Bridal Veil Falls
Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Park (706) 754-7970
Camping (706) 754-7979
Picnic Shelters (706) 782-4014
In the late 1800’s, Tallulah Gorge was North Georgia’s first tourist attraction and it drew thousands every week with the arrival of the Tallulah Gorge Railroad. The hard granite walls form steep cliffs that astounded early settlers. Tallulah Gorge is also one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., and it runs over two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit to hike down to the gorge floor. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, and it provides spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. There are also exhibits in the park’s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center which 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 for rock climbing/rappelling. The only approved trail for entering or leaving the gorge floor is the Hurricane Falls staircase. Trails entering or exiting the gorge, as well as those on the gorge floor, are very strenuous. This hike is no exception. It starts at the visitor’s center, descends along the Hurricane Falls Staircase, then follows the Tallulah River downstream to Bridal Veil Falls. The section from Hurricane Falls to Bridal Veil Falls is unmarked and “unofficial”. It is very difficult and should only be done with excellent footwear (no sandals or crocks) and by those that are in excellent physical condition. The reward, however, is a wild ride along a smooth rock face down Bridal Veil Falls that dumps into a pool at the base. In hot weather, it’s a great way to spend the afternoon. One suggestion – get there early. There are a limited number of permits and they go fast in the summer months.
- click for a video of Ian & Eric riding Bridal Veil Falls; and Brett & Bill shooting the falls
- click for more photos from this hike in Tallulah Gorge State Park: June 14, 2009
- click for a trip report from our hike to Bridal Veil Falls: June 14, 2009 (password required)
- click for an area map for this park in North Georgia
- click for a town map of Tallulah Falls
- click for a trail map of Tallulah Falls State Park
- click for another trail map from this hike on the South Rim Trail
- click for a campground map from Tallulah Gorge State Park
- click for another hike at Tallulah Falls in March 1997
- click for another hike we did this weekend on the Coleman River
- click for the guidebook Best Hikes With Dogs Georgia And South Carolina for more hikes in this area
- click for more hikes in the State of Georgia