Atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Georgia lies a resort overlooking the valley below. As mist and clouds form in the early morning hours, visitors to Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn are often treated to a pillowy blanket of white. Eagles fly below as the breeze wafts and rustles the pine and hardwood trees. Eventually, the clouds give way to amazing views across the Cumberland Plateau.
Cloudland opened in May 2024 and is located 2,300 feet above sea level, within the master-planned community of McLemore. The sprawling property features single-family homes, two championship 18-hole golf courses and a six-hole short course, a spa, numerous hiking trails, and on-site restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
Everywhere you look, there are touches of thought and elegance within the hotel. Original botanicals by Kim Hubbard adorn many of the walls. She’s McLemore’s artist-in-residence, a former photo director with National Geographic, and a local resident. A large wooden topographical map of Lookout Mountain is a focal piece in the Great Room.
The outdoors beckon with plenty of activities. A focal point, the cliff-edge infinity pool, is heated year-round and features poolside seating and drink service. Family movie nights, guided hikes, wildlife demos, and yoga are all complimentary activities for guests. Cornhole games, s’mores by the outdoor fire pit, and telescopes for stargazing ensure plenty of after-dinner entertainment before heading off for a restful slumber.
Fun Above the Clouds
Outdoor Enthusiasts
- The resort features two 18-hole courses. The Highlands Course, designed by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, has one of the top finishing holes in the world, overlooking the cliffs. The Keep will open this fall and has a natural 479-acre amphitheater course with 1.5 miles of uninterrupted cliff edge.
- Several hiking trails are available directly from the hotel. For even more choices, nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park is considered one of Georgia’s largest and most scenic parks and offers over 60-miles of trails.
- E-bikes are also available, included in your resort fee.
Indoor Enthusiasts
- Selah Spa offers a full range of services including massages, facials, and wellness rituals.
- Complimentary tours of the hotel property are given each day at 4:30 p.m.
- The library features a 600-book curated collection of contemporary and classic literature.
- Board games are available for guests.
- The fitness center includes a Peloton spin studio.
Dining Enthusiasts
Cloudland has several on-site options, most with a Scottish and French theme.
- Be sure to try the Rumbledthumps at Auld Alliance. This traditional Scottish dish is similar to Irish colcannon with mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, and cheese.
- Croft, named for Scotland’s small farms, features simple, fresh ingredients and is the best place to grab breakfast and lunch.
- Skyside is an open-air restaurant next to the pool and a great place to grab a cocktail or mixed drink and watch the sunset.
- The Creag is the only restaurant not inside the hotel. It’s located within the McLemore Clubhouse and has a seasonal dining menu, craft cocktails, and large wine list.
Cloudland Prep
Cloudland is a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel with 245 guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
Cloudland is about a four- or five-hour drive from Greenville, depending on the route you take.
October 16 is the last 2025 date in the resort’s annual Songwriter’s Series, which brings music and storytelling from some of the region’s most notable songwriters.
For more information, visit staycloudland.com.
