Explore Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia: Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, and Visitor Tips

This was our second stop on our Blue Ridge Adventure route, 65 miles northeast of Amicalola State Park and generally in the direction of Asheville, NC which is the bigger destination stop we are aiming at. Our trip research revealed some key reasons to explore this park:

• Majestic Gorge: The park is home to one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., the Tallulah Gorge, which stretches two miles long and plunges nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike to various overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the gorge and surrounding forest.
• Beautiful Waterfalls: Tallulah Gorge is also known for its series of waterfalls, known as the Tallulah Falls. There are six main falls, including the impressive Hurricane Falls, which can be seen from both overlooks and suspension bridges. The 80-foot suspension bridge offers dramatic views of the river below.
• Hiking and Adventure: The park offers various trails for hikers of all skill levels. The North and South Rim Trails provide relatively easy hikes with stunning views, while the Gorge Floor hike is more strenuous but rewarding, requiring a permit and offering a chance to get up close to the falls.
• Recreational Opportunities: Beyond hiking, the park offers activities like rock climbing, swimming, and kayaking for more adventurous visitors. There’s also fishing and picnicking areas, making it a great spot for a full-day outing.kes with stunning views, while the Gorge Floor hike is more strenuous but rewarding, requiring a permit and offering a chance to get up close to the falls.
• Historical Significance: The park is rich in history, including the site where tightrope walker Karl Wallenda famously crossed the gorge on a high wire in 1970.

The Tallulah Gorge was formed by the Tallulah River cutting through the Tallulah Dome rock formation. The gorge is approximately 2 miles long and almost 1,000 feet deep. The Tallulah Gorge is located next to the town of Tallulah Falls, Georgia. Tallulah Gorge State Park protects much of the gorge and its waterfalls.

Tallulah Gorge Falls State Park contains 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 permit to hike to the gorge floor (100 per day, not available during water releases). A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the Tallulah River below, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.

We picked this as our next stop, because it is obviously pretty and it is on the way to Asheville, NC - our next "stay over" location.

Views of the Gorge suspension bridge, taken from the rim trail. The suspension bridge is 80 feet above the Tallulah River below it, and yes, it does sway - however it does provide a spectacular vantage point of both the river and surrounding cliffs. This bridge allows visitors to experience the gorge’s depth and beauty up close.

The river area, as can be seen from an observation platform on the rim above. Crossing the gorge on the suspension bridge provides a seriously good view below! You can see in image # 3 that Maggie and I were waiting for Celeste to return from a walk across the bridge, as dogs were not allowed on it.

The best time to visit Tallulah Gorge State Park depends on what you want to experience, but generally, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most ideal seasons.

Best Seasons to Visit:

1. Spring (March–May)

• Mild temperatures (50s–70s °F)
• Lush greenery and wildflowers in bloom
• Higher water levels in the waterfalls due to spring rains
• Less crowded than fall but still popular

2. Fall (September–November)

• Stunning fall foliage with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves
• Comfortable weather (50s–70s °F)
• Ideal for hiking and photography
• Popular season, so weekends can be crowded

Other Considerations:

• Summer (June–August): Warm to hot (70s–90s °F), with humidity and potential for afternoon thunderstorms. Great for swimming at the sliding rock but can be crowded.
• Winter (December–February): Cooler temperatures (30s–50s °F), fewer visitors, and clear views due to leafless trees. However, some trails may be icy or closed.

For waterfalls at their peak, visit after recent rain in spring or fall. If you prefer fewer crowds and crisp air, late fall or early winter can be excellent.

Tallulah Gorge State Park offers some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Georgia, with stunning views of waterfalls, deep canyons, and rugged landscapes. Here are the top five hikes in the park:

1. Hurricane Falls Loop Trail (Gorge Floor Trail)

• Distance: 2.25 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Highlights: This challenging hike takes you down over 1,000 steps to the Tallulah Gorge floor, crossing a suspension bridge that hangs 80 feet above the gorge. The trail provides up-close views of Hurricane Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the park. A permit is required to hike the gorge floor, and only a limited number are issued daily.

2. North Rim Trail

• Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: This scenic trail follows the north rim of Tallulah Gorge, offering multiple overlooks with stunning views of waterfalls and the deep canyon below. Key viewpoints include Inspiration Point and Overlook 3, where you can see L’Eau d’Or Falls and Tempesta Falls.

3. South Rim Trail

• Distance: 1 mile (round trip)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: The South Rim Trail provides a different perspective of the gorge, featuring overlooks such as Overlook 5, which offers a panoramic view of Hurricane Falls and the Tallulah River. This trail is less steep than the Gorge Floor Trail but still offers some elevation changes.

4. Sliding Rock Trail

• Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: This permit-only trail leads to a unique rock formation where hikers can experience a natural rock slide into a pool of water. The trail requires a descent into the gorge, so it’s steep and rugged, but it rewards hikers with a hidden swimming hole.

5. Shortline Trail

• Distance: 3 miles (round trip)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: A relatively flat, paved trail that follows an old railway bed along the Tallulah River. It’s perfect for an easy stroll or a bike ride and offers peaceful views of the surrounding forest and river.

During our trip research, we utilized most of these sites to gather information, you may find them useful if you are planning a similar trip.

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Our Tallulah Gorge Falls State Park Image Gallery
• Tallulah Gorge Falls State Park on the "Georgia State Parks" site
• Guide to Amicacola State Park Site on the "Explore Georgia" site
• VRBO Search Results list for rentals near Tallulah Gorge Falls State Park
• Lodging near Tallulah Gorge Falls State Park on the "Expedia" site
• Amazon Search Results list for "Tallulah Gorge State Park"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Tallulah Gorge State Park"

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Best Trails in Tallulah Gorge State Park on the "All Trails" site
• VRBO Search Results list for rentals near Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Lodging near Tallulah Gorge State Park on the "Expedia" site
• Our Image Gallery for Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Wikipedia Article for Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Google Image Gallery for Tallulah Gorge State Park
• Amazon Search Results list for "Tallulah Gorge State Park, GA"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Tallulah Gorge State Park, GA"
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in or near Tallulah Gorge State Park GA"
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants near Tallulah Gorge State Park GA"
• Google Reviews for Tallulah Gorge State Park