There are mountain getaways, and then there are experiences that make you feel as though the world below has simply ceased to exist. Cloudland at McLemore Resort, perched atop Lookout Mountain in the small northwest Georgia community of Rising Fawn, belongs firmly in the second category. Billing itself as an “island in the sky,” this refined mountaintop retreat sits where breathtaking landscapes merge seamlessly with refined tranquility — and from the moment you arrive, it’s a little slice of heaven.
Located just 45 minutes from Chattanooga and a little more than two hours from both Atlanta and Nashville, Cloudland occupies that rare sweet spot of feeling genuinely removed from everyday life while remaining an easy drive from major Southern cities. The winding road up Lookout Mountain sets the mood before you ever reach the front door, building anticipation with each curve until the resort comes into view — all clean lines and mountain-modern architecture set against a panorama that stretches across the Georgia-Tennessee-Alabama tri-state region.
A Curio Collection by Hilton property, Cloudland offers four diverse dining options, award-winning golf, wellness experiences and more — though that summary barely scratches the surface of what awaits guests. The resort was designed with a clear philosophy: Give visitors every reason to stay on property and make staying feel like the most natural thing in the world.
Rooms With a View
Accommodations range from intimate rooms to spacious suites, each crafted with elegance and comfort in mind, blending modern opulence with the rustic charm of the mountains. Many rooms feature private balconies and terraces overlooking Cloudland Canyon, one of Georgia’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Waking up to morning mist rolling through the canyon below is the kind of moment that turns a weekend trip into a lasting memory.
Dining Above the Clouds
The culinary program at Cloudland is ambitious and largely delivers. The resort’s dining roster includes Auld Alliance, Croft, The Pocket Cafe and Skyside — each with its own personality and setting. Guests can enjoy Scottish- and French-influenced cuisine at the resort’s restaurants, and the firepit is a perfect gathering spot after a day of hiking or biking the trails. The Creag, located just outside the main hotel on the McLemore property, rounds out the options, with elevated comfort food and craft cocktails in a more casual atmosphere. Whether you’re starting the morning with coffee and canyon views or lingering over dinner as the stars emerge above the ridge, the food scene here is every bit as thoughtfully curated as the rest of the resort.
Golf on Top of the World
For golfers, Cloudland is nothing short of a pilgrimage destination. McLemore Resort offers multiple courses set more than 2,000 feet above sea level, including a top 100-ranked championship course and a six-hole short course — making it a premier golf destination in the Southeast. Every shot comes with a backdrop that rivals any course in the country, and the elevation adds an otherworldly quality to the game. Stay-and-play packages are available for those who want to make golf the centerpiece of their visit.
Wellness, Water and Wide-Open Trails
Even non-golfers will find no shortage of ways to fill their days. The resort offers a cliffside infinity pool, full spa facilities, yoga and fitness classes, and hiking access — all set against that spectacular mountain scenery. The Selah Spa is the place to unwind after a morning on the trails, offering holistic treatments designed to complement the natural serenity of the surroundings. For the more adventurous, the resort’s proximity to Cloudland Canyon State Park, about 15 minutes away, provides miles of trails winding past waterfalls and through hardwood forests that blaze with color each autumn, making it a popular fall destination as well, peaking in late October to early November.
A Destination for Every Occasion
Part of what makes Cloudland so compelling is its versatility. With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor event space, the resort hosts meetings, conferences and weddings, drawing groups from across the Southeast who want something more memorable than a standard hotel ballroom. But it’s just as well suited for a romantic long weekend, a family adventure or a solo retreat — the kind of place where every type of traveler finds exactly what he or she is seeking.
North Georgia has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, from the waterfalls of the Blue Ridge foothills to the broad ridge lines of the Cohutta Wilderness. Cloudland at McLemore Resort doesn’t compete with that landscape — it celebrates it, building an experience worthy of the views. If your idea of a perfect escape involves fresh mountain air, exceptional food and a bed positioned squarely above the clouds, Rising Fawn is calling your name.
Cloudland at McLemore Resort is located at 243 Cloudland Drive in Rising Fawn. For reservations and information, visit staycloudland.com or call 888-391-1148.
