Tallulah Falls

In the late 1800s and early 1900s Tallulah Gorge with its five falls was one of the major attractions in the Southeast United States. Unfortunately, for various reasons, tourism declined over the years. Is it worth a visit today? Definitely! Read on to see why.

One of the oldest geological features in North America, the gorge is approximately two miles long and 1,000 feet deep from its highest to lowest point. Because the Tallulah River, which carved the canyon, winds and twists, only approximately a mile and a half of the chasm and four of its five waterfalls are visible from the overlooks. But what a sight! No wonder it earned its nickname of "the Grand Canyon of the East."

The names and heights of the five waterfalls are as follows:

  • L'Eau d'Or: 46 feet, pronounced and sometimes spelled "LaDore"
  • Tempesta: 76 feet
  • Hurricane: 96 feet
  • Oceana: 50 feet
  • Bridal Veil: 17 feet, also called "Sliding Rock"
Bridal Veil may be viewed only by hiking to the bottom of the gorge. Permits from the state park (available at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center) are required to hike into the Gorge. Only 100 are issued every day, depending on weather and water releases. Anyone in poor health or unaccustomed to strenuous exercise should not attempt this hike. Please be sure to check with the park when planning a hiking trip.

The average daily water flow of 35 - 40 cubic feet, or about 350 gallons, per second (cfs) makes the gorge a worthwhile visit any time. In addition, the lowered volume of water provides a perfect opportunity to hike to the bottom. However, to see the "Niagara of the South" at its most impressive, visits should be scheduled to coincide with the aesthetic (200 cfs) or whitewater boating (500 cfs on Saturday; 700 cfs on Sunday) water releases in the spring and fall.

Like hiking? How about camping? Into mountain biking? These activities and more -- swimming, fishing, kayaking (during whitewater boating releases; for experienced kayakers ONLY, and tennis -- may be enjoyed at Tallulah Gorge State Park.

Not up to strenuous activity? Take a leisurely stroll through the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center or the Georgia Heritage Association Center for the Arts. Relax on the beach by the 63-acre lake. Enjoy an outdoor meal at one of the picnic tables. Attend one of the many unusual and fun classes and events the state park and Heritage arts center sponsor (prior registration may be required). Or mosey your way through the quaint shops in the town (some right on the edge of the gorge).

Why not plan a visit? To make the most of the trip, check out the schedule of classes, guided hikes, water releases and other events shown on the Special Events calendar or available by contacting the state park. Thanks to Tallulah Gorge State Park for providing detailed information.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

The 2,711-acre Tallulah Gorge State Park includes not only the park itself with its hiking and biking trails and overlooks, but also several other cultural and recreational sites.

The park is home to one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United States. Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit (limit 100 per day) to hike down to the gorge floor.A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.

Exhibits in the park's Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of this Victorian resort town, as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area. Additionally, an award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge.

Permits are required for all people accessing the gorge floor or rock climbing/rappelling. Permits are not transferable. The only approved trails for entering or leaving the gorge floor are the Sliding Rock and the Hurricane Falls (staircase) trails. Trails entering or exiting the gorge, as well as those on the gorge floor, are very strenuous. Visitors with health problems should not attempt to climb these trails. CHILDREN MUST BE CLOSELY SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES. Weather and water flow conditions can restrict gorge floor access. Permits limited to 100 per day.

During deer hunting season (Sept. 11-Jan. 1) Stoneplace Trail permits will not be issued until after 10 a.m. and hikers/bikers are encouraged to wear reflective orange.

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until dark and the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center is open from 8 .m. until 5 p.m. Parking is $4, school vehicles park free and other programs are priced individually.

Here are some of the highlights of the park:

  • Tallulah Gorge and Falls
  • Trails and overlooks
  • Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center with natural and historical exhibits
  • Whitewater boating releases during first and second weekends in April and first, second, and third weekends in November
  • Aesthetic water releases in spring and fall (call for schedule or check the Events calendar on this website)
  • Guided programs
  • Special programs and events (check out the Events Calendar)
  • Hiking (more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, including paved "Rails to Trails" project)
  • Mountain Biking
  • Swimming
  • Picnicking (shelter)
  • Fishing
  • Whitewater paddling (restricted to first two April weekends and first three November weekends)
  • Camping (50 tent/trailer/RV sites, primitive campsite, back country campsite), 63-acre lake with beach
  • Tennis courts
  • Climbing/rappelling

Cultural and Recreational

The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center is a 16,000-square-foot educational facility named for a prominent Georgia conservationist. It includes cultural, historical and natural exhibits, classrooms, a theater, restroom facilities and a gift shop. Many classes and events sponsored by the park are held in this location. It is also here that hiking information and gorge floor permits may be obtained.

Terrora Campground has 50 RV/tent sites and a comfort station with hot showers. Sites may be reserved by calling 706-754-7979. Reservations are not required; non-reserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Georgia Heritage Association Center for the Arts includes works by local artists and craftspeople. Demonstrations by resident artists are often available during operating hours.

In the Day-use Area are picnic tables and a 63-acre lake with beach plus 20 miles of hiking and biking trails and two tennis courts. Gorge floor hiking and rock climbing/rappelling are available from this area with free permits obtained at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center.

Hiking and Biking Trails

  • North Rim Trail: Hiking only. Approximately 3/4 mile one way, moderate, some inclines and stairs. Several overlooks.
  • South Rim Trail: Hiking only. Approximately 3/4 mile one way, moderate, some inclines. Several overlooks.
  • Sliding Rock Trail: Hiking only. Approximately 1/2 mile round trip, very strenuous, permit required. Gorge floor access.
  • Hurricane Falls Trail: Hiking only. Approximately 1/2 mile round trip, very strenuous, permit required. Gorge floor access.
  • Stoneplace Trail: Multi-use -- hiking, mountain biking, backcountry camping. 5 miles one way, moderate to difficult, permit required.
  • High Bluff Loop: Multi-use -- hiking and mountain biking. 2-mile loop, moderate to difficult, permit required. Starts and ends on Stoneplace Trail.
  • Shortline Trail: Multi-use -- hiking, mountain bicycling, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. Wheelchair accessible. 3 miles, paved, moderate, follows Old Tallulah Falls Railroad.
  • Terrora Trail: Hiking only. 1-mile loop, moderate. Information obtained from the Tallulah Gorge State Park and is subject to change at any time.