Tallulah Gorge Interpretive Center — Attraction in Tallulah Falls

I had a gorge permit and I hiked the gorge which started with Hurricane falls and then it turns into the gorge once you pass the gate on the observation deck at the bottom of Hurricane falls stair steps. It would be a gross understatement to say that this is an incredible hike that I think everyone, who is at least in decent physical shape, should do at least once in your lifetime. You’re bouldering and essentially rock climbing most of the time and you have to cross the river twice to continue your round trip. 3 mile round trip and full of adventure every step of the way with majestic scenery. You need at least 1/2 gallon of water per person, polyester apparel, really good hiking boots/shoes because you will be climbing rocks to make it back up the steep hill, sunglasses that are made for the outdoors (preferably) and UPF apparel or sunscreen. Everything you have needs to be hiking grade. This is not a hike where you can compromise with what you bring. Bring snacks as well so you can refuel if you need to. Pack light but bring the essentials that are needed for a strenuous hike. Probably the most strenuous and difficult hike in the state of Georgia and the most rewarding. You will be amazed by what nature has to offer. You need to be at the gate or behind the door by or before 7:40 AM at the latest to be apart of the first 100 people because they only hand out 100 gorge permit passes per day and its first come, first serve and you need to have your license plate number with you as well as good shoes before they allow you to take the class. They’ll turn you away if you don’t, again, its a serious hike and they do everything they can to make sure there are no accidents on the hike and you’re as prepared as you can be physically and mentally which will all be discussed in a 15 minute informative class. After you take the class then they give you the pass and you have to fill out your information on the pass and they give you a copy of what you filled out and then you can either go and come back or start your hike...

The workers inside the center are happy to go over the trail map and give pointers. There is a cute gift store and lots of displays inside the nature center. The trails begin downstairs behind the center. We did the stairs, across the suspension bridge, and down to bottom viewing platform for Hurricane Falls. The gorge floor was closed at the time we were there (June 2021) due to Covid but they were expecting restrictions to lift soon. The stairs are metal grate style so trekking poles/walking sticks can be hard to use on them unless they have a wide bottom. There are plenty of landings and benches so you can take your time. Going down was a bit dizzying because it is a lot of stairs. The suspension bridge was fantastic. Great photo opps and you can feel in moving as you walk over it. We were there on a rainy day so temp was good but we sure felt it climbing all those steps. Definitely doable, though, if you are in reasonable health and able to do stairs. Views are very pretty...

Quite an amazing park, definitely a half day trip at least. I hiked the north and south rim trails, as well as visiting Inspiration Point and swinging bridge. North Rim starts at the visitor center, just follow the signage on this easy hike to various overlooks. Trail is mostly packed earth and rubber mulch until you find the stairs to the gorge. I traveled the entire North rim towards the damn and highway overpass, which you can walk along. Lake and beach is nearby. There was a good bit of ice on the South Rim portion and this is where I took the stairs to the famous bridge and on toward the Hurricane Falls overlook. Lots of stairs but doable. I was there for about 4 hours exploring altogether, plenty of stops for pics. $5 parking fee. Interpretive center is very nice, historical displays, history on the gorge, taxidermy of the local wildlife, gift shop. Very well thought out. Bad time of year to hike the river itself, no permits today, but I understand...