Perched 2,300 feet above sea level on Georgia's Lookout Mountain, McLemore Resort, managed by Valor Hospitality, is quickly emerging as one of golf's most dramatic destinations. Just 27 miles from Chattanooga and a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, or Birmingham, this mountaintop resort feels worlds away from civilization.

The property's cornerstone, The Highlands Course, earned immediate recognition when its stunning 18th hole was ranked 22nd among Golf Digest's Top 100 Holes in America. Originally opened as Canyon Ridge in 2005, the course was reimagined by acclaimed architects Rees Jones and Bill Bergin, who transformed it into the cliff-edge masterpiece it is today.

What makes McLemore unique is its distinct course sections. The Canyon holes wind through ancient boulders and deciduous rainforest. The Highland holes, named after the Scottish heritage of Cherokee Chief John McLemore, play across the mountain plateau. And the showstopping Cliff Edge holes, including that famous 18th, dangle precariously over McLemore Cove below – so high that you might find yourself looking down on soaring hawks.

A Road Trip Detour Worth Taking

A road trip from New Jersey to San Diego was the perfect excuse to check out McLemore. Fortunately, my travel partner is also a golfer, so convincing her to adjust our route to include McLemore didn't take much effort.

Getting There & First Impressions

We arrived after a strategic stop in Wytheville, VA—a somewhat random town, but one that allowed us to keep Day 2's drive to just five hours, giving us plenty of time for our 1:20 PM tee time at The Highlands Course.

The drive up to McLemore was an adventure in itself. As we made our way up the mountain, the road became increasingly winding and narrow, with switchbacks that made it clear we were ascending to something special. With every turn, the anticipation grew, knowing the reward at the end—a stunning mountaintop golf course—would be well worth it.

Considering that temperatures had been in the teens just a couple of weeks prior, we lucked out with clear skies and temps in the 60s—ideal for an early February round. The only catch? Winter golf conditions. The fairways had taken on that dormant golden-brown hue, making it comically easy to lose track of our golf balls.

The Highlands Course: A Test of Nerves & Skill

We spent the first few holes getting acquainted with the course, which was especially necessary since I hadn't played on a real course in over a month—just hitting indoors to keep the rust off. It took some time to adjust to the mountain terrain and the nuances of the fairways, but before long, we found our rhythm.

Then came Hole 6, which quickly humbled us. A classic canyon hole, it featured a dramatic cliff cutting through the middle of the fairway. Even after a conservative layup before the drop-off, I stood over my ball, staring at the pin, thinking, How in the world is this possible? Needless to say, the hole didn't go as planned, but as we wound down the cart path switchback toward the green, I gave myself credit for the attempt.

Overall, the course was a mix of rugged, natural elements and more traditional layouts. One of those more straightforward holes turned out to be Hole 13—my shining moment. A 105-yard par 3, my ball landed just a foot from the hole for a birdie. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a hole-in-one!

But the most unforgettable hole? The 18th. A closing hole that hugs the edge of the cliff, delivering jaw-dropping views that make you pause and take it all in. As we soaked up the final moments of our round, I couldn't help but feel grateful to experience a course quite literally above the clouds.

The Complete Golf Experience at McLemore

While our round on The Highlands Course was unforgettable, it's just one part of McLemore's impressive golf offering. The course is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character. The Canyon holes (2, 3, 6, 7 & 9) wind through ancient boulders and dense forest, creating some of the most challenging but memorable shots. The Highland holes, making up the majority of the course, sprawl across the mountain plateau offering more traditional golf with spectacular mountain vistas. Then there are those dramatic Cliff Edge holes (1, 17 & 18), where you're literally playing on the edge of the world.

But McLemore isn't stopping there. Their newest addition, The Keep, is currently in preview play and promises to be equally spectacular. Designed by the same team of Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, The Keep is built as a walking-only course with a proper caddie program – a nod to golf's grand traditions. The course stretches across a natural amphitheater with five cliff-edge holes spanning 1.5 miles of uninterrupted mountain edge. What makes it unique are the "ribbon tees" that can move hole lengths by up to 100 yards to account for weather and wind conditions. With massive 70-acre bentgrass fairways (most courses have 25-30 acres) and large undulating greens, The Keep is built to challenge better players while remaining playable for all skill levels. Jones believes it could even host a major championship someday.

For those looking for a quick golf fix, there's the Cairn Short Course. This six-hole par-3 course sits just north of the clubhouse, overlooking the famous 18th hole of The Highlands Course. It's the perfect spot to settle bets after your round or practice your short game while soaking in those incredible valley views. Best of all? It's included with your stay at Cloudland.

Cloudland: A Luxury Stay in the Sky

Our golf day ended, but our Cloudland experience was just beginning. Rising over 2,000 feet above sea level, Cloudland is the newest addition to Hilton's Curio Collection and the first hotel built on Lookout Mountain since the Great Depression. The 245-room property masterfully blends luxury with the mountain's natural beauty, offering dramatic cliff-edge views of McLemore Cove and the Cumberland Plateau from nearly every vantage point.

We arrived just in time for complimentary happy hour drinks, enjoying the views from both the rustic-modern lounges and outdoor spaces. While we didn't have time to experience everything, Cloudland's amenities are impressive:

✅ Cliff-edge infinity pool that lets you literally swim among the clouds

✅ Full-service spa and 20,000-square-foot conference center

✅ Stargazing equipment to take in the mountain night sky

✅ State-of-the-art fitness center

✅ The Cairn Short Course – 6-hole par 3, perfect for a quick round (included in your stay!)

Our room itself felt like a luxury treehouse, with elegant finishes and natural materials that brought the outside in. The designers clearly thought about the view from every angle – even the bathroom offered glimpses of the stunning landscape below.

Final Thoughts

From an epic round of golf at McLemore to an unforgettable stay at Cloudland, this stop on our road trip was everything we hoped for—and more. If you're looking for a bucket-list-worthy golf getaway, McLemore Resort with a stay at Cloudland should absolutely be on your radar. What sets McLemore apart isn't just the dramatic setting – though playing golf above the clouds is certainly special. It's how each course complements the others, offering different experiences that together create one of America's most unique golf destinations.

Special thanks to my good friend Alli Iacullo at Alliventures for this incredible post! Look her up for your next trip.

McLemore: Golf Above the Clouds