The little town of Trenton sits in Georgia’s northwest corner rests beneath the shadow of Lookout Mountain. The valley blanketed in trees and speckled with caves and caverns combines with the peaks and hills surrounding it to create an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Discover the natural wonders it holds this spring, before the South’s summer swelter sets in. And when you’re done with fun in the fresh air, hunt for antiques, savor some finger-licking-good food, and then rest up at a new luxury lodge boasting stellar summit views.

See & Do

Head in the Clouds

You could spend an entire day in Cloudland Canyon State Park, one of Georgia’s most wildly wonderful spots, and still not see it all. Its 3,500 acres traversed by 60 miles of trails promise an immersion in Mother Nature. Start with an easy, one-mile trek on Overlook Trail to reach panoramic views of the park’s namesake ravine, the 1,000-foot-plus-deep Cloudland Canyon, which was cut by Sitton Gulch Creek eons ago. The longer West Rim Loop hike rewards you with additional vistas. And the short (two-mile) yet strenuous Waterfalls Trail takes you to glittering cascades, including Cherokee and Hemlock falls. Can’t tear yourself away? Then don’t. The Park rents canvas yurts for overnight stays, each equipped with a fire ring for grilling, a private wood deck, ceiling fans, and electric outlets.

gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon; 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738; 706-657-4050

Head ABOVE the Clouds

Set your mood to “sky-high” with a hang-gliding trip at Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Its spot atop Lookout Mountain’s long ridge leads to extended, smooth rides rewarding flyers with bird’s eye views of the scenic splendor below. Thanks to the family-owned and operated park’s tandem discovery flights, a serene soaring journey requires zero experience, just an appetite for adventure. And if you touch down and find you’d like to find yourself uplifted again, sign up for lessons. Since its founding in 1978, the park’s certified instructors have earned reputations for being safety conscious and encouraging. 

flylookout.com; 7201 Scenic Highway, Rising Fawn, GA 30738; 706-383-1292

Down Under

Howard’s Waterfall Cave Preserve extends three miles horizontally into the area’s limestone, meaning its nooks, crannies and rock “rooms” can be explored by beginners. Some sections contain tight squeezes, so kneepads are recommended, and getting muddy is part of the fun, so packing a change of clothes for later is good idea. Keeping an eye out for the ancient Cherokee writings on its walls is also key. One non-negotiable: A permit from Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., the nonprofit conservation organization that manages the cave, is required. 

saveyourcaves.org

Catch a Show

Slip into a simple pleasure of days gone by watching a movie under the stars at The Wilderness Theater, a throwback to the classic drive-ins of old, and currently the largest outdoor movie theater in the world. From spring through fall, the glow of a double feature flickering across the theater’s outdoor screen lights up weekend nights. (Check the theater’s Facebook page for opening announcements.) And watching in your car is optional; feel free to set up a lawn chair or spread a blanket on its expansive grassy hill to get the full alfresco film-going experience. Don’t skip the snacks here; its burgers and cinnamon pretzels earn rave reviews.

wildernesstheater.com; 217 Old Hales Gap Road, Trenton, GA 30752; 706-657-8411

Hunt for Treasures

Search for your new favorite thing among the shelves and racks of downtown Trenton’s The Shop on Main, packed with upcycled and antique furniture and home decor, new clothing and thoughtful gifts. Next, peruse Auntie Q’s diverse array of vintage items and collectibles–from glassware and toys to restored cast-iron cooking pieces – and don’t leave without a Sand Mountain Beach Club T-shirt sporting a mischievous racoon and snarky sayings. Uncle Lar’s Outpost also offers an eclectic selection of goods, everything from jewelry, candles and local honey to ice cream, cupcakes and ammo.

Eat & Drink

Fuel Up

Corner Coffee promises a quality caffeine fix with steaming cups of Chattanooga’s Goodman Coffee Roasters joe blended into cappuccinos, lattes and more. But this welcoming spot with a sunny patio is equally loved for its sweet and savory bites. Indulge in a choclate-laden turtle cinnamon roll or for heartier fare, try a chicken pesto sandwich on grilled sourdough.

ourcornercoffee.com; 48 Court Street, Trenton, Georgia 30752; 706-500-1133

Pig Out

Fill up on slow-smoked meats at Thatcher’s Barbeque and Grille, a family-owned joint offering Southern ‘cue standards like pulled pork and brisket plates with slaw and potato salad as well as specialties like the Hokey Smokey Sandwich, smoked roast beef blanketed with provolone, fried onions and horseradish.

thatchersbbq.com/location/trenton; 12366 N Main St, Trenton, GA 30752, 706-657-6465

Stay

Relax after a day of discovery at Cloudland at McLemore Resort, just eight miles away in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Perched on the edge of a craggy cliff overlooking the fields and forests of the Cumberland Plateau, the resort opened in May 2024 and offers multiple dining options, an award-winning golf course, a pool and pool bar, and its tranquil spa. A popular pastime is simply soaking in its views of lush valleys and soft rounded summits in the distance.

staycloudland.com; 243 Cloudland Drive, Rising Fawn, GA 30738; 888-391-1148