Tallulah Gorge

Georgia State Parks calls it one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S.: two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, carved by the Tallulah River, with five waterfalls (the Town of Tallulah Falls counts six in the series) dropping through it. You can see it from the rim in an easy half-day, or earn the view from the bottom. Either way, it's the biggest natural drama within an hour of Helen.

The park sits in Rabun County next to the small town of Tallulah Falls. Plan about 45 to 50 minutes from downtown Helen.

From the Georgia State Parks page.

The rim trails link a string of overlooks along the gorge's edge, and they're the part of the park most people see. The Hurricane Falls suspension bridge swings 80 feet above the rocks and gives you the river and falls straight below. The park also has a second suspension bridge, and a paved trail on an old railroad bed that works for strollers and bikes. Bring a layer and good shoes; stairs and wet rock are part of the deal.

Getting to the bottom takes a free permit from the Interpretive Center, issued the day of your visit and never reservable. Briefings start promptly at 8 AM, 10 AM and noon, and permits run out early on busy days. The park says the trail is very strenuous, with about 1,000 stairs, and it isn't recommended for anyone 8 or younger. Wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or Crocs); dogs aren't allowed. Groups of 20 can get permits on weekends only; groups of 30 on weekdays only.

Rain, high water and scheduled releases can all close the floor, and wet rock is slippery. On days when the heat index reaches the "Extreme Caution" level, stair access is restricted from noon, and permits are only issued at 8 AM. All permit holders have to be out of the gorge by noon on those days.

A typical day sends only 35 to 40 cubic feet per second through the gorge. On release days the falls run at full volume, and you watch from the rim.

Visitors found the falls in 1819, and when the railroad arrived in 1882 the town grew into a resort with 17 hotels and boarding houses, according to the town's history page. A dam finished in 1913 harnessed the river for power, and the falls have run low ever since. The park itself came decades later: the New Georgia Encyclopedia says 1992, and Wikipedia says 1993.

Tightrope walkers have crossed the gorge twice: Professor Leon in 1886 and Karl Wallenda on July 18, 1970. The towers Wallenda used are still visible from the park. The full story of his walk involves two headstands and a martini.

The park has 52 tent, trailer and RV campsites, a pioneer campground and two backcountry Adirondack shelters. Call 706-754-7979 for the campground office or book through Georgia State Parks at 800-864-7275. Parking isn't included with a reservation, but overnight guests pay the daily ParkPass once per stay.