Tallulah Gorge in November: Release Weekends, Rim Trails, and the Suspension Bridge

Tallulah Gorge State Park is about 15 minutes from the cabin, and November is one of the most interesting months to visit. The leaves are down or coming down, which opens up the views into the canyon, and on certain weekends the river runs at full force.

What makes Tallulah Gorge special

The gorge is nearly 1,000 feet deep, carved by the Tallulah River. Along one stretch the river drops about 500 feet in a single mile across a series of waterfalls. The state park covers more than 2,600 acres and has over 20 miles of trails, a suspension bridge, a 63-acre lake, camping, and rock climbing areas.

November release weekends

Georgia Power releases extra water into the gorge on a set schedule. Whitewater releases happen on the first two weekends of April and the first three weekends of November. On those weekends the falls are loud and powerful, and experienced kayakers come from all over to paddle the gorge.

There's a tradeoff. Hiking on the gorge floor is not allowed on release days. If seeing the river at full power is your goal, come on a release weekend and stick to the rim. If you want to hike to the bottom, pick a different weekend or a weekday.

The Hurricane Falls loop and suspension bridge

The most popular hike in the park is the Hurricane Falls loop, about 2.25 miles round trip. It starts at the interpretive center, follows the rim past a series of numbered overlooks, and then drops down long flights of metal stairs to a suspension bridge that sways as you cross it. The bridge gives you a close view of Hurricane Falls. The stairs are the hard part. What goes down must come back up, so take your time and bring water.

Gorge floor permits

Hiking on the floor of the gorge requires a free permit from the interpretive center. Permits are limited to 100 per day and aren't issued on water release days. They tend to go early on nice weekends, so arrive in the morning if the floor is your plan. Wear shoes with good grip. The rock is slick when wet.

Easy ways to enjoy the gorge

• Rim overlooks: Several are a short walk from the parking area and don't require stairs.
• Interpretive center: Good for trail maps, park history, and the current release schedule.
• Picnic at the lake: The park's small lake is a calm spot for lunch between hikes.

Before you go

There's a daily parking fee, and the release schedule and permit rules can change, so check the Georgia State Parks website for Tallulah Gorge before you head out. November afternoons are short. Plan to be off the stairs well before dark.

Afterward, head back to the cabin, light the fire pit, and put your feet up. Tallulah pairs well with a slow evening. See the rest of our local guide, or request your dates.