Tallulah Gorge State Park

Stay Hydrated:
Tallulah Gorge’s trails are strenuous and include more than 1,000 stairs. Hikers must hydrate and take heat precautions. Bring at least 32 oz. of water if hiking to the suspension bridge or gorge floor. Water filling stations and bottled water are available in the interpretive center. Dogs are not allowed.

» Pet Notice:
› For animals' safety, pets are not allowed on the gorge floor, sliding rock trail, and Hurricane Falls staircase to the suspension bridge. Leashed pets are welcome on rim trails.

» Gorge Floor (Sliding Rock) Permits:
› Free permits are required to access the gorge floor and can be obtained at the Interpretive Center on the day of your visit.
› Permits will be issued at 8AM, 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM while supplies last. On busy days, permits often run out early in the morning.
› Permits are not transferable and may not be reserved in advance. Permits limited to 100 per day.
› Visitors must wear proper footwear—no flip-flops or Crocs.
› Dogs are prohibited.
› Not recommended for hikers younger than 10. The trail is very strenuous, including 1,000 stairs. Hikers must be in good physical condition.
› Groups of 20 can get permits on Saturday and Sunday only. Groups of 30 can get permits Monday through Friday only. To protect natural resources, no groups larger than 30 are allowed.
› Weather, rain, water flow conditions and scheduled water releases can restrict gorge floor access. Wet rocks are deceptively slippery. Call ahead before traveling.

» Climbing Wall Permits:
› Free permits are required to access the climbing area and can be obtained at the Interpretive Center on the day of your visit. Permits are available from 8AM -2PM.
› Climbing permits are not issued from February 1 through the third week of March due to peregrine falcon nesting activity. If nesting activity is confirmed this closure could extend into early June.
› Weather, rain, water flow conditions and scheduled water releases can restrict access. Call ahead before traveling.

» Stoneplace Trail Permits:

The Stoneplace Trail leaves the Park property and enters an adjacent Wildlife Management Area. A free permit is required to hike in this area and can be obtained at the Interpretive Center on the day of your visit. During hunting season (Typically September – January) Stoneplace Trail permits will not be issued until after 10a.m. Hikers and bikers are encouraged to wear reflective orange.

"Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring beauty or daring adventures with a glimpse into the past at Tallulah Gorge State Park, where the Tallulah River flows through rugged terrain to carve a complex 1,000 foot geologic formation and five spectacular waterfalls which provide habitat for many unique species."

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 permit to hike to the gorge floor (100 per day, not available during water releases). A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Tightrope walkers have twice crossed the gorge, and visitors can still see towers used by Karl Wallenda. A paved path follows an on old railroad bed, perfect for strollers and bicycles, while mountain bikers can test their skills on a challenging 10 mile trail.

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. The persistent trillium, monkey-face orchid and green salamander are protected species found within the gorge. An award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge, including footage of rock climbers and kayakers. A gift shop offers snacks, jewelry, toys, books, walking sticks, clothing and more.

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2024 Water Release Dates

On a typical day, the water flow through the gorge is 35–40 CFS (cubic feet per second). During aesthetic releases, the flow is 200 CFS, and during whitewater releases, the flow is 500 CFS on Saturday and 700 CFS on Sunday. The southside staircase is closed to hikers. Climbing and hiking down in to the gorge are not allowed on these dates.

Aesthetic Water Releases

8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
(200 cubic feet per second)
This water flow is less than the whitewater releases but much more than the regular flow of water through the gorge. Hiking & rock climbing in the gorge are not allowed on these dates.
April 20, 21, 27, 28
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19
Oct 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18

Whitewater Boating Weekends

10 a.m.–4 p.m.
(500–700 cubic feet per second)
Water thunders through the gorge as kayakers challenge their skills & spectators watch from the rim. Hiking & rock climbing in the gorge are not allowed on these dates.
April 6, 7, 13, 14
November 2,3,9,10,16, 17

 

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