A Weekend of Fun at Tullulah Gorge

What: Gorge Floor Hike and Family Canoe Outing
When: Hike – Sept. 3 and Canoe Sept. 5
Where: Tullulah Gorge State Park
Cost: $5 for parking
Note: You must register in advance at 706-754-7981

This summer my son went to the Athens Y Camp near Tallulah Gorge State Park, so of course we took an afternoon to hike the rim around the Gorge. You must secure a free permit to hike the gorge floor. There are 100 permits given each day, so if you want to do this, get there early.

The highlight of the rim hike is crossing the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom. This hike is not for the faint of heart. There are about 300 steps down and then of course, another 300 back up. Remember if you have small children to add their weight to your pack, as you will likely be carrying them at least part of the way.

It’s worth it though, the Gorge is beautiful. Our latest trip was in the summer, but as you can imagine, the fall is beautiful too. The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center is a great starting point and offers lots of information about the Gorge’s history as a Victorian resort town, as well as examples of the wildlife and ecology that current call the Gorge home.

On the way back to Atlanta, we stopped to pick peaches just off off the highway. The apple season starts in September and there are several orchards close by.

Most of Georgia’s state parks have interesting ranger lead programs. Upcoming programs at Tullulah Falls include a ranger-led floor hike on Sept. 5 at 10 am. Bring your bathing suit and cool off at Sliding Rock, a natural rock slide. On Sunday, Sept. 6, enjoy a family canoe outing. Tallulah Gorge staff lead a group of canoers around Tullulah Lake talking about unique features and doing a little fishing. Both programs appear to be free, but you must register in advance.