A brief history
Picturesque mountaintops, sheer-sided gorges, thundering waterfalls. Can you believe all this can be found in…Georgia? This southern state brings to mind peaches and plantations more than suspension bridges and raging rivers. For a sweet taste of some amazing rivers and trails, head to Tallulah Gorge State Park and its Hurricane Falls Trail.
Far from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, Tallulah Gorge State Park boasts a steep-walled slice worn away by the Tallulah River. Stretching for two miles and over 1,000 feet down, the river courses along large rock outcroppings in a series of six waterfalls known collectively as Tallulah Falls. The park sits on the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest near the Tennessee-Georgia border.
Main attraction
The superstar of the river is Hurricane Falls trail. At just over two miles, it’s not a long hike, but it’s a fairly difficult one. Meandering over the gorge’s north and south rims, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views from ten scenic overlooks sprinkled along the path. You’ll be able to view sheer drops all the way into the depths of the gorge 1,000 feet below. There is even a suspension bridge to take you across the south rim. Spectacular views await you at every turn on this trail. Be prepared to be both sweaty and stunned by its beauty.
The Hurricane Falls trail is a mix of boardwalk, mulched trails, concrete, and stairs — lots of stairs. You’ll definitely get a workout, but the views and memories will be more than worth the effort. There are over 15 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Make an early visit to the park’s interpretive center to request a gorge floor permit. These are limited to 100 per day and are not available on dam release days. The gorge is just as beautiful from the bottom as from the dizzying heights above.
When to go
While Tullulah George is open year round, we recommend visiting in the fall, as the scenery is a jaw dropper! If you can’t make it in the fall, spring is a close second for our favorite season. The spring weather is perfect, with temperatures ranging from the mid 60’s to low 80’s.
Related articles: Camper’s Guide: California’s Yosemite’s Half Dome or Camper’s Guide: Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Featured Image from David Hunter/Unsplash
