Waterfalls and Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park

We think North Georgia is a paradise for outdoor lovers! The mountain views, the incredible hiking trails, and the amazing waterfalls are all part of what you can experience. And when traveling to this area of the “Peach State“, hiking at Tallulah Gorge is an adventure for the books!

Looking to Add and Adventure to Your Tallulah Falls Road Trip? Check out these tours!

🌄 Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour 
🍂 U.S. East Coast Fall Foliage Highlights Tour

This Georgia state park is a gorgeous and breathtaking destination during the fall season.

It is during this season that many prefer to visit the beautiful Tallulah Gorge State Park.

fall foliage of Georgia state parks
A colorful fall morning at Tallulah Gorge State Park–view from the suspension bridge

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Tallulah Gorge State Park – a North Georgia Beauty!

Tallulah Gorge is considered one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern part of the U.S.

There are about 20 miles of hiking trails inside this 2,689-acre park–one of the most stunning state parks in the state of Georgia!

You’ll find a suspension bridge, backcountry shelters, plenty of waterfalls, an Interpretive Center, and so much more.

This was my first time visiting and hiking at Tallulah Gorge and I’m super glad that I did it during the fall season. It’s simply spectacular!

Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia
Fall foliage in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

I arrived at the park at exactly 8 am–which is the park’s opening time. The first thing I did was walk around the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to learn about the history of the town and I really enjoyed all the exhibits there.

However, I did not get to see the film because I was already getting way too excited to see the gorge and explore the park.

The trails vary in time, which means that even if you only have 30 minutes to enjoy the park, you will be able to see at least one waterfall!

Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center
Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center

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Hiking Trails at Tallulah Gorge that Take You to the Waterfalls

When exploring Tallulah Falls, you can do it in a couple of ways. You can hike along the gorge floor or on the gorge rim trails. However, you do need a permit if you plan to hike the gorge floor.

The permits are free of charge and they can be acquired on the same day of the visit but are limited to 100 per day.

Keep in mind that fall is the busiest season of this park and permits tend to run out in the early morning hours.

1. L’Eau d’Or Falls and Tempesta Falls

If you only have time for a short hike, L’Eau d’Or Falls would be a great starting point. To view these falls, take the North Rim trail starting near the Interpretive Center.

Turn right at the rubber trail and follow the brown signs leading to overlooks 2 and 3.

Trail difficulty: Easy | One-way Hiking Time: approx. 6 minutes (0.3 miles)

L'Eau d'Or Falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park
L’Eau d’Or Falls
Tempesta Falls

2. Oceana Falls

This trail will give you a great view of Oceana Falls from overlook 1. To get on this trail, follow the brown signs leading to the North Rim Trail, and turn left when it ends.

At a short distance, you will arrive at Overlook 1–located on the right side.

Here, you’ll enjoy the view of Oceana Falls and the impressive scenery of this gorgeous park.

Trail difficulty: Easy | One-way hiking time: approx. 7-10 minutes

brown interpretative signs on hiking trails
woman overlooking the fall foliage at Georgia state park
Overlook 1 at Tallulah Gorge State Park

3. Bridal Veil Falls–Inspiration Point View

Take the same trail that leads to Oceana Falls, but instead of heading right towards overlook 1, keep going straight.

This trail leads you to Inspiration Point–the highest point in the park and the spot with the best views of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Trail difficulty: Moderate, Uphill | One-way hiking time: approx. 26 minutes (0.8 miles)

hiking at Tallulah Gorge Falls
Stunning view of the Bridal Veil Falls from Inspiration Point–the highest point in the park.

4. Suspension Bridge and Hurricane Falls–Strenuous Hiking at Tallulah Gorge

Sometimes, I like to save the best for last. The trail to the suspension bridge and Hurricane Falls is both the best and most difficult trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park.

The first thing I should mention is that the suspension bridge staircase trail is composed of a total of 1,062 steps (one way)–if you cross the bridge and continue your path toward Hurricane Falls.

Tallulah Gorge Suspension Bridge
Tallulah Gorge suspension bridge
suspension bridge at Tallulah Gorge

However, if you only want to walk to the suspension bridge, you will need to do 620 steps (one way). It’s a steep and strenuous hike that will temporarily take your breath away–literally!

But, it’s very much worth it! You will find some benches along the way where you can take short breaks.

Tip: Be sure to carry snacks and water for the suspension bridge and Hurricane Falls hike.

Trail difficulty: Difficult, Strenuous, Steep | Round-trip hiking time (complete trip including Hurricane Falls): approx. 2 hours and a total of 2,124 steps. Yikes! I can’t believe I did this!

5. Tallulah Falls Dam

To view the dam, you will follow the same trail that leads you to L’Eau d’Or Falls and Tempesta Falls.

Only that this time, you will then follow the brown signs that lead you to overlooks 4 and 5. You’ll be able to view the dam from overlook 4.

Trail difficulty: Easy | One-way Hiking Time: approx. 13 minutes (0.6 miles)

tallulah gorge falls dam

Tips for Hiking at Tallulah Gorge

Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park was an incredible outdoor experience!

The park is impressively beautiful and has a lot of scenic overlooks that make for great photo ops. Here are a couple of tips for your trip to Tallulah Gorge.

aerial view of Tallulah Falls State Park

1. Wear comfortable shoes

Preferably, opt for hiking shoes or boots. I regret not having my hiking boots with me that day. You’ll enjoy your hike a lot more when your feet are not crying for help!

2. Snacks and water are a must!

For this hike, I packed my bag with bananas, dried fruits, and granola bars. Plus, I also had 3 liters of water.

3. Grab a map at the Interpretive Center

If you’ve been following my adventures for some time, you already know how much I love physical maps.

But preferences aside, it will really come in handy–especially in this park where there’s so much to see.

4. Arrive early

If you can be there as soon as the park opens…bingo! There are a lot of trails and some are strenuous and difficult, which will take you more time than others.

Bonus Tip: Since you’re already in North Georgia, take a 38-minute drive to the quaint Alpine City of Helen. You’ll find some great shops and many places to eat!

Gorge Floor at Tallulah Gorge State Park
Gorge Floor

Plan your visit:

Fees: $5 per vehicle

Hours: 8 am until sunset

Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr., Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Visit the park’s website for updates before traveling

📍Get Directions

Does Tallulah Gorge sound like the perfect nature escape? Let me know in the comments!


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waterfalls in tallulah gorge state park in georgia
Yanitza Ninett
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Yanitza is one 1/2 of the Next Stop Adventures dynamic duo with 15+ years of hiking experience and adventure travel. As a PADI-certified Scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Spain.

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