This article was originally posted on SCC’s discussion board. Reposted here with permission from Brad McCloud, SCC Board Member and Treasurer
There is an opportunity to possibly open climbing and bouldering at Cloudland Canyon near Lafayette, in northwest GA.
Cloudland has been closed to climbing for years due to lack of park management/supervision and supposedly lack of rescue capabilities.
The world famous climber/boulderer, John Gill, was photographed climbing in this area many years ago in his book “Master of Rock” by Pat Ament.
But there is a chance to possibly open this area if we have enough (positive) public comment and support. We really need to get the word out and do whatever we can to take a proactive and positive stance associated with this effort – and it will happen.
We need you to either go by the Cloudland Canyon park and fill out a comment card or fill out one online.
On the comment card state something to the effect that….
“We respectfully request that climbing be opened within Cloudland Canyon. This area is a great climbing and bouldering resource and should be open as it is a State Park. Other climbing areas around the state of Georgia are currently open (Tallulah Gorge, Rocktown, Zahnd Natural Area and Panola Mountain) as climbing is a recognized as a legitimate recreational by the State. We also understand that rescue may be a concern but we would like to point out that the Walker County Fire and Rescue is a well trained world class rescue group that is located only miles away. It is also our understanding that the Cloudland Canyon ranger staff has 5 DNR high angle rescue personnel on staff, and nearby Dade County GA rescue staff is also capable.
Please reconsider opening this great resource for climbers to enjoy.”
You can change the text as needed – but please keep it upbeat and positive.
Fill out a comment card here online and submit via the internet (easy – takes 45 seconds)
You can use the text above (modify slightly if you can).
Fill out the online Comment Card.
More info on Cloudland Canyon can be found on the Georgia State Parks website.
About Cloudland Canyon:
Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800 to 1,980 feet. The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. (For visitor safety, wading in pools and climbing on waterfalls is not allowed.) Cottages are located near the canyon edge, while the park’s walk-in campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Outdoor lovers should not miss this park’s spectacular scenery.
About the SCC:
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving climbing access in the Southeast. We started in 1993 when a group of climbers banded together to help out with ongoing access issues at Sunset Rock, atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The group had positive results from the start and went on to sponsor cleanups and trail days of climbing areas, raise money to purchase land and to keep climbing areas open for future generations. SCC volunteers are climbers from Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina and the Ozarks who have joined forces to resolve local climbing access issues. The Southeastern Climbers Coalition aims to provide an ongoing means for climbers throughout the area to come together and respond effectively to access threats to crags, as well as the impacts of increasing use.
Paige says
Bouldering rocks!!!!