Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park Trail Association · Trenton GA

Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park (FOCCSP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting, preserving, and enhancing Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia. The organization works in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Georgia State Parks, providing volunteers, fundraising, public awareness, and hands-on assistance for projects that improve the park and its extensive trail system.

Trail stewardship is one of FOCCSP's most important contributions to Cloudland Canyon. Its volunteer trail crew helps maintain and improve the park's extensive network, undertaking projects that include trail construction, erosion control, drainage improvements, bridge construction, corridor maintenance, signage, and accessibility improvements. Recent work has included construction of a new footbridge on the Barkeater Mountain Bike Trail and improvements designed to accommodate the park's all-terrain track chair.

FOCCSP also collaborates with mountain-bike and trail organizations in the region, including SORBA Chattanooga, as well as other volunteer and outdoor organizations. These partnerships bring additional trail-building expertise, volunteers, advocacy, and resources to Cloudland Canyon. SORBA Chattanooga works with land managers throughout the greater Chattanooga region to build and maintain sustainable multi-use trails, making it a natural partner in the stewardship of Cloudland Canyon's mountain-bike and multi-use trail network.

The organization's work extends well beyond trails. Friends volunteers support park events, interpretive programs, conservation projects, wildlife initiatives, recycling, visitor services, and other activities that enhance the park experience. The organization also raises funds for tools, equipment, materials, interpretive resources, and other improvements that benefit the park and its visitors.

FOCCSP is a support and stewardship organization rather than the park's land manager. Cloudland Canyon State Park is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources through Georgia State Parks, while Friends of Cloudland Canyon provides volunteer labor, fundraising, community support, and project assistance. This partnership allows volunteers and donors to play a direct role in maintaining and improving one of Georgia's premier state parks.

For trail users, supporting Friends of Cloudland Canyon is a direct way to give back to the trails and other resources they enjoy. Volunteers can participate in trail work and park projects, while donations help provide the equipment, materials, and other resources required to maintain and improve Cloudland Canyon for future generations.