Plan your trip
The River to Clouds Route links together several public lands managed by different organizations, including Lookout Mountain Conservancy, National Park Service, Lula Lake Land Trust, Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Covenant College, and Georgia State Parks. To find out where you can park overnight and camp, please consult the map and make sure to follow the rules and guidelines set by each land manager, outlined below.
National Park Service
Open sunrise to sunset
Overnight parking is not allowed
Camping is not allowed
Lookout Mountain Conservancy: Rockmont Park/Guild-Hardy Trail
Open sunrise to sunset
Dogs on leashes are welcome
Overnight parking is not allowed
Camping is not allowed
Alcohol, drug, and tobacco use are prohibited
Lula Lake Land Trust
A pass-through permit is required to pass through Lula Lake Land Trust's Core Preserve property via foot or bike only (no parking permitted). Additionally, two backcountry campsites are available on Lula Lake Land Trust's Moonshine Trails and on the Cloudland Connector Trail past the Nickajack Trailhead. Pass-through and backcountry camping are $5 and can be obtained by clicking the link below.
Practice Leave No Trace Ethics
The route crosses the ancestral lands of the Cherokee Nation and indigenous peoples that came before us. As stewards and users, please respect these past cultures and public lands.
Plan ahead and prepare for navigating difficult terrain
Do not ride muddy trails and respect trail closures
Travel and camp on designated areas
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts, where campfires are allowed
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other user
FAQs
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Camping is allowed at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Learn more and make reservations here. Two backcountry campsites are available at Lula Land Land Trust. Learn more and reserve your campsite here.
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A permit is required to traverse the Lula Lake Land Trust Core Preserve. Permits are $5 for one person for one day only. Each user must obtain a permit to utilize this section of trail. Permit users must stay on the RCR (which does NOT include access to Lula Lake Land Trust's lake and waterfalls). You cannot park your vehicle at the Lula Lake Land Trust Core Preserve or along the roadside of Lula Lake Road. Entry by mountain bike or by foot only. During Open Gate Days (public access days), users must stop at the Lula Lake Land Trust kiosk to show their permit to check-in staff. The continuance for public use of the RCR Pass Thru Permit System traversing Lula Lake's Core Preserve section is dependent on the public adherence of the protocols set forth. Please be good stewards.
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Daytime parking is available at most properties. Entry to Lula Lake Land Trust is by mountain bike or foot only. Parking is not permitted at the Core Preserve or alongside the entrance on Lula Lake Road. Overnight parking is not allowed on National Park Service or Lookout Mountain Conservancy properties.