Tallulah Gorge State Park

This is a fantastic park, probably one of the better in North Georgia (also love Cloudland Canyon quite a bit). This is a park of stairs, you’ll be climbing quite a few to get the spectacular views. I absolutely love the crazy suspension bridge. I’ve been on a couple of hikes along the rim — the visitors center is also very good — well worth the trip North!

Very nicely maintained, beautiful trek through the woods, around the gorge. Be prepared for a lot of stairs. I believe all in all its about a 2 mile walk, with approximately 1000 stairs, overlooks and rest stops along the way keep it from being too tedious. It is a lot of effort though on those stairs. Cheap, fun entertainment for all fit enough to handle the stairs, my girlfriend and I had a wonderful time there. Also went after a day of rain and the waterfall and river were overflowing. Guy for parking booth only takes cash, however the gift shop takes credit, and can give you a parking pass.

For a first timer it was an excellent experience. I took my family and it was easy but challenging enough to make it interesting.

Awhile back Tony, Noël and I went to Tallulah Gorge State Park. It was a nice day and the park was packed. Luckily I hace a handicap parking pass to get a closer space. It cost $ 5 per car to get into the park, but well worth it. There are several trails and waterfalls to see in this park. If you go on the Hurricane Falls trail, it is over 1,100 plus stairs so if you have any handicaps you should really look into it first before trying it…
We did a couple overlooks and we did a trail before we looked into but there was so many stairs we had to turn back. my legs were killing me and the hips started going out. I need to get a few extra exercises before and work on my stamina. I haven’t actually exercised a lot lately, but it was very lovely and very nice. I love this park and I am going to the park in the spring and try to do the trail with the stairs .wish me luck… it was to hot this day, maybe the spring will be cooler and the flowers will be out.
Can’t wait to go again !!!

I think Tallulah Gorge is an amazing site especially in Georgia, since there aren’t many large natural attractions of the sort. For starters the rock slide is completely unique and only available to visit for the first 100 visitors. The park itself is well maintained with a nice visitors center that has a wildlife museum of sorts inside. They have proper bathrooms in the visitors center, so be sure to unload before you head out on the hiking trails. Now, there are many trails you can take off on. The one to the gorge is a set of stairs, which is less of a hike and more of a descent. The other trails vary in length and can be discovered online or from the map at the help desk. We chose to take the High Bluffs Trail marked with blue arrowheads. The first half of the trail was great, however, we ran into issues the second half. This trail merges with a yellow trail that is 10 miles (too much for me). When they merge it is difficult to tell which direction you turn and head back to complete the High Bluffs Trail. I think with a few more appropriately placed blue arrowheads this trail would be perfect. Sidenotes for the trail: bear droplings in the deep woods, and a cute little girl running the help desk on her own and offering perfect directions to the trails. Check this park out of you live nearby!

After hiking around Tallulah Gorge, I can definitely say it is a beautiful visit that feels like you have such an open, picturesque view. Yet, from each Overlook, you can typically see another Overlook spot which makes it kind of interesting. After visiting all of the Overlooks, you can certainly get a sense of the unique vantage points that this gorge has to offer. One minus, all the stairs :/​Funny enough, I don’t mind going up, but I hate going down the stairs, makes me dizzy with all the grating: D Weird. I know, but had to tell you the truth ;) Once you passed all the stairs, the rest is perfectly fine ;) My favorite spot would have to be between areas 8,9, and 10. There are steps and some huge rocks, one of the spots on top of the huge rock is a great place to just relax and take in the view ;)

It nice view, a lot of steps, good for exercise!

Wonderful! Amazing views and beautifully maintained trails. 3.5 mile hike to see everything but I would suggest skipping the stairs to the bottom of the gorge. Once you go down you have to come up and it’s a brutal climb on a steep staircase.

Have always loved visiting this Gorge, have been visiting for over 20 years. There are various look out points throughout the hike — clean trails with some sections being recycled rubber. Pet friendly trails to a point (the metal stairs down are not) bring water with you! The summers are humid and hot!

Hiking at its best! If you’re up for a fun and adventurous hike, this place is for you. Located in a beautiful forest, you have the option of taking the leisurely hike or if you’re up for it– take the more intense route. It’s pretty tedious so don’t take the full hike if you want a walk in the park. We walked up and down hundreds of stairs, crossed suspension bridges, boulder hopped, climbed up steep rocks, and at the end, went swimming in the lake. There’s even a nice waterfall slide. It was a work out, but we had a blast!
Here’s some tips:
–Get there early, especially during peak season because the park will only give away 100 passes a day.
–If you’re doing the more tedious hike, wear a backpack. You don’t know how annoying it was carrying our stuff while we were jumping on rocks. Go hands free!
–Bring water, you’re going to be sweating.
–Wear comfortable shoes with grip— they call it sliding rock for a reason.

WanderLust IndEEd from Beginning to End!
Lush Green. BeautifuL & TranquiL Landscape that has been perfectLy executed and perserved. The waLking paths are pristine and Lined with bark and/​or other padding to ensure a comfortabLe journey for aLL.
1099 metaL steps boasting a modern architecturaL eLement wiLL take U to the bottom/​top of the Gorge. YES, I said #1099 STEPS, which are not for the faint-​of-​heart! An easy-​breezy journey down, yet demanding on your return trip up. ThankfuLLy, there are benches nestled on aLL Landings under shade trees which provide a respite.
Note: The Park issues 100 CompLimentary Gorge FLoor Permits DaiLy, which are required to access the Gorge FLoor. Stop by the Interpretive Center to Retrieve yours. FLip-​FLops. Crocs and Dogs are not aLLowed.
Exciting Mention: FuLL-​Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes [Check the website for more detaiLs] beginning JuLy 30.
Various exhibits in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the towns history as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem.
OverLooks: Stunning & PeacefuL!
The Suspension Bridge Sways 80 ft. above a Rocky Bottom = EPIC!
Rivers & WaterfaLLs = TranquiLity, yet don’t go Chasing Them! LOL!
Parking: $ 5.00 DaiLy [Cash OnLy]
Beverages. Snacks. CooL T-​Shirts are offered in the Interpretive Center Gift Shop.
IMPORTANT: h20 is Imperative on Hot Georgia DAYS. My famiLy and I consumed 2 (500mL) bottLes each and another bottLe when we returned to our vehicLe. Pace your sips as there are no restrooms on the traiL.
[Visited 7.9.15]

This is easy to sum up in a few words. This was one the the best state parks I have visited. The campground itself is located just outside the main entrance to Tallulah Gorge State Park. The campsites are large, sites have plenty of shade, running water and electric. The staff is friendly and the common use facilities are modern and very clean.
The staff /​camp hosts do a wonderful job at making you feel at home, very friendly and accommodating, they do a great job at strictly enforcing the park rules.
The park has ice and wood for purchase, beware all transactions including your reservation is cash only. When booking you will need to call there is no on line reservation system, the park itself i believe is managed through Georgia Power. I can’t wait to go back!

Absolutely amazing! Went all the way down to the Gorge, crossed the water and went through tons of amazing rock paths to find the swimming hole and rock slide. Then went across that and went up «Sliding Rock Trial» which is not for the out of shape. You’ve got to have some great coordination and athleticism to get up that wide. We met some amazing people and kicked with the the whole time. Adventures always bring people together!

Absolutely beautiful place to hike… Do all the trails, we had a group ages 22 – 51, I think it took us 2 hours… So much fun! Make sure you get some items from the gift shop too, nice shirts, water shoes, pottery and more.
Staff is extremely friendly and helpful.

Tallullah is just as gorgeous as ever, and will work you just as hard (make sure to jump on the suspension bridge if you’re going with friends (not a jerk move, right??)). make a quick update that, as of 1÷31÷2015 when I visited, there’s a new overlook (1A). I noticed months ago they were cleaning the area just south of the interpretive center, and now I know why. More great views!
Other things to note is the man made beach across the street from the gorge, and also a small beautification on the trails of Tallulah, where lots of really nice wood chips cover most of the trails.

Beautiful gorge. Lovely views. If you want to hike it, be prepared for a lot of work. Be in good shape. Still, if you aren’t in good shape, there are a couple of views that are within «less than good shape» distance.
Nice exhibits as well. Definitely impressed with the overall offerings here — lots to do for everyone.

I have to admit that after hiking the Gorge Floor, I might not ever do it again. I am, however, proud to say that I was able to do this once in my lifetime. I agree with Carolina M. in that «The gorge is no joke. «
It may be easy for those who climb often or are in great shape. It may also be easy to those folks accustomed to running 5K or 10K races. For me this was a challenging hike (& climb) and it definitely can be life threatening in certain places.
The danger level can escalate depending on the weather; if the trails are wet due to rain, then the rock surfaces will likely to be too slippery. There are certain parts where you will need to crab walk so as not to slip and bust your ass on slippery /​wet rock surfaces.
Anyone can come see the gorge and hike the upper reaches but all park visitors need to pay a parking fee after entering the park regardless. The parking fee is $ 5. If you want to hike the gorge floor, then you need a special pass; the caveat with that is that they only allow 100 people per day to hike the gorge floor area. Because of such limited access you should come during a weekday (as in take the day off work).
If you do opt to go on a Saturday, Sunday, or work holiday, your chances of getting a gorge floor pass drop considerably. The place that issues the passes (The Interpretive Center) opens at 8:00 AM. A line often forms before the place even opens up on a Saturday, Sunday, or work holiday. Usually by 8:30 AM, all the 100 passes have been allotted /​given out. Rangers will give you a required briefing beforehand describing the hazards involved.
What should you bring? I would recommend a light backpack — preferably one with a waist strap. If you bring a cell phone, bring a zip-​lock bag to keep it safe from water. Wear a swimsuit and clothes that will dry quickly. Flip-​flops and /​or sandals are not permitted. Most people wear trail running shoes, light hiking shoes, or amphibious shoes (as in Keen, Chaco or Teva sandal /​shoe hybrids).
I would also recommend lightweight gloves, light construction gloves, workout gloves, cycling gloves or mad grip gloves (
) considering all the climbing and crab walking over rock surfaces in addition to grabbing roots, rocks and trees. I have a cut /​abrasion on my hand that would not be there if I had been wearing gloves.
You should wear shoes that have good traction for flat /​slick rock surfaces. Most definitely bring plenty of water and Gatorade /​Powerade. Bring sunscreen and trail mix /​granola bars. If you bring beer (and make sure it is canned beer) don’t let the Rangers catch you. Know that alcohol is technically forbidden. The Rangers will certainly show up to check gorge passes. Don’t let Rangers catch you with alcohol.
If you wear glasses or prescription sunglasses, bring an extra pair of glasses. Secure glasses with a cord or strap. I recommend a cord or strap that will allow your glasses to float if they should happen to fall into the water (i.e. Croakies). I almost lost my glasses in the sliding rock /​pool area. Mine fell off my face and my friend had to help me find them since they were sans Croakies and had sunk to the bottom (Thank You Beth!)
The sliding rock pool at the end of the trail is indeed a great reward; however, I would say don’t hang out down there for too long a time frame. Don’t drink too much and don’t burn all your energy swimming and sliding. You will need to save some energy for the climb up and out.
The climb up and out seemed like a 40 degree incline up a winding rocky path up the side of the gorge. There are lots of rocks, trees and roots to grab ahold of. It is strenuous climbing out but there are some wonderful sights and overlooks to see while do it.
Once you hit flat land at the top, the hike back to the Interpretive Center (back to where you started from /​parked) is about a half a mile.
You don’t need a special pass (i.e. gorge floor pass) just to walk around and check out the bridges and upper reaches of the gorge and overlooks. There are lots of stairs going down in the beginning. I just wish stairs were an option at the end climbing up and out of the gorge (after the sliding rock /​pool) like you have at the beginning.

I can admit that after doing this climb, I would never do it again. However, I’m proud to say that I’ve «been there, done that.» This gorge is no joke. It may be easy for those who climb often or are in great shape or people who truly love nature/​climbing as a hobby (what is wrong with you people??). This was definitely a challenging course and sometimes it depends on the weather. If it’s too wet, the rocks tend to be slippery.
My best advice would be to come during a weekday if you have the day off as only 100 passes are given out each day. Otherwise, if you go on a Saturday, be sure to get there as early as 8am to get in line.
What should you bring? I’d suggest a light bookbag. If you’re carrying your phone, bring a waterproof case or a ziplock bag to keep it safe from harm/​water. Bring a towel, wear a swimsuit, wear clothes that dry quickly (i.e. Nike dri-​fit or any shirt with sweat-​wicking technology). Flip-​flops/​sandals are not allowed, so most people wear running shoes. Funnily enough, you probably want to get shoes that have more traction or the ones used for rock climbing. Definitely bring some water too. Oh, and sunscreen.
There’s the promise of the sliding rock pool at the end of the trail, there are some wonderful sights and overlooks to see. You don’t have to get a pass just to walk around and check out the bridges/​overlooks. There are lots of stairs, although, I seem to remember Amicalola Falls having more stairs. Nevertheless, this is a nice little retreat outside the city.
It’ll be too soon if I ever go back again.

My little ragamuffin knows I dig nature so he suggested we take a weekend trip to Tallulah Gorge State Park. The park provides a motley of activities, including camping, biking, fishing, hiking, etc. There are several hiking trails, with varying levels of difficulty. We, thankfully, in retrospect, decided to hike to the one of main attractions, Bridal Veil Falls which is approximately 3 miles rt, instead of the 10 mi hike in the woods.
When you enter the park, drive past the campsite, which will be on your right. You want to go to the Jane Hurt Yarn (a notable environmentalist and conservationist) Interpretation Center. There is $ 5 parking fee per car. Inside the facility is a gift shop educational displays on the park’s flora and fauna, and information on the trails. The bottom of the facility is also where the trail to Bridal Veil Falls begins.
To preserve the quality of the environment, the park only offers a limited number of passes to each of the attractions at Tallulah Gorge Park. They only issue 100 passes total for the sliding rocks. The park opens at 8:00. We arrived at 8:20 and were among the last ones to get the pass to sliding rock. Giving passes to others once you leave the park is strictly prohibited. Also, the rangers do check to see if you have your passes. While we were hanging out at the rocks, a friendly ranger came by and asked to see our passes.
Prior to receiving the passes, you must attend a briefing from the ranger and sign a waiver. The ranger scared the bejeezus outta me. He noted there have been deaths, rescues, drownings, fainting due to dehydration, and fractures. Then, he mentioned der bears… not the chicago bears, the brown bears… and the copperheads… He also warned we might have to jump some rocks. Well, having broken my foot last year, I was sweating buckets… But having scored a coveted pass, I wasn’t going to relinquish it so easily.
The 3 mile hike was quite arduous. It was rated as «strenuous» on the map. It involved 500 steps up and down a 1200 ft drop and crossing a suspension bridge. I’m glad the ranger scared me. Do not underestimate the hike. While it wasn’t quite as terrifying as he described it, I can see potential for mishaps. If you have short legs, like me, you will have to do some leaps. You have to climb A LOT of rocks and you may have to wade through some water. If anything, you WILL feel accomplished after trekking back up the 500 steps on your way back. The rocks can be extremely slippery, so you’re very likely bust a nut if you’re not careful. We didn’t encounter bears, but we ran into vultures, water snakes, and tadpoles.
At Bridal Veils Fall, there are the sliding rocks, which you guessed it, you can slide off of into an approximately 8 feet deep pool. The water is icy-​cold and quite refreshing. There are some areas where the water is calm, but some parts have very strong currents. The sliding rocks are quite smooth, however, they’re still rocks and some rocks hurt… especially when you’re being propelled by rushing water. If you’re not a strong swimmer, or you can’t swim, please bring a life vest. I also recommended you bring a lot of snacks and plenty of water. We brought 6 bottles of water and used it all up. Also, bring sunscreen and ziploc bags to waterproof your valuables.
Even though I have a partial fondness for the PNW and its geography, the sights along the hike at Tallulah Falls were quite beautiful. It’s definitely worth the trek. You should check out their website because they offer other interesting activities such as night walks.

The best place for a hike and view with good friends. Parking is only $ 5 so load the car up. :)
There are many trails that you can choose from. Some are marked by the amount of steps it takes to complete it. I remember one trail having 200 something steps with another having 300 steps. Not too bad huh?
There are mini water falls along the way so you can take mini breaks and lots and lots of pictures. Make sure you take water and perhaps some nibble treats for energy. You will most likely get a tremendous workout working your legs and bottom. :) The stairs going down to the trails is very intimidating. Take a look at my picture (s).
There is of course a gift shop and mini museum at the information center. This is a pretty place for a hike. I’d usually go to Stone Mountain if I want a view, but this place is a much more peaceful and quiet area!
Visit Jaemor Farms that’s somewhat in the area. They have fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, and fresh homemade ice cream – peach and strawberry to be exact.