Pros:
- Shot Selection: Around hole #15, I remember commenting to my card, "I think I've used every disc in my bag." And I meant it, I threw some flex shots, some hyzers all the way to the pin, I threw every disc at least once, there's no doubt that tackling this course requires a complete game.
- Terrain: Lots of up-and-down on the front 9, followed by a more flat section of the track until you get to the final 2 holes. My card played when it was dry, so unfortunately I'm not sure how it handles rain, but the grass was in great condition and putting greens were free from falling trees or large branches.
- Tee Boxes: Concrete tee boxes here. Not a whole lot to say other than they are appropriately sized and in very good condition.
- Signage: I went back and forth on whether or not to put signage in the "pros" section, but ultimately I have due to the fact that there actually are signs at each tee box and they are fairly descriptive. Don't get me wrong, if you're expecting a caddie book on the tee signs you're going to be disappointed, but they at least designate each hole, the distance, any OB, and a rough sketch of a line that might be used to attack the pin.
- Park Aesthetic: In short, Cloudland Canyon is a Georgia state park and it is beautiful. The drive around the park is pretty, and the hills, trees, and rocks throughout your mile long hike of the course really make for a pleasant experience (even if the disc isn't flying the way you want it that day).
- Challenge: If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know that a question I always like to answer is, "Will this course make you a better disc golfer?" For Cloudland Canyon, the answer is "Yes, absolutely." If you don't have a forehand, backhand, if you struggle on your upshots or putting, there's no doubt that this course will help round out your game if you play it enough.
- Crowd: Very little crowd, but even if you happen to hit the park during peak times, I'm confident that the space is spread out enough that you won't feel like you are playing side-by-side with other golfers.
Cons:
- Practice Basket & Warm-up Area: In short, unfortunately there just isn't a practice basket nor is there a little driving range like what you might find at The Sinks or The Claytons.
- Baskets: This could be the single biggest, while also being the easiest, improvement that can be made to Cloudland Canyon. I understand that buying and installing new baskets isn't cheap, but this course currently uses old Discatchers with rusty old chains.
- Hole Length: As you can see from the Holes info. page, most holes are between 250-350 ft. A lot of the track is wide open, especially in the back 9, so it can be a bit repetitive at times. There was a stretch where it felt like I threw close to 300 ft. off the tee, missed a 30-50 ft. putt, then tapped in a par. That's not necessarily a bad thing in-and-of itself, but again can definitely begin to feel repetitive.
- One Tee & One Basket: Not much else to say on this topic, the course rating would just really be bolstered by a second tee pad and/or a second basket on each hole.
- For the Beginners: While my card was wrapping up hole 11, a young couple was approaching from 10, so we decided to take a break and let them play through. We did the usual small talk and the couple mentioned that this was their first time playing. Wonderful, always happy to see new players pick up some discs and give the sport a try!... Then we proceeded to watch the couple take a 6 and a 7. So what is the point of this little monologue? I just hope that Cloudland Canyon didn't turn these two away from disc golf just by way of its difficulty. If you're up for the challenge, by all means go for it, but if you're a beginner to the game in the area I would recommend Black Branch Trail and Jack Mattox instead.
Other Thoughts:
Comparing Cloudland Canyon State Park to other disc golf courses in the area, I would put it right up there with Dallas Island DGC as one of the best! As eluded to in the previous section, if the park bought 36 brand new baskets, took out the old ones, and made new short and long pins on each hole Cloudland Canyon would immediately jump to a 4.0+ in rating for me. It is a bit of a drive from Chattanooga, but well worth it! Some last minute reminders, in the summer months don't forget your sunscreen, water, and a chalk bag. Also, although it does mention prices on the course page, don't forget to bring $10 with you to cover both the parking fee and dg course fee.