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!
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This Georgia state park is a gorgeous and breathtaking destination during the fall season.
During this season, many prefer to visit the beautiful Tallulah Gorge State Park.
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Tallulah Gorge is considered one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern part of the U.S. and there are about 20 miles of hiking trails inside this 2,689-acre park–one of the most stunning state parks in 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!
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!
How to Explore the Scenic Trails that Lead to Waterfalls at Tallulah Gorge
When hiking at Tallulah Gorge, 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 in Tallulah Gorge State Park and permits tend to run out in the early morning hours.
1. L’Eau d’Or Falls and Tempesta Falls
If you’re limited on time and want to do the shortest hiking at Tallulah Gorge, 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)
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
3. Bridal Veil Falls–Inspiration Point View
Take the same hiking 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)
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 one of the toughest trails you’ll be hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park, but it’s also a must!
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.
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)
Insider Tips For an Unforgettable Hiking Experience 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.
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. Pack Protein Snacks and Plenty of Water
For all the hiking at Tallulah Gorge, you should at minimum pack your bag with bananas, dried fruits, and granola bars and make sure you have at least 3 liters of water, or you can calculate how much water you need for your hikes.
3. Grab a Park and Trails 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 if you want to see all of the Tallulah Gorge waterfalls.
4. Arrive to the Park Early
If you can be there as soon as the park opens…bingo! Tallulah Gorge is a popular destination for fall foliage in Georgia and it can get crowded during the fall, being that it’s their busiest season, followed by summer.
Also, keep in mind there are many trails and some are strenuous and difficult, which will take you more time than others, so plan with this in mind if you want to make the most of your trip.
🚘 Travel 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!
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
Does Tallulah Gorge sound like the perfect nature escape? Let me know in the comments!
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Hey, I’m Yanitza 👋 Travel advisor, outdoor blogger, and hidden-gem hunter with over 8 years of experience helping travelers explore deeper and travel slower. I specialize in crafting authentic, stress-free adventures from small towns to scenic hikes and scuba dives. I’m a firm believer that the best stories happen when you venture beyond tourist hotspots. When I’m not planning getaways or writing travel guides, I’ll probably be home rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s my job and daydreaming about future adventures in Spain.
Wow an amazing place, feel like being there in person. How I miss travelling. The pictures are superb enticing one I must say
Thank you so much!
The trees, waterfall, and scenery is fantastic. I would love to hike there. It seems so calm and relaxing.
It’s an amazing place. Thank you for reading!