Tallulah Falls GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tallulah Falls, Georgia.
1. Tallulah Gorge State Park
SCENIC CANYON ADVENTURE
Tallulah Gorge State Park features one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., stretching two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks or obtain one of the limited daily permits to hike the gorge floor. The park includes a suspension bridge swaying 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.
2. Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center
HISTORICAL & ECOLOGICAL EXHIBITS
The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center showcases exhibits highlighting the rich history of Tallulah Falls as a Victorian resort town. The center educates visitors about the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area, including protected species like the persistent trillium, monkey-face orchid, and green salamander. An award-winning film takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge, including footage of rock climbers and kayakers.
3. Tallulah Gorge Whitewater Release
THRILLING WATER EVENTS
Tallulah Gorge Whitewater Release events create spectacular rapids through the gorge on scheduled dates throughout the year. During these releases, the dam opens and transforms the usually serene gorge into a challenging whitewater course sought after by experienced kayakers. Visitors gather at overlooks to watch the dramatic scenes unfold as paddlers navigate the powerful flows through the ancient canyon.
4. Tallulah Point Overlook
PANORAMIC GORGE VIEWS
Tallulah Point Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tallulah Gorge without requiring strenuous hiking. The overlook includes a unique gift shop selling local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs to enhance the visitor experience. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the full majesty of the gorge while learning about its geological and cultural significance through informational displays.
5. Tallulah Adventures
GUIDED OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Tallulah Adventures offers guided outdoor experiences that showcase the natural wonders of the Tallulah Falls area. Their experienced guides lead hikes, nature walks, and specialized tours highlighting the unique flora, fauna, and geological features of the region. These adventures provide visitors with deeper insights and access to hidden gems that might otherwise be missed when exploring independently.
6. Minnehaha Falls
SERENE WOODLAND CASCADE
Minnehaha Falls is a picturesque 100-foot cascading waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Tallulah Falls. The falls can be accessed via a relatively short and moderate 0.4-mile hiking trail, making it accessible for most visitors. Water flows gracefully over a series of rock ledges surrounded by lush forest, creating one of the most photogenic waterfalls in North Georgia.
7. Shortline Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Shortline Trail follows an old railroad bed that once brought Victorian tourists to view the famous falls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This paved, level path is perfect for strollers, bicycles, and visitors seeking an easy walking route with historical significance. Interpretive signs along the trail share the fascinating history of the railway and Tallulah Falls' past as a major tourism destination that rivaled Niagara Falls in popularity.
8. Panther Creek Recreation Area
WILDERNESS TRAILS & FALLS
Panther Creek Recreation Area features a popular 7-mile trail that leads to the stunning Panther Creek Falls, where water cascades into a picturesque pool ideal for summer swimming. The moderately difficult trail follows Panther Creek through a diverse forest ecosystem with several smaller waterfalls and swimming holes along the route. Backpackers enjoy the established campsites along the trail, making it a perfect weekend adventure destination in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
9. Lake Tugalo
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Lake Tugalo is a pristine 597-acre mountain lake formed by the Tugalo Dam at the confluence of the Tallulah and Chattooga Rivers. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for bass, bream, and catfish in crystal-clear waters surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking in this peaceful setting where motorboats are restricted to small engines, preserving the tranquil atmosphere.
10. Wallenda Towers
HISTORIC TIGHTROPE WALK SITE
The Wallenda Towers mark the location where legendary high-wire artist Karl Wallenda famously crossed Tallulah Gorge on a tightrope in 1970 at the age of 65. The towers stand as a testament to one of the most daring feats ever performed at the gorge, drawing approximately 30,000 spectators at the time. Visitors can view these historic structures and learn about this remarkable achievement through informational displays that capture this significant moment in Tallulah Falls' history.
11. Terrora Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Terrora Park provides a peaceful lakeside recreation area on the shores of Lake Tallulah Falls with picnic facilities, a playground, and boat access. The park serves as a gateway to enjoying water activities on the lake, including fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Scenic walking paths offer pleasant strolls with views of the lake and surrounding mountain landscape.
12. Tallulah Falls Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAILROAD HERITAGE
The Tallulah Falls Railway Museum preserves the heritage of the historic railway that brought thousands of tourists to the area during its heyday as a Victorian resort destination. Exhibits feature photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from the railway that operated from 1882 until 1961, connecting Tallulah Falls to the outside world. Visitors can learn about the engineering challenges of building a railroad through the mountainous terrain and the crucial role it played in developing tourism in North Georgia.
13. Goats on the Roof
QUIRKY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Goats on the Roof is a unique attraction near Tallulah Falls featuring live goats that actually live on the sod-covered roof of the rustic store. The family-friendly destination offers a country store with local products, homemade ice cream, and various gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can feed the goats using a pulley system that delivers food to the roof, creating an interactive and memorable experience for children and adults alike.
14. Chattooga River
WILD & SCENIC WATERWAY
The Chattooga River, made famous by the movie 'Deliverance,' offers world-class whitewater rafting experiences on its wild and scenic waters near Tallulah Falls. Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, it features multiple sections with varying difficulty levels, from mild Class II-III rapids to the challenging Class IV-V rapids of Section IV. Outfitters in the area provide guided rafting trips, allowing visitors to experience the pristine river gorge surrounded by lush forests and dramatic rock formations.
15. Dillard House Restaurant
LEGENDARY SOUTHERN DINING
The Dillard House Restaurant serves legendary family-style Southern meals where abundant platters of traditional dishes are brought to the table until visitors can eat no more. Established in 1917, this iconic dining destination uses fresh local ingredients, including vegetables from their own garden and meats from their farm. The restaurant's large windows provide diners with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains while they enjoy time-honored recipes passed down through generations.