Canyon State Park

Recommended Map Cloudland Canyon State Park is available at the ranger station or online at gastateparks.org/info/cloudland.

HIGHLIGHTS A thousand feet deep, Cloudland Canyon is truly impressive—an immense gorge with great walls of vertical rock and a floor of lively streams and high waterfalls. Established in 1938, Cloudland Canyon State Park has long been a favorite destination in Georgia, and some trails are quite developed. The Waterfalls Trail, which descends to the floor of the canyon, is comprised of stairs and platforms that allow a wide range of people to safely access the falls, one of which plunges 100 feet into a great pool of turquoise water. (Take note that the hike back up from Falls #2 is strenuous.) Equally inspiring are the views of the canyon from the West Rim Loop Trail, which hugs the lip of the gorge. The hike described below combines the Waterfall and West Rim trails into one extensive day hike that is mostly moderate but does contain one strenuous ascent on the return trip from Falls #2.