After leaving our friends' home in Tennessee, we
headed to one of the largest state parks in Georgia in the far northwest
region on Lookout Mountain. CloudlandCanyon State Park is aptly named for the sights you will see. It is a fairly steep climb to the park from
the western approach and you find yourselves in a heavily wooded environment. We stayed in the newer campground section
which also happens to be farthest from the falls and grand view of the
canyon.
You can hike from this campground around the
southern end of the canyon and across a bridge to reach the interpretive center
and the main viewing area of the falls and canyon. This is a strenuous hike under most
conditions and since it had rained heavily the morning of our arrival, we found the rocky trail near the edge of the
canyon a bit too exciting for our taste. We
opted to drive around to the visitor center to enjoy the views.
The views were terrific and we enjoyed a couple of
hours of taking in the beauty the park offered.
Returning to the campground, we enjoyed the quiet of
a midweek arrival and hiked around the area and had our first campfire in many
months. We also encountered our first
ever automated firewood dispenser. The
park staff only made a few faces when I asked how it was working out.
I highly recommend this park for the views, hiking
and peaceful surroundings.
I know I would have taken the car too. Automated fire wood? Interesting...
ReplyDeleteGreat views even with a few raindrops. I too have never seen a firewood vending machine. That's hilarious, but probably keeps the labor cost low.
ReplyDeleteIt probably also keeps the wood dry, but it is kind of strange.
ReplyDeleteWe absolutely need to spend more time in Georgia! That park looks amazing!
I've never seen an automated firewood dispenser. Beautiful scenery around that park. Good shot of your motorhome in the midst of the trees.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to say, a firewood vending machine is certainly unique.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd want to stand still while waiting for my wood, rather than "running". Do they mean running on the spot? *ahem*
We had a bread vending machine in Delden, (this was in the Netherlands, but you knew that) and I bought some bread there on a Sunday and it was surprisingly fresh. Not sure how they managed that, but all the bakeries were closed that Sunday, so it worked for us.
We love challenging hikes, but this one we might just pass on too.
ReplyDeleteThe automated firewood dispenser sounds like an excellent idea. Never saw one.
The park looks so lovely. Great photos!
Looks like a beautiful park. Lovely views. I love the waterfalls. Lucky you to be there mid week. Me too for never having seen a machine dispense firewood. I don't suppose they sell it by the stick. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks like a great place. We probably won't ever take that strenuous hike you wrote about. We have been in Tennessee only once,stayed in Thousand Trails parks, drove part of the Natchez Trace. Thanks for showing us a new and different area.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful to me, never saw an automated wood dispenser before, what will they think of next?
ReplyDeleteHuh! Never heard of a firewood vending machine. But the park itself looks wonderful, and will definitely go on our remember to-visit list.
ReplyDeleteThat automated wood, is it self lighting, too?
ReplyDeleteWe were just there the weekend before - it rained on us from Friday night to Sunday morning around 4 am. That park is our escape from hectic work. So peaceful and close - 2 hours. We have done the hike to the falls from the east rim.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
Ann
Hi Sue. I have never heard of firewood dispensing machine... sounds odd in a forest! I enjoyed your reading and the photos though I'd like a few details on the photos occasionaly. I like your RV.
ReplyDeleteNever heard nor seen an automated firewood dispenser before. Loved your pictures of the mountains and falls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful campground. That is one great idea firewood vending. Cuts down on the man power to sell it. Enjoyed your pictures very much.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures. So funny the vending machine. Does it cook the s'mores too. 😊
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of Lookout Mountain. We passed that area on our way here to Tuscaloosa. Have to stop their one day.
ReplyDeleteWonder who came up with the idea of a vending machine for firewood? That is a strange one...
We're going to have to put this place on our list of places to see! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCandy
what a gorgeous place! I don't blame you though for avoiding the steep edges - I got vertigo just looking at the photos, and I wasn't even standing on slippery leaves.
ReplyDeleteJust added to our list of places to visit. We are about a week behind in reading blogs.
ReplyDelete