7 Things To Love About Tallulah Falls, GA

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No matter the time of year, Tallulah Falls is hands down one of my favorite getaways. There is a particular curve in the road that, once past, you’ll know you’ve arrived. In the spring and summer, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Georgia’s lush green forests and the temperature will seem to drop about twenty degrees as you cross into this mountain wonderland.

Tallulah Falls, GA, is best known for Tallulah Gorge State Park, one of Georgia’s most popular hiking destinations. Tallulah Gorge proudly boasts a series of six breathtaking waterfalls, over 15 miles of fantastic hiking trails ranging from easy to extremely difficult, and stairs..lots of stairs.

However, there are many more things to love about this quaint little North Georgia town. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Sliding Rock

To hike to Sliding Rock, you will need to arrive early and go to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to obtain a gorge pass. This is REQUIRED to access the gorge floor whether you plan on taking the Sliding Rock Trail or opt to cross the river at the Hurricane Falls platform. The center opens at 8 am and permits are limited to 100 a day. On weekends in the spring and summer, you probably want to be there a half hour early to get your spot in line. They go fast!

Also, check the weather. Once you cross the Tallulah River on this trail there isn’t as much trail as there are rocks and rocks get slippery. We have been turned away due to the weather. Wear shoes you’re not afraid to get wet.

We usually take the North Rim Trail down a few hundred stairs, cross the suspension bridge, then veer left to descend another series of stairs to the wooden viewing platform at Hurricane Falls. Here’s where the real fun begins. At this point, the trail crosses the river and continues down a more primitive path past Oceana Falls and Bridal Veil Falls along the way to sliding rock.

Sliding Rock is the very reason many people make the hike down to the gorge floor. Here you can zip down the rock, splashing into an icy pool of refreshing river water. This is the only place in the gorge where swimming is allowed. Hang out here as long as you like and prepare for a steep rocky ascent back to the top of the gorge. This is the only way to get out of the gorge, short of going back the way you came.

If I remember correctly, a park ranger once told me it was something like an 800-foot climb over a mere quarter mile! I would say this is a moderately difficult to difficult hike so it’s not for the faint of heart but well worth the hard work. Pets are only allowed on the rim trails and not on the gorge floor.

2. Tallulah Falls Lake

On the hottest, most stifling of Georgia summer days, when ice is not even cold enough, I will jump in the car and make the hour drive to Tallulah Falls Lake for even fifteen minutes of bathing in its marvelous iciness.

Even though I live in the land of Lake Lanier, once it gets hot, it’s akin to swimming in warm bathwater. Tallulah Falls Lake has an average summer temperature of about 75 degrees, which makes it the PERFECT spot to take a refreshing plunge.

Access the lake via the Terrora Day Use entrance. The day use area also features a playground, a grill, picnic tables, restrooms, a roped off beach area, and more hiking and biking trails. Admission: $5.00 at the gate or free with an annual Georgia Park Pass

3. Tallulah Point Overlook

Pull off the road at the Tallulah Point Overlook for some of the most spectacular views of the gorge and beyond. And there is so much more to see here. Step into the shop and allow yourself to be transported back to days of old. Grab an ice cream, drink soda from a glass bottle, or browse their collection of regional books and hiking guides. You’ll find a bit of everything here, so pick up a few nostalgic gifts and souvenirs or choose a unique little something for yourself from the variety of candles, jewelry, knives, homemade soaps, and more. Open daily from 9am-6pm

4. Camping on the River

If you love the place like we do and want to stay awhile, check out the River Falls at the Gorge RV Resort on Hwy 23/441 North right past the gorge. They offer 141 camping sites, most of which are alongside the river. You can also choose from their fully furnished cabins, full hook up sites, and treehouses! While you’re visiting, enjoy access to their huge clubhouse, full kitchen, and banquet facilities. Campground activities include free tubing, hiking, fishing, and cycling. You can also laze around in either the indoor or outdoor pool. For reservations or more info, call 706-754-0292 or visit their website.

5. Full Moon Hikes and Aesthetic Water Releases

For all the night owls out there, Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes are scheduled throughout the spring and summer. This is a magical, awe-inspiring experience you must try at least once. Outdoor photography enthusiasts, bring your gear.

Aesthetic Water Releases and Whitewater Releases are a spectacular sight! Releases are scheduled for specific weekends in April and May and again in September, October, and November. The water flow from the gorge is typically 35-40 CFS (cubic feet per second). During aesthetic releases, the flow is 200 CFS, and during whitewater releases 500 CFS on Saturday and 700 CFS on Sunday. Climbing and hiking down in the gorge are prohibited on these days.

6. Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center

We had been visiting Tallulah Falls for years before we ever explored the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. The exhibits here highlight the rich history of this 19th-century Victorian resort town, the rugged terrain and the area’s fragile ecosystem. If you have a few minutes to stop in here and browse, you definitely should. Take a seat in their small theater to dive deeper into the history of the area and take a dramatic journey through the gorge. Before you go, pick up a snack, a little handmade something, or a unique souvenir from the gift shop.

7. Bluegrass on the Square

Saturday evenings, from 7-9pm, weather permitting, you can show up on the square exactly as you are and enjoy live Bluegrass music and fun at the Tallulah Falls Opry on Main Street.

Bring your instrument and join in if you like. Grab a lawn chair, toss out a blanket, or just pull up a patch of grass and join the locals for a bonfire, hot dog cookout, and marshmallow roasting. You might even get lucky and get a taste of Mama Betty’s homemade potato salad or somebody’s grandma’s famous chocolate cake. You never know.

Following a quick dip in the lake to cool off, this cozy small town gathering is my favorite way to finish out a long day of hiking the trails. Admission is free but if you can, please toss a dollar or two in the donation jar for all the hard work these folks put in each week.