CLOUDLAND

RISING FAWN, GA

RIDE TYPE Mixed Surface	DISTANCE 46.6 Miles	ASCENT 3225 Feet
COURSE Loop	TERRAIN Rolling, Mountains	SETTING Rural, Forest

The 46 mile Cloudland route consists of three long horizontal paved sectors interrupted by two short vertical gravel sectors. The first gravel sector descends the west side of Lookout Mountain to the hamlet of Rising Fawn, GA and another ascends back to the crest. Stunning views, the gorge and waterfalls at Cloudland Canyon State Park and the ride along the escarpment make this an unforgettable route.

The Cloudland route starts at Cloudland Canyon State Park at the top of Lookout Mountain in extreme northwest Georgia. The park features towering waterfalls spilling into the canyon and is worth visiting even apart from cycling. Restrooms and water are available at the starting point.

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The route escapes the park and avoids the main entrance on a short section of gated doubletrack before beginning the first paved sector. Expect woodlands, meadows and a few sizeable rollers before plunging off the western edge of Lookout Mountain on gravel. Sulphur Springs Gap Rd is steep and will affirm your choice to pay extra for bigger rotors (or make you wish you had).

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A paved, eleven mile spin through the valley has almost constant views of the mountains and passes through the hamlet of Rising Fawn before a store stop at mile 26.2. In many ways this is an area which time has forgotten. Barney Fife and Sheriff Andy would fit right in.

Newsome Gap Rd isn’t nearly as steep as the previous descent and the manageable grade makes for a fun gravel climb back to the brow of Lookout Mountain. The area is riddled with caves and one located just a few feet off the road. Look for the rock with faded graffiti at mile 31.5. The narrow cave entrance sits just above.

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The final paved sector is fast and fun with spectacular views from the escarpment. Along the way you ride on Plum Nelly Rd and pass the the Plum Nelly Farm.

It began in 1947 at an outdoor art show held at Fannie Mennen’s house on the back of Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Ms. Mennen’s property had years earlier been named Plum Nelly when her brother-in-law, Louis Marks, after driving, what to him seemed a long way from Chattanooga, remarked, “Fannie, your place is plum out of Tennessee and nearly out of Georgia.” (Louis’s Virginia Tidewater accent was responsible for the change from nearly to nelly.)

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The route eventually reenters Cloudland Canyon State Park where a gate prevents motorists from entering without paying. Its easy enough to ride around but not before peering off the edge of the precipice. The final three miles of the Cloudland route are completed inside the park.

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A fast CX bike would be perfect for this route but ride it with whatever you have. There is a short section of crumbling pavement approaching Newsome Gap Rd but the rest is smooth and gravel sectors were high quality as of publication date. Bring some food and plan to hang around at the park after the ride. Combining the Cloudland route with camping and hiking at the state park, exploration of the areas many caves or perhaps a visit to Rocktown, and historical attractions in the city of Chattanooga would make for an outstanding weekend getaway.

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Terms of Use: Use of this route is at your own risk. This route map and associated route descriptions are believed correct at the time of publication but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. You assume all responsibility for 1) checking weather and road conditions, 2) knowing and obeying land use rules and restrictions, 3) knowing and obeying all rules of the road, 4) carrying and using proper safety and navigation equipment and, 5) knowing the limits of your physical ability. SoutheasCyclingRoutes.com, contributors and Timothy Hollingworth are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other loss to individuals following this route or using information contained in the route map or description.