Among Georgia’s sixty-three state parks, Tallulah Gorge State Park is known for its remarkable scenery. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Georgia, it’s one of the deepest gorges in North America, second only to the Grand Canyon. Picture yourself hiking in Georgia’s mountains, basking in its lush forests, and enjoying the local rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
Find the best family-friendly things to do in Tallulah Falls, GA, as we explore the Tallulah area in this article!
Things to Do in Tallulah Falls, GA With the Family!
1. Stay at Georgia’s Last Lake Lodge
Just a short ten-minute drive from Tallulah Falls sits Georgia’s last surviving lakeside lodge: Lake Rabun Hotel. The Cherokee Indians once called this area “The Land of Enchantment,” and rightly so. Tucked into a forest of unique flora, fauna and native plants that only grow there, it offers much-appreciated privacy.
In addition to artfully decorated rooms, Lake Rabun Hotel offers a personal hospitality experience like none other. Have you ever wanted to go horseback riding, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, boating, golfing, zip-lining, or enjoy an ATV tour? Lake Rabun’s free of charge concierge service is available to help you plan your trip and book adventures.
Guests can also enjoy the Lake Rabun Restaurant, which is rated one of the top ten farm-to-table restaurants in Georgia. Fine dining is friendly and casual in the rustic dining room, seated on the Locust Sunburst deck (available all year long), or on the seasonal TreeTop deck, where guests are surrounded by southern pine, oak, and hemlock trees.
The food itself is sourced locally and is prepared by the acclaimed creative chef and staff of Lake Rabun Hotel. The international flavors and seasonal menus feature humanely-raised meats and wild-caught seafood for a delicious and memorable dining experience.
After a long day of outdoor adventures in Tallulah Falls, the Lake Rabun Hotel Spa is the place to relax and renew. The team of massage therapists is ready to pamper you with a customizable massage.
We welcome you to stay at this enchanting outdoor retreat when you visit Tallulah Falls! For more information, contact Lake Rabun Hotel today.
2. Go Fishing
This is the place for fly fishing! The rivers and lakes of North Georgia are full of brook, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as bream, perch, walleye, crappie, and several species of trophy-sized bass. If you’ve never done it before, now is the time to learn! Well experienced instructors are available to teach you or guide you through the trophy waters of North Georgia. Whether you would like to fish on the shore or rent a fishing boat, fishing on Lake Rabun offers beautiful scenic views eight minutes from Tallulah Gorge State Park. Keep in mind that anyone over sixteen must have a fishing license that is available to purchase online through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
3. Hunt for Treasures
Would you like to follow a digital treasure map to find mini treasures hidden throughout the national park? Geocaching is a fun adventure for adults and children alike.
To begin, visit the official geocaching website or download the free app on your mobile device. The application will reveal secret coordinates to hidden containers, or “caches” hidden throughout the United States. Each container holds little trinkets. When you put something in the container, you’re allowed to take something of equal or lesser value and document your experience.
While geocaching is available in many areas across the country, treasure hunting in Georgia State Parks is special because they give you the option of joining a History Trail GeoTour. This tour allows you to find indoor boxes that only open after you have learned about the site’s history.
Some caches are easy to find, which is perfect for children. However, other caches require a little more sleuthing. The wide-ranging levels of difficulty make geocaching perfect for families.
4. Hike the State Park Trails
Hiking trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park range in difficulty. For example, the Gorge Floor Trail is a mere 2.5 miles roundtrip. However, hikers will have to climb large rocks and boulders to reach the gorge floor. Though the trail may be difficult for inexperienced hikers, it’s worth the trip. When you reach the gorge floor, you have the opportunity to see the Bridal Veil Falls up close!
If you wish to hike the incredible Gorge Floor Trail, you will first need a permit. Though the permits are free, only 100 passes are given out each day. So if you plan to hike on a beautiful day, be sure to get to the trail early to reserve your spot.
However, if you are looking for an easier trail with beautiful views, the three-mile Shortline Trail may be perfect for you. It is the easiest hiking trail in the state park due to its paved path, allowing visitors to hike, bike, or run. The trail will lead you along the calmer parts of the Tallulah River and across a wooden suspension bridge. This trail may be ideal for young children.
5. Watch a Spectacular Water Release Event
The last item on our list of things to do in Tallulah Falls, GA, is a splash!
Water release events take place throughout the year and look spectacular! But what are they?
Normally, the water flow through the gorge is about 40 cubic feet per second. However, during a water release, the water flow is increased to 200 cubic feet per second, creating a sight to behold!
Some water release days, however, are designed for whitewater rafting. During the whitewater rafting events, the water flow can be up to 700 cubic feet per second!
Of course, on water release days, hiking trails leading into the Gorge are closed. So be sure to check the water release dates, so you don’t miss out on any adventures!
Plan Your Tallulah Falls Trip!
Now that you know of all the best things to do in Tallulah Falls, GA, with the family, it’s time to start planning your trip.
To get started, make a reservation at Lake Rabun Hotel or give them a call at 800-398-5134. The Lake Rabun staff is available to answer any questions you have about rooms and rates, booking an adventure, planning your trip, or anything else you might need!
