Tallulah Gorge State Park will be hosting two guided hiking events next Thursday, October 17, to give hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the gorge first hand. Both events are open to the public but space is limited.
Full Moon Hike
For the less challenging adventure, the state park will be hosting its Full Moon Hike Thursday evening beginning at 7:15 p.m. The hike will lead attendees down the trail from the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to the suspension bridge that crosses the Tallulah River.
The trail begins a couple of hundred yards behind the center and descends into the gorge 310 steps to the suspension bridge. The bridge spans the Tallulah River approximately 80 feet below.
The hike will begin just at dusk, giving time for hikers to descend to the suspension bridge to watch the full moon rise over the ridge line of the gorge.
Park rangers encourage hikers to wear comfortable walking shoes and take water. Hikers are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to park their vehicle and make their way to the interpretive center.
Park rangers advise hikers for the Full Moon Hike to bring cash to avoid any delays to pay for parking and for the hike. The interpretive center will not be open at the time of the event.
Parking at the state park is $5 per vehicle and the hike costs $10 per person.
The hike will begin at 7:15 p.m. and should conclude at around 8:45 p.m. Those wishing to attend this hike are encouraged to call ahead and sign up in advance. Space is limited for this hike.
There will be two more opportunities this year to enjoy the Full Moon Hike. The next event will be Friday, November 15 and the last one for the year will be Sunday, December 15. For more information, please call 706-754-7981 or visit the website here.
Gorge Floor Hike
The Guided Gorge Floor Hike is more challenging and rugged. It is for the avid hiker that wants to experience the gorge from top to bottom, literally. The hike will begin at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center at 10 a.m. Thursday morning and take about four hours to complete.
For this hike, park rangers caution participants, “Don’t go into the gorge if you can’t get yourself out.”
Hikers will encounter more than 700 stairs, two river crossings, and perform a 45 degree rock scramble during the hike. All while experiencing and learning about the canyon.
Park Rangers encourage hikers to wear proper footwear for this hike and hydrate the day before. Hikers may bring a backpack with trail snacks and at least four large bottles of water per person to remain hydrated during the trek.
Those wishing to participate in the Guided Gorge Floor Hike must RSVP as soon as possible. Space is limited. The hike will begin at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 2 p.m.
Parking is $5 at the state park and the cost to participate is $20 per person.
For more information, please call 706-754-7981 or visit the website here.
Both events will meet at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center at 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive in Tallulah Falls.
