Park
(706) 754-7981
Camping
(706) 754-7979
Picnic Shelters
(706) 782-4014
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 18-20:
Backcountry Campsites / Pioneer Campsites
(as of May 15, 2012 - updated every Tuesday)
PUBLIC NOTICE: For visitor safety, gorge floor permits will not be issued on some dates in May due to water releases. See WATER FLOW below.
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 rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Tightrope walkers have twice crossed the gorge, and visitors can still see towers used by Karl Wallenda. A paved path follows an on old railroad bed, perfect for strollers and bicycles, while mountain bikers can test their skills on a challenging 10-mile trail.
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. The persistent trillium, monkey-face orchid and green salamander are protected species found within the gorge. An award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge, including footage of rock climbers and kayakers. A gift shop offers snacks, jewelry, toys, books, walking sticks, clothing and more.
Park Hours: 8AM-Dark.
Interpretive Center Hours: 8AM-5PM
$5 parking
GeorgiaStateParks.org/TallulahGorge
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES:
- 2,739 Acres
- 50 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites* (* Operated by Georgia Power. Friends discounts do not apply.)
- Pioneer Campground ($40)
- 3 Backcountry Adirondack Shelters ($15)
- 63-Acre Lake with Beach* (* Operated by Georgia Power. Friends discounts do not apply.)
- Picnic Shelter* ($60) (* Operated by Georgia Power. Friends discounts do not apply.)
- Interpretive Center & Film
- Gorge Overlooks
- Suspension Bridge
- Gift Shop
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
PET RULES: For animals' safety, pets are not allowed on the gorge floor or on any trail accessing the gorge. Leashed pets are still allowed on rim trails.
PERMITS:
- Free permits are required to access the gorge floor and can be obtained at the Interpretive Center. Visitors must wear proper footwear to obtain a permit -- no flip-flops or crocs. Permits will not be issued after 4 p.m. (3 p.m. during daylight savings time)
- Permits limited to 100 per day. On busy days, permits may run out early in the morning. Permits are not transferable.
- Groups of 20 can get permits on Saturday and Sunday only. Groups of 30 can get permits Monday through Friday only. To protect the natural resource, no groups larger than 30 are allowed.
- Weather and water flow conditions can restrict gorge floor access.
HUNTING:
- 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.
WATER FLOW:
- On a typical day, the water flow through the gorge is 35-40 CFS (cubic feet per second). During aesthetic releases, the flow is 200 CFS, and during whitewater releases, the flow is 500 CFS on Saturday and 700 CFS on Sunday.
2012 Whitewater Release Dates:
- April - 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th
- November - 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th
2012 Aesthetic Water Release Dates:
- April - 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th
- May - 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th
Please note that no gorge permits are issued during any of the whitewater or aesthetic water releases.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
SUPPORTERS:
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View by date Events
Holiday Gorge Floor Hike Saturday, May 26, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sunday, May 27, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Monday, May 28, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 30, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sunday, Jul 1, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Monday, Jul 2, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Tuesday, Jul 3, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Friday, Jul 6, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, Jul 7, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Friday, Aug 31, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 1, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Sunday, Sep 2, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Monday, Sep 3, 2012 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
 This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing bulders along the side of the river to Bridal Veil Falls where you can swim. Total miles is 3.5. No pets; wear appropriate footwear; children must be 10 or older; bring food and water. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. |
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Full Moon Hike Sunday, Jun 3, 2012 8:15 PM to 10:15 PM
Monday, Jun 4, 2012 9:15 PM to 11:15 PM
Tuesday, Jul 3, 2012 8:50 PM to 10:50 PM
Wednesday, Jul 4, 2012 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Wednesday, Aug 1, 2012 9 PM to 11 PM
Thursday, Aug 2, 2012 9:15 PM to 11:15 PM
Friday, Aug 31, 2012 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 1, 2012 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Friday, Sep 28, 2012 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 29, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Sunday, Sep 30, 2012 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Sunday, Oct 28, 2012 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, Oct 29, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday, Nov 28, 2012 6 PM to 8 PM
 Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 1.5 miles and 1,099 steps. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. |
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Historical Rock Hike Saturday, Sep 15, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
 Prepare for a very strenuous hike to see unique rock formations that were named in the late 1800s. We will be hiking off the beaten trail along steep cliffs, down treacherous embankments and rocky terrain. Bring lunch and water. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981. |
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