* Park hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Distance/fuel cost: The park ison the western edge of Lookout Mountain in Dade County, Ga., just north of Georgia Route 136 between Trenton and LaFayette. Take Interstate 24 west into Georgia, and exit 167 onto Interstate 59 south toward Birmingham. Take exit 11 at Trenton and go left on Route 136 through town and up Lookout Mountain. Turn left on Cloudland Canyon Road. The 28-mile drive takes just more than 30 minutes from Chattanooga, an estimated round trip fuel cost of about $12.

* Why it’s worth the trip: Visitors experience the natural beauty of water falls and a Lookout Mountain canyon carved over millions of years by Daniel and Bear creeks, which form Sitton Gulch Creek. Trails honeycomb the park’s 3,485 acres. Dog-friendly cottages are available. Visitors also can play tennis or flying disc golf.

* Admission: There is a $3 parking fee, but Wednesdays are free. Fees to stay overnight range from $5 per person for backcountry campsites to $175 for group shelters, with several options in between.

n Things to do: In addition to camping and hiking, there are picnic sites and scenic overlooks. Trails trace the canyon rim and also plunge to the gorge floor, including a 600-step staircase leading to the best views of two waterfalls. Special events, such as catfish roundups or reptile exhibits, are scheduled throughout the year.

* Cost-saving tip: Carpool if possible, take a picnic lunch and visit on a Wednesday when there is no parking fee. Nearby, see hangliders at Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Covenant College in the former Lookout Hotel, or visit Rock City, Ruby Falls or Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

* For more information: Visit http://www.gastateparks.org/net/go/parks.aspx?LocationID=38&s=0.0.1.5 or call (706) 657-4050.

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