If You're NearbyNatureCanyonsWaterfallsHiking

Tallulah Gorge

Georgia

A two-mile canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep, with a swinging bridge over its falls, in the far northeast of Georgia.

Photo: Thomsonmg2000 · CC0

One of the deepest gorges in the East, it was a Victorian tourist sensation until the river was dammed in 1913. Karl Wallenda walked across on a high wire in 1970, doing two headstands on the way, and his towers still stand.

Rim trails have overlooks of a string of waterfalls. The stairs to the suspension bridge are a serious workout: over 1,000 steps.

Best Time
April–June and October–November
Time Needed
Half a day
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Every day
Getting There
About two hours by car northeast of Atlanta.

What to See

1 of 3 are free
1–2 hours

North and South Rim Trails

Easy trails with overlooks of the gorge and waterfalls.

1.5 hours

Hurricane Falls Suspension Bridge

A swaying bridge 80 feet above the rocks, down and back up long staircases.

FreeHalf a day

Gorge Floor Hike

A strenuous scramble, limited to 100 free permits a day, given out first come, first served.

Know Before You Go

  • Floor permits go quickly, and the floor closes on days when water is released from the dam, usually some weekends in spring and fall.
  • Parking fees apply.

Where to Stay

Stay in Clayton, 15 minutes north.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Something wrong or out of date?

Traveler Reviews

Sign in and mark Tallulah Gorge as visited to write a review.

Go Next

If You're Nearby
Nature · Waterfalls

Amicalola Falls

Georgia

Georgia's tallest waterfall, tumbling 729 feet down a mountainside, and the traditional start of the Appalachian Trail.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Mountains · Small towns

Dahlonega and Helen

Georgia

America's first big gold rush town and an unlikely Bavarian village, in the North Georgia mountains.

Full Guide
Must-See
Mountains · National parks

Great Smoky Mountains

North Carolina and Tennessee

America's most visited national park: misty ridges and old-growth forest.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southeast list.