Tallulah Gorge State Park, a Georgia State Park located near Clarkesville, Cornelia and Toccoa

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr
Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573

Phone: 706-754-7970
Reservations: 706-754-7979

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., 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. The only approved trail for entering or leaving the gorge floor is the Hurricane Falls staircase. Both the Hurricane Falls staircase and gorge floor are very strenuous. 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.

Tallulah Gorge State Park is operated by a public-private partnership with Georgia Power Company. Many facilities, including the campground, are operated by Georgia Power rather than the Department of Natural Resources.

History of the Area

Before its designation as a protected area, the land surrounding Tallulah Gorge was inhabited by Native American tribes. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, leading to increased tourism and development.

The gorge itself is a spectacular geological formation that stretches two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. It became famous for tightrope walker Professor Leon's crossing in 1886.

In the early 20th century, Georgia Railway and Power Company harnessed the waterfalls within the gorge for hydroelectric power; this significantly altered its natural state.

During this period of industrialization, public access to view these falls diminished due to construction of dams which controlled flooding but also impacted ecosystems.

Conservation efforts began gaining traction mid-20th century with recognition of ecological importance coupled with growing environmental awareness among citizens.

By late twentieth-century negotiations between private entities like Georgia Power company local advocates led towards establishing an official conservation site here.

Opened officially in April 1993 after collaborative work from various stakeholders including State agencies non-profit organizations ensuring preservation recreational opportunities alike.

Since then facilities have been added such as interpretive centers trails while maintaining focus on protecting unique features wildlife habitat present throughout region.

Camping

1. Campsites with Utilities: 50 sites available, featuring electric and water hookups suitable for tents, trailers, or RVs.
2. Pioneer Camping: Three primitive campsites designed for groups of up to 25 people each; no water or electricity provided.
3. Backcountry Adirondack Shelters: Located along the North and South Rim trails offering three-sided shelters with a roof; reservations required.
4. Suspended Platforms (Squirrel's Nest): Unique camping experience on wooden platforms above ground level; must bring own sleeping bags/mats.

Fishing

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.

Location

Tallulah Gorge State Park is located near Clarkesville, Cornelia and Toccoa

Nearby Parks

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Lake Russell State Wildlife Management Area

Travelers Rest Historic Site

Moccasin Creek State Park

Georgia State Fish Hatchery

Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park Lake

Oconee State Park

Oconee Station State Historic Site

Tugaloo State Park

Picnicking

1. Tallulah Gorge State Park offers designated picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Picnic shelters are available for larger groups or events.
3. Enjoy a scenic meal overlooking the gorge's stunning views.
4. Pack your own food, as there aren't any restaurants in the park itself.
5. The park is pet-friendly; bring along your furry friend to enjoy an outdoor lunch together!
6. Remember to clean up after yourself - it's a carry-in/carry-out facility.

Trails

1. North Rim Trail: A moderate 3/4-mile trail offering stunning views of the gorge, including several overlooks such as Inspiration Point.

2. South Rim Trail: Similar to its northern counterpart, this is a 3/4-mile path with multiple vistas overlooking Tallulah Gorge and waterfalls.

3. Hurricane Falls Loop Trail: This strenuous two-mile trek includes crossing a suspension bridge over the gorge and descending hundreds of steps to reach Hurricane Falls viewing platforms.

4. Stoneplace Trail: An approximately ten miles out-and-back hike that leads through more remote areas of the park for those seeking solitude and extended treks in nature; it ends at Tugaloo Lake.

5. Shortline Trail (Tallulah Gorge Rail-Trail): A three mile paved pathway following an old railroad bed suitable for walking or biking alongside the scenic Tallulah River outside park boundaries but connecting to it.

6. Gorge Floor Permit Trails:
- Sliding Rock Tail: Requires free permit obtained from visitor center on day-of visit due limited daily access; involves rock-hopping along riverbed leading up close encounters with Bridal Veil falls
- High Bluff Trial: Also requiring permits, less traveled route providing unique perspectives.

Birding

The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 100 species, including Peregrine Falcons. Birders can explore various trails and overlooks for viewing.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

July 7 will never go again by psndalton

have gone to alot of state parks but this was the most annoying. We had a man pull up our camper and then he was leaving after he set it up for us.Within 30 mins. after being there,the park host came up and stated,very rudely,that he had to be out in the next 5 mins.So he left without finishing the setup. We have always set up a tent with our camper with no complains. Our grandkids love it.The camp host saw us setting it up and said nothing that day! Early next day the camp host inform us,rudely again,that we had to take it down or pay an extra 18.00 a night.We were already paying 20.00 a night for camper. The camp host came back in about 30 mins. and said we could keep it up but not sleep in it.We agreed.So 3 grandmothers and 5 grandkids slepted in camper.We left tent up and stored extra clothes in the air mattresses in there for grandkids to play their games.We were doing what we were told very rudely to do.That night a severe storm came and the sheets we had left and one the air mattress got wet. We were told that we would be checked on making sure no one was sleeping in tent.The day after the storm new host came,Francis,came and told us she had went back on the files and that we had to get the tent down now and we why were the air mattresses still up and why were we drying sheet.The storm was last night.She was very condensing and spoked very rudly.We spoke nice and took tent down and I even after 10 that night went to her camper and informed her that someone had left hot water running cause they couldnt turn it off.She wasnt a happy camper! This was a camping trip from --. The only good thing was the new friends we made.Try sleeping in a camper with 3 old women and 5 young kids! We did it.We arrived Friday but 1 adult and 3 kids went home Wed. because of all of this.You did have a great playground!I have never been so rudely treated in all my camping adventures.I myself had seen camp host get on people for petty things.I know rules are to be honor but come-.Some of us had to stay the whole time cause the man who was pulling us back would not be able to come back untill Fri.TGIF.