Tallulah Gorge Whitewater Releases Near Currahee Club

HIKING IN GEORGIA AND MORE

Some visitors call it a slice of heaven. Others, call it the thrill of a lifetime. Folks are referring to the 2,739 acre Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia, one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United States near the Best Value Retirement City per U.S. News and World Report. Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike the rim an enjoy the scenic outlooks or hike down to the gorge floor. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. The area is surrounded by rugged mountain scenery, making it a beautiful place to camp and fish. The gorge also offers some of the most scenic hiking in Georgia. 

For the next two weekends (April 4-5 & 11-12 from 8:00am-4:00pm), 500-700 cubic feet of water per second will thunder through the gorge during the spring Tallulah Gorge Water Releases. Here spectators and photographers congregate to observe kayakers challenge their skills as they navigate their way down the Tallulah River. (photo above by Alex Lampasona)

Also taking place this month on April 23rd from 10am to 11:30am is the Wildflowers of Tallulah guided tour. Visitors are led for an educational hike along Tallulah Gorge State Park's trail system and around the Jail House to view spring wildflowers. You'll find something special happening every weekend at the park.

When it comes to hiking in Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park offers the best and has something for everyone. There are hiking trails that area easy to walk and others for the die-hard hiker, leading in to the bottom of the Gorge floor. Pets are not permitted. Here’s a list of the top Tallulah Gorge hiking trails. There are thirteen trails in all:

GORGE FLOOR ACCESS

• Hurricane Falls Staircase - 550 metal steps leading down to the bottom of the gorge floor and Sliding Rock Trail. Rated difficult.
• The Gorge Floor Trail is a 3 mile round trip hike leading to the floor across rocks and boulders. Rated very difficult. 

SLIDING ROCK TRAIL

2.5 miles, round-trip leading to Bridal Veil Falls. No soil, all rocks and boulders. Rated very difficult and not recommended for children under 8 years old.  No dogs allowed on this trail. Only 100 permits are issued per day, on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

INSPIRATIONAL LOOP TRAIL 

1.5 mile round trip on mulched surface with exposed rock. Rated moderate. The trail can be accessed from Interpretive Center Road. Part of the trail is used for mountain biking. A permit is required.

STONEPLACE TRAIL 

10 miles round trip on rocky and compacted red dirt. Rated moderate to difficult. The trail is accessed on Interceptive Center Road. The trail is also used for mountain biking. A permit is required.

NORTH & SOUTH RIM TRAILS

3 miles, round-trip. Mulched surface with exposed roots. Rated moderate.The North and South Rim Trails consist of 3 miles round-trip which will take approximately 2 hours to hike. It is a mulched trail with exposed roots that is a leisurely walk.

North Rim Trail - Access this trail behind Interpretive Center. It is approximately 3/4-mile one-way, moderate with some inclines and stairs. This trail has five Scenic Overlooks 

South Rim Trail – Located on the opposite side of the gorge from the Interpretive Center and is approximately 3/4-mile one-way, moderate with inclines. This trail has five Scenic Overlooks.

HURRICANE FALLS LOOP TRAIL 

Approximately 2 miles, round-trip. Mulched with metal stairs. Rated difficult.

HIGH BLUFF TRAIL 

4 miles, round-trip. Compacted red dirt. Rated moderate. Mountain bikes permitted.

SHORTLINE TRAIL (multi-use)

3 miles. Paved. Rated easy. This trail can be accessed from Terrora Circle Road, is paved and can be used for hiking, biking, skating, etc.

If you’re searching for the best places to retire, one of the finest Georgia gated communities is located close to the Tallulah Gorge. It’s called Currahee Club and is ideally positioned on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, Lake Hartwell and perfectly removed from the chaos of city life.  Whether you golf, boat, hike or like to kick back, the Currahee Club has just the right mix of it all which is one of the reasons why they won our 2015 Bliss Award for Best Georgia Community of the Year.

In addition to the abundant outdoor adventures surrounding the community, amenities within the neighborhood include an award winning championship golf course, dramatic golf clubhouse, a $2.5 million sports and wellness campus that features a resort-style swimming pool, two tennis courts, fitness center, ball courts, a great lawn, fire pits, and more. 

On the shores of Lake Hartwell, Currahee's Lake Park has covered community boat docks where you can tie up for the day or launch a kayak. Lakefront homes at the Currahee Club have deeded boat docks. The Currahee Club is one of the founding Southern Living Inspired Communities and the folks who live here are among the friendliest kind. Their social calendar is filled with fun things to do year round and the neighborhood has incredible curb appeal. 

Take a peek at Currahee Club homes

If you’re considering making this area your permanent home, the Currahee Club is just a hop, skip and jump from Tallulah Gorge State Park.  The tranquil mountain lifestyle, combined with endless activities among magnificent scenery are just a couple of reasons why people who retire to Georgia love this area. The Currahee Club is one of the finest Georgia gated communities you must see for yourself.

Call the Currahee Club direct to schedule a visit at 706-827-1000.