Georgia State Parks Guide

Tallulah Gorge
Tugaloo

One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit to hike down to the gorge floor (limit 100 per day, not available during scheduled water releases). A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Exhibits in the park’s Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of this Victorian resort town, as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area. Additionally, an award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge.

Facilities – some fees apply, *operated by Georgia Power ; 2,739 Acres ; 50 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites* ; Interpretive Center ; Gorge Overlooks ; Suspension Bridge ; 63-Acre Lake with Beach* (seasonal) ; Picnic Shelter* ; Tennis Courts* ; Pioneer Campground with Adirondack Shelter ; Backcountry Adirondack Shelter

Activities – some fees apply

; Whitewater Paddling – first 2 April weekends and first 3 November weekends ; Aesthetic Water Releases – spring and fall ; Hiking and Mountain Biking – more than 20 miles of trails ; Bicycling – 1.7-mile paved “Rails to Trails” path ; Ranger Programs ; Swimming ; Fishing ; Picnicking

Nearby Attractions

; Alpine Village of Helen ; Black Rock Mountain State Park ; Chattooga River (whitewater rafting) ; Moccasin Creek State Park ; Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site ; Unicoi State Park and Lodge ; Chattahoochee National Forest ; Dahlonega Gold Museum ; Southern Highroads Trail

Park Hours: 8 a.m.–Dark. Interpretive Center Hours: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. ; Pets are not allowed on gorge floor or trails accessing the gorge. ; Located on U.S. Hwy. 441 within the city limits of Tallulah Falls, Ga.

Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo’s cottages and most campsites offer spectacular views of 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell in every direction. Some cottages even have private boat docks for overnight guests. Tent campers can choose between the developed campground or primitive campsites located a short walk from the parking area. Fishing is excellent year-round, and large-mouth bass are plentiful. During summer, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Both the Sassafras and Muscadine trails wind through oak, walnut, mulberry and cherry trees. The name “Tugaloo” comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell Dam.

Facilities – some fees apply

; 393 Acres ; 105 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites – cable TV hookups ; 5 Primitive Campsites ; 20 Cottages ; Swimming Beach and Bathhouse ; Tennis Courts ; 7 Picnic Shelters ; Group Shelter (seats 80) ; Picnic Pavilion (seats 80) ; Pioneer Campground

Activities – some fees apply

; Fishing ; Boating – 2 ramps ; Hiking – 4 miles of trails ; Canoe Rental (seasonal) ; Volleyball ; Horseshoes ; Miniature Golf

Nearby Attractions

; Victoria Bryant State Park and Highland Walk Golf Course ; Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site ; Tallulah Gorge State Park ; Ty Cobb Museum ; Toccoa Falls ; Hartwell Dam ; Alpine Helen, Ga. ; Commerce Factory Outlets ; Richard B. Russell State Park and Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course

Park Hours: 7 a.m.– 10 p.m. Office Hours: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. ; Location: Take I-85 exit #173 north on Georgia 17; follow park signs to Gerrard Road, turn right. Go 1. 5 miles to Ga. Hwy. 328 and turn left. Proceed 3. 3 miles to park on right.

Tallulah Gorge State Park
P.O. Box 248, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Park Office: 706-754-7981; Georgia Power Camping Reservations:
706-754-7979