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Georgia Hikes: Hurricane Falls Trail

Spring is the perfect time for a hike, especially one that involves climbing 600 steps. Take in the gorge-ous views of Tallulah Gorge and get a strenuous workout in the process with the Hurricane Falls Trail hike.

Hurricane Falls Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park is a great challenging hike that will take you deep into the gorge to see a rushing waterfall.

Hurricane Falls Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park

This 2-mile long, 1,000-foot deep canyon was formed by the Tallulah River and has been protected land as a Georgia State Park since 1993. A popular tourist attraction since the 1800s, Tallulah Gorge State Park continues to be a top destination for adventure travelers, who can hike, rock climb, mountain bike, kayak, swim, and raft the gorge.

Hiking the Hurricane Falls Trail

Hurricane Falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park

We started our hike from the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. The trail traditionally starts by turning right at the first intersection, but we took a little detour to the left on the North Rim Trail toward Overlook 1A and Overlook 1. These look down into the gorge with views of the suspension bridge, Oceana Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. At Overlook 1 you can see the towers used by tightrope walker Karl Wallenda to cross the gorge.

The hike then backtracks past the Interpretive Center and the trailhead to Overlooks 3 and 2 for views of Hurricane Falls and Tempesta Falls.

The trail then descends into the gorge. 310 metal steps take you down to the suspension bridge that crosses the gorge, swaying 80 feet in the air. Once across the bridge, turn left and continue down another set of 221 steps to the gorge floor and base of Hurricane Falls.

After taking some pictures of the falls, it was back up the 221 steps to the suspension bridge, and then up 347 steps to the South Rim. This is why there are all of those “Strenuous Hike” warning signs posted around.

We rested at the top before turning left on the South Rim Trail toward Overlooks 8, 9, and 10.

Perfect for Hammocking

At the top of a clear rocky area near Overlook 10, we picked a few trees and set up our hammocks, after struggling at first since it was our first time ever putting up hammocks, and sat back and relaxed for a bit. An older couple sat near us looking for Peregrine Falcons nesting across the gorge.

Hammock at Tallulah Gorge State Park

From Overlook 10, we backtracked on the South Rim Trail, past the top of the steps toward Overlooks 7 and 6, passing a pavilion and a mural.

We followed the South Rim Trail to its end where it exits the park and you have to cross the river along Hwy 441. Then we turned right to begin on the North Rim Trail and started down some stairs, but not nearly as many as from the gorge floor.

We followed the trail back toward the Interpretive Center, past Overlooks 5 and 4 offering views of the dam and L’Eau d’Or Falls. Then the trail continues through a shady overhang of trees until it loops back to Overlook 3. From there, we headed back to the Interpretive Center, ending our 2.25 mile hike.

Hiking Essentials

Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:

Nearby Hiking Trails

Want eve more hike? Try out these nearby hiking trails:


Ready to visit Tallulah Falls, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

Georgia Hikes: Hurricane Falls Trail

Have you hiked the Hurricane Falls Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park? Let me know in the comments!

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