50 After 50: Cloudland Canyon State Park

Years ago we attempted a family camping trip to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia. Somewhere on I-24, between our home and Monteagle Mountain, my husband noticed the back glass camper top was open. Pulling over to fix it was just the beginning of our not-making-that-trip. The truck overheated while sitting there, leaking all kinds of fluids. We tucked tail and created another destination that did not involve traveling over Monteagle Mountain.

In October of this year, we decided to try it again. Different truck, lighter camper, and just us two empty nesters. As we began the sharp climb to Cloudland Canyon, within a mile and a half of the campground, our different truck was struggling. My husband took the only pull off spot on this steep mountain and there we sat. With little or no transmission fluid left, we learned later it was a blown seal. Dusk, with very little cell service, our options were limited. I remember praying for a rescue, we needed help and were not quite sure what that would look like.

Moments later an ambulance driver stopped to check on us. We told him of our plight, he offered a wrecker service number, and these famous words, "Welcome to Dade County. A lot of trucks have trouble with this hill." While talking with him, another gentleman stopped. "Do you guys need any help? I'm a mechanic." Mike is a UPS mechanic from our neck of the woods. He crawled under the truck, make a quick diagnosis then proceeded to drive my husband down the mountain in his car for more transmission fluid. At one point another local guy stopped to help. We had two escorts on stand by as we slowly drove the truck and camper into the campground. Mike and his girl Christy, got our paperwork from the visitor station and helped us find a camping spot in darkness. He was indeed our rescue. 

The next morning we purchased more transmission fluid and visited a local shop recommended by someone at the visitor center. At no charge, this young guy plugged up the truck to his computer and told us about a seal that needed replacing. He also advised us to not pull the camper back over Monteagle. The seal issue only flaired up under pressure... like pulling a camper up to Cloudland Canyon.

By noon on Friday we were feeling relieved. We knew the problem and decided to reach into the weekend and have some fun.. see this place.. and enjoy. Choosing the West Rim Loop described as a popular trail, formerly rated by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top 10 hikes in the United States! It offers several scenic viewpoints of Cloudland Canyon as well as more distant terrain. The rocky, rooty trail is most easily accessed from the Main Trail head. The West Rim Loop Trail is a lollipop-style hike; the first and last mile cover the same section of trail, and there is a three-mile loop in the middle of the hike. The views were amazing, the sky a beautiful blue.  

Ending the day with a campfire and a beautiful evening in a campground filled to capacity. Some of the best sleep comes after a day outdoors, and watching a campfire. 

Saturday morning we packed our hydration packs and included hammocks for the back country campground hike. A two mile back country loop that features secluded camping sites situated within pristine hemlock and oak groves. The trail passes through open woods, progressing down a moderate grade into a hollow. On the far end of the loop, a moderate climb brings hikers out of the hemlocks, back to level trail among oaks and hickories, and eventually back to the parking area. It was another beautiful warm day with lots of trees to string a hammock and watch the sky, eat a snack, even grab a little nap.