My husband and I did several hikes while staying in Helen but Tallulah Gorge was BY FAR our favorite. We got there at 8:15 to get a permit to hike the gorge floor since they only give out 100 per day, and it was 100% worth it!! If you don’t want to hike the gorge floor, the views of the 6 waterfalls are still beautiful and worth the drive…the suspension bridge is awesome too! BUT if you are able to, definitely don’t miss the opportunity! Once we got down to the bottom, we had to cross the water on rocks. At one point I had to step down into the water to get from one rock to another because I didn’t think I could make the jump, and the water is pretty swift so I wouldn’t recommend little kids doing it unless they could be carried. 10-12ish yrs old would probably be fine if they aren’t scared. Then you walk down the bottom of the gorge along rocks and boulders until you get to the sliding rock called Bridal Veil Falls, where you can slide into the water and swim. And let me tell you, after the hike… it feels SO GOOD to get in that cold water!! There is also a little pool at the top of the sliding rock where you can hang out at too. Wear shoes with good grip bc you’ll need them to hike there!! (I wore Brooks and was fine). Once it’s time to go back, you can either come back the way you came or climb rocks up the side of the mountain at a 45 degree angle for a quarter of a mile. We opted for the ladder, and I was so out of breathe, my husband was leaving me in the dust. It is a tough treck back up, but so rewarding in the end! It’s a beautiful hike! 10/10 recommend!!

We visited here while on a trip to Helen, Georgia. The walkways down to the falls are nice and level. You can get to viewpoint #'s 1, 2, and 3 fairly easily. The walk to get to the suspension bridge was rough. There are 310 stairs you have to go down to get to the bridge. It's not too bad going down, but coming back up is rough. They do have a sign warning you though before you start down the stairs. The interpretive center building was nice. They have a nice gift shop, interesting displays, and clean restrooms.

We planned this hike to happen first thing in the morning because rain was forecasted for after lunch. We talked about making breakfast – but convinced ourselves that our “2 mile hike” wouldn’t take tooooo long, and we’d have brunch when we got back. (foreshadowing) The first parts of the hike from our campsite are relatively moderate wide trails with gorgeous views. The trail build is set up for what seems like large crowds. There are gorgeous benches built into the trail with stone that are like art. The main goal for us was the suspension bridge... …and so begins the stairs…..down….(there are a lot) In my mind, I had Indiana Jones playing…I was preparing myself to be tad scared. No, this is a sturdy, well built bridge with impressive views of the gorge. There were very few people on the trails with us, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy it and take pictures of Hurricane Falls. After crossing the bridge, the next goal was the Tallulah Gorge State Park Interpretive Center. But first….all the stairs back UP! We came across the steel remains of the tightrope tower used by Karl Wallenda in 1970 to tightrope walk across the gorge. Beyond that was Inspiration Point, which was the perfect spot for sitting, having water and a snack. After resting and rest rooming at the interpretive center, we took the easy trail back to the camp ground. Our 2 mile hike turned into 3+ miles, and 3+ hours of hike time. It’s too pretty to do this trail quickly!

Wr visited in early November and it was beautiful. Colors were at there peak and it was not very crowded. Wonderful place to visit! And a word about the speed trap some are talking about. As you are coming down the highway to the park, when you are nearing the Tallulah School, slow down to 45mph. That is where the cameras are, by the school. If you are lucky, your phone will warn you that it’s coming up. Also, stop by Tallulah 1892(?), a fabulous coffee house. Very eclectic and some of the best coffee drinks we’ve ever had.

This park is a good place to visit whether you want a quick view of the gorge or to spend time doing serious hiking. We were there about an hour and just walked to the number 2 & 3 overlooks and then down the 300+ stairs to the suspension bridge. Note that the sign at the top of the stairs makes it sound like it is 700 steps, but that is the round-trip number. There are plenty of other, longer hikes, if you are so inclined. The path to the number 2 & 3 overlooks is all rubberized mulch of some sort, so if you are only going to those overlooks and down the stairs to the suspension bridge, you won’t be walking on dirt, rocks, etc. If you want good pictures of the waterfalls at those overlooks, you’ll probably want to go in the morning. Otherwise, you’ll be facing directly into the sun. The interpretive center has restrooms, running water, gift shop, etc, but also an extensive exhibit.

If you head this way and are healthy enough to walk down 310 steps to the bridge and cross over, it’s well worth the experience. To continue to the bottom is another 221. You may need water or other for this adventure and time as the walk back could be time consuming depending on your health and how much if the view you want to take in.

L'Eau d'Or, Tempesta, Hurricane Falls was all I did. There are two more left I will do one day, hopefully. I hope I will not fall victim to the speed traps other reviewers have mentioned but it still was beautiful and the fellow hikers are lovely.

With all of the places to rest, the stairs were quite doable for me (56) and my husband (59). The suspension bridge made my hands tremble and get sweaty - couldn’t get off that fast enough. So many beautiful photo ops! Bought a nice T-shirt at the gift shop from a girl holding a snake.

The highlight of any visit to Tallulah Gorge State Park is the hike to the gorge floor. Permits are required to visit the gorge floor. Only 100 are issued each day. Each person with a permit must attend a safety "class". Also, proper footwear must be worn to get the pass. The hike into the gorge is an easy descent down a staircase. At the bottom of the staircase, there is a river crossing. To cross the river, either remove your shoes or get your shoes wet. Your choice! There is not a clear trail on the other side of the river but it is easy enough to find your way because you just hike down river. The river and falls are really beautiful. At the end of the hike, there is a rock slide with a swimming hole at the bottom. The area around the rock slide is very slick. We saw many visitors slip and fall. The hike out is strenuous but short. Our overall visit gets four stars because the campground was not great. It is pretty wide open with very little privacy between each site. Next time, we would opt for the back country camping.

Scenic Beauty: The park's primary attraction is the awe-inspiring Tallulah Gorge itself. The rim trails provide numerous overlooks, each offering a unique perspective of the gorge's steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and the rushing Tallulah River below. On clear days, the views are simply mesmerizing, with the surrounding forest adding to the park's serene beauty. The suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom of the gorge provides a thrilling vantage point for those brave enough to cross it. Hiking and Outdoor Activities: For hiking enthusiasts, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a paradise. The park offers a range of trails, from easy rim walks to the more challenging trek down into the gorge floor. Permits are required for gorge floor access, but the effort is well worth it as you can get up close to the waterfalls, including the famous Hurricane Falls. For those interested in water sports, kayaking and whitewater paddling are available during specific water release events, which are an adrenaline-pumping experience. Facilities and Accessibility: The park is well-maintained, with clean facilities, ample parking, and a visitor center that offers educational exhibits about the area's history, geology, and wildlife. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help with questions or provide guidance on the best trails to explore based on your fitness level and interests. The park is also family-friendly, with picnic areas and accessible paths, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages. Wildlife and Conservation: Tallulah Gorge State Park is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to see everything from birds of prey to small mammals. The park's commitment to conservation is evident in the way it manages visitor impact on the delicate ecosystem, particularly in the protected areas of the gorge floor. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-visit destination in Northern Georgia. The combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities makes it one of the premier state parks in the region. Be sure to plan ahead, especially if you want to explore the gorge floor, as permits are limited and can go quickly. With its stunning vistas and tranquil surroundings, Tallulah Gorge is a place that will stay with you long after you leave.