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TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK, GA

Status: Open year round.   Season Dates
Max reservation window: Mon Jun 23 2014   Later Dates

Description

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 200 foot long 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 a 1 1/2 mile 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.

Recreation:

Whitewater & Aesthetic Water Releases (2012 dates listed below)
Hiking and Mountain Biking – more than 20 miles of trails, Canyon Climbers Club, Muddy Spokes Club, free permit required for gorge floor access
Bicycling – 1.7-mile paved “Rails to Trails” path
Swimming
Fishing
Archery
Picnicking* (* Operated by Georgia Power. Friends discounts not available.)
Ranger Programs
Tennis* (* Operated by Georgia Power. Friends discounts not available.)
GeoCaching

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
Park Hours: 8AM–Dark.
Interpretive Center Hours: 8AM–5PM
$5 parking

Services & Amenities:

Within Facility
  • Biking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Center
  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Swimming
  • Tennis Court
  • Tennis Courts
Alerts and Important Information
Parkpass is required for all vehicles.
ParkPass fees: 1-12 passenger vehicles $5 per day or $50 annual ParkPass;
13 - 30 passenger vehicles $30 per day or $75 annual ParkPass;
31 or more passenger vehicles $70 per day or $250 annual ParkPass;
Georgia active duty military/veterans $3.75 per day or $37.50 annual ParkPass.

ParkPass is available at the park office or by calling (770) 389-7401.
Overnight guests pay only one fee for the duration of their stay.

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.
PUBLIC NOTICE: For visitor safety, gorge floor permits will not be issued on some dates in September, October, and November due to water releases. See WATER FLOW below.
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.
Whitewater Release Dates:
1st Two Weekends in April & 1st Three Weekends in November.
Aesthetic Water Release Dates:
Spring Releases-(Weekends Only) Begins 3rd Weekend in April thru the weekend before Memorial Day in May.
Fall Releases-(Weekends Only) Begins 1st weekend after Labor Day thru the month of September. Also the last weekend in October.
Note: There will also be Aesthetic Releases on Wednesdays and Fridays during the 1st three weeks in October. Please check the website for exact dates.
Please note - no gorge permits are issued during any of the whitewater or aesthetic water releases.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.725, -83.37
34°43'30"N, 83°22'12"W

From Atlanta: I-85 north to I-985 (I-985 turns into 365), 365 to 441 North, 441 to Tallulah Gorge. Follow signs to interpretive center either turn right or left onto Jane Hurt Yarn Drive: depending on direction of travel.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK
338 JANE HURT YARN DRIVE
TALLULAH FALLS GA 30573

Phone Number:

Information: (706)754-7981

Special Events:

    The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.

  • 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. on Sep 15 2012
  • Join Joe LaFleur as he teaches about the most common birds found in the area. The event will begin with audiovisual program, then participants will take a leisurely walk outside to view the birds first hand. Both experienced and novice birders are welcome. Don't forget binoculars. $5 parking. 706-754-7981. on Sep 16 2012
  • Tallulah Gorge is one of the oldest geological features in North America and one of the seven wonders of Georgia. Over 300,000 visitors explore the park each year, but not all "keep it green". Spend the day exploring the park and "pick it clean" as you walk about. You will be rewarded with a chance to win a prize and go home with not only memories but also the satisfaction of keeping "your" park clean & beautiful. Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks. 706-754-7981. on Sep 29 2012
  • 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. from Nov 08 2012 to Dec 31 2013
  • This is a strenuous trek, include hiking down 531 stairs, a river crossing jumping from rock to rock, and climbing boulders 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. from Nov 08 2012 to Dec 31 2013