Tallulah Gorge

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 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. This short hike drops over 550 feet into the ravine for a look at the numerous cliffs, pools, waterfalls, and boulders of Tallulah Gorge. It is a strenuous route that ends at Sliding Rock on the gorge floor.