Help Open Bouldering at Cloudland Canyon, GA.

bradmc

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 (link below).

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).

view Comment Card and fill out here:
http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/contactparks.aspx?et=4&s=0.0.1.5

info on Cloudland Canyon on the Georgia State Parks website:
http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?LocationID=38&s=0.0.0.5

more info on Cloudland:
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.
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"Why, land's the only thing in the world worth working for, worth fighting for, worth dying for, because it's the only thing that last." Scarlett O'Hara's father in Gone with the Wind.

ChadWykle · Joined: Jun 10, 2003 Posts: 72

Big Thanks for posting the info, Brad!!!

Comment card completed!!

I'd like to encourage everyone to do the same--VERY EASY!

Paul_Morley · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:45 pm Post subject:

Completed as well! Woot!
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the_gecko · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

Comment card completed--great work Brad!

Josh
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"fear causes hesitation, and hesitation causes your worst fears to come true..."

Eldenzen · Joined: Jul 09, 2008 Posts: 31 Location: New Orleans

Cloudland Canyon is an awesome place. Cabins, campsites, hiking, and two beautiful waterfalls. Climbing would definately attract more visitors. Go the the website. Comment card was super easy to fill out. Do it now.

bradmc · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:20 pm Post subject:

we need to get all climbers to copy and paste the text from the article and email to everyone that they know.

although we have a loyal following here on the SCC website - anything we can do to spread the word out further would be a big help.

thanks in advance to anyone that can take 2 minutes to copy and paste and build an email and send out to friends. Cool

_________________
"Why, land's the only thing in the world worth working for, worth fighting for, worth dying for, because it's the only thing that last." Scarlett O'Hara's father in Gone with the Wind.

Footsman · Joined: Jul 20, 2008 Posts: 4

Local has inside info.......knows the park.......ask any question.....I will answer.

southerngems · Joined: Mar 29, 2005 Posts: 112 Location: chatty

done. So footsman.....the first thing I want to know about a new climbing area is what the rock is like/comparable to. So, whats it like?

TVA · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:06 pm Post subject:

that was easy. thanks brad!

nosaj · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject:

Thats a big 10-4 good buddy we sent ours in. Hey should I get brooke to submit one too or is one from our family enough?

Bump for great thread

TTT
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the earth was made for the body; the body was made for the soul; and the soul was made for GOD......ravi zacharias quoting another brilliant man

nosaj · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:10 am Post subject:

BUMP THIS THREAD BACK TO THE TOP come on folks send your letters lets keep opening crags!!! keep the energy going
_________________
the earth was made for the body; the body was made for the soul; and the soul was made for GOD......ravi zacharias quoting another brilliant man

fortda · Joined: Sep 01, 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for the cut and paste comment card! Has there been any update from Cloudland Canyon?

Eldenzen · Joined: Jul 09, 2008 Posts: 31 Location: New Orleans

There were a few interesting posts made friday in the crag section of the message board.

wwcclimber · Joined: Feb 25, 2009 Posts: 4

I've heard there used to be places to boulder, but where in the park are they because I've never seen any?

bbrock · Joined: Aug 31, 2005 Posts: 17

card completed