Tallulah Gorge State Park: North Rim Trail

We decided to make the trek to Tallulah Gorge State Park in beautiful northeast Georgia to get in touch with nature and take advantage of the gorgeous fall colors. As we made a detour to Jaemor Farms to buy some locally grown apples (http://www.jaemorfarms.com/) along the way, we arrived at the park just after noon. The main parking lot was full (obviously a lot of people had the same thoughts we did about the fall colors), so we parked across U.S. Highway 441 just beside the dam where they have a swimming beach when the weather is warmer. (Note that parking fees still apply.)

North Rim Trail
Walking underneath the bridge that spans the gorge (part of US 441), we made our way to the end of the trail known as the North Rim Trail. This 3/4 mile trail (one way) is considered moderate--mostly level with some inclines--and is a great trail for seeing the sights with family of all ages. There are several scenic outlooks designed for viewing the dam, gorge and river along the way.

The fall colors were magnificent along the way--reds, oranges, yellows and even some pinks along the trail. Coupled with the heights from the top of the gorge, many gorgeous vistas could be seen.

As we made our way from the parking area toward the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center (which houses some really wonderful displays on native flora and fauna and geological info), the scenery became more spectacular from each new outlook.

We continued on the North Ridge Trail to its official conclusion at Lookout #1. This is the site where, in 1970, Karl Wallenda had a tower constructed to hold a tightrope across the gorge so he could perform the feat of walking across it to another tower at the south rim. The tower has since been toppled (so as not to encourage similar stunts), but has been left as a reminder of the event.

Inspiration Point
From Outlook #1, the trail continues toward a vista known as Inspiration Point, although the path is no longer considered the North Rim Trail. This relatively short walk (1/4 mile) seems longer than it is due to the fact that it climbs an additional 212 ft. As the tallest point in the trail though, the views are definitely worth it!

Trailing back the way we came we made our way to our car once again, enjoying the beauty mother nature has to offer. Finding ourselves dam/lakeside, we were greeted to the following views as the sun began to lower against the mountains.

The beauty of Tallulah Gorge in the northeast Georgia mountains truly is a sight to behold. For more information on this great Georgia destination, check out the latest park information at: http://www.gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge.

Cloudland Canyon: Waterfalls Trail

Our first excursion to Cloudland Canyon State Park in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains provided a much needed break from the stress of life in suburban Atlanta. We chose a crisp October morning to meet up with my sister and her family so we could all explore the Waterfalls Trail. Coupled with the beginning of the changing fall colors, thoughts of the sight and sound of waterfalls drew us toward this choice.

Waterfalls Trail

Our walk began by driving to the top of the hill in the day use area of the park. The parking area here puts you just a short walk from the top of the canyon. The lookout area here was spectacular with the changing fall colors!

The waterfall trail begins to the southwest of the parking lot and is well marked with signs and yellow blazes. Note the trail is rated strenuous due to the 600+ steps which lead to the bottom of the canyon. Still, four adults in our 40's and 50's and two children (ages 8 and 5) were able to make it down and back only slightly worse for wear.

Along the way are quite a few beautiful, serene and interesting sights which are all part of the hillside.

Boulders jut from the sides of the hills, providing shelter from the storms for woodland creatures.

Interesting square and rectangular patterns are carved in the rockface by the hand of Nature herself. All this, coupled with the natural beauty of the waterfalls which cascade in intervals through Daniel Creek, makes for a soothing and scenic hike.

The falls are truly spectacular (and worth the strenuous rating of the trail), each hidden within forest glade full of light and shadow.

It is easy to imagine deer and other woodland creatures venturing in to take a drink in such a secluded location.

The main trail diverges into several smaller paths in order to get a good look at all the waterfalls (backtracking is required to view them all).

At this time of early fall, the tops of the mountains often yield the best colors--colors that will not be at their peak in Georgia for another few weeks.

The second waterfall (also spectacular) was a little more open, a little more frantic. No quiet pools at this level, but still lovely.

Lower still, you come to another more quiet serene falls, a place of enchanting beauty at this time of year. Rock overhangs allow for the water to drop over hidden caves into a large mirror-like pool.

Venturing back up the hill, the final waterfall drops from canyon to shallow pool and quickly gurgles into swiftly flowing stream, past boulders which fell from the heights a long time ago.

The shadows gather much more quickly on the floor of the canyon than they do on the mountain tops as the sun sinks in the late afternoon sky. Climbing back to the top of the canyon becomes more of a priority in order to take advantage of the light the sun provides. The wet leaves of fall can make footfalls a little less sure than at other times of the year.

Back at the top of the canyon in the late afternoon, the sun is still shining and all the world is back to where it should be.

While it was a relief to be back at the car after a long hike/climb, every hill, step and grade was well worth the beauty and serenity of these north Georgia mountains known as Cloudland Canyon State Park.

For more information on this beautiful state park please visit: http://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon.

Amicalola Falls: Views of the Falls

The Main Falls

There is a place, deep in my soul, which craves Universal Connection. I find that walking in nature helps me center myself as I am more easily able to focus on the Source of creation. The deep green of an ancient forest or the gentle babble of a gurgling stream help remind me that I, too, am fearfully and wonderfully made. The forest surrounding Amicalola Falls is one of my very favorite places to connect to the Divine within. Just sitting in the shade listening to the sound of the falling water calms and soothes my soul as nothing else can. It is healing...and cleansing...and connects me to All that Is.

Waterfalls are popular destinations for many people, and Amicalola is one of the best places to go in Georgia to view them. Amicalola--the Cherokee word for "tumbling water"--boasts that it is the tallest cascading waterfall in the southeast United States, with a drop of 729 feet. The mountain stone, fortified with natural quartz crystal, is resistant to erosion. Consequently, Amicalola Falls is not only beautiful, but is considered by some to be rather sacred as well.

West Ridge Falls Access Trail 



Viewing Platform at Falls



For those who wish to view the main part of the falls in an easy, family friendly (and ADA accessible) way, this trail is a good bet. To get there, you must navigate your car halfway up the steep hill leading to the state park's lodge. The parking lot is well-marked and is on your right as you head up the hill. This trail of firm yet springy recycled tires is a gently sloped 0.3 miles leading directly to the falls viewing platform. There is also a nice stone bench midway through the walk for those who may to rest. It is a good idea to hold the hands of very small children as there are steep drops along the way. Once on the viewing platform/bridge, you are well-positioned for taking family pictures and spectacular falls snapshots. On warm spring and fall days, look over the sides of the bridge to the rocks below. You may well see snakes warming themselves on the stones near the water. As with all of God's creatures, look and appreciate but keep your distance. Take care of nature and it will take care of you.

  

Base of the Falls Trail: Below Viewing Platform



Falls View At 177 Stairs



One of my favorite trails to hike in Amicalola State Park is the part of the Base of the Falls Trail which lies between the Visitor's Center and the main falls viewing platform. To begin this peaceful trail (rated moderate to strenuous because of the 177 stairs involved), I like to start my hike going up (as this is always harder for me than coming down). We typically park near the Visitor's Center and make our way up the trail to the fishing pond (permit required) which hosts a variety of fish and tadpoles--wonderful viewing for kids. 



The trail beyond the pond (toward the main part of the falls) meanders beside the falls' tumbling waters. Gentle at first, the trail steadily climbs until it gets steep enough to require stairs--which sit just below the main viewing platform. There are many large rocks and benches to rest on along the way--great places to sit and meditate to the soothing sound of the falling water (something I tend to take full advantage of!). Keep your eyes and ears open. You can often see wild deer, squirrels, and birds through the brush. I would recommend this trail for families with children ages 3 and up. They will be tired after this, but should sleep well that night! ;)



Deer Along Trail



Base of the Falls Trail: Above Viewing Platform



425 Stairs in the Trees

This is the part of the trail that is the most difficult--and has the most stairs (around 425 of them). It is a beautiful climb. You can see many gorgeous vistas from the vantage point of the staircase, and there is usually a breeze blowing through the trees. Also know there are benches to rest on along the way. If you decide to try this climb, take your time and let your body tell you how slowly/quickly it wants to go. (Note: this is NOT a good climb for very small children.) Best if hiked with older children (tweens and beyond).



Once you make it to the top of the stairs, it's a relatively easy walk up to the Lodge. You can sit in the air conditioning, have a nice buffet lunch at the Maple Restaurant, and look at the wonderful views from the top of the mountain. Along the back of the lodge is a shaded patio with rocking chairs where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. Quite often you can watch the hawks circling on the wind currents at the top of the mountains.



Shaded Patio Behind Lodge





View From Lodge Patio

For those who want the best of trees, waterfalls and peace, Amicalola is truly a wonderful destination to get have it all. For more information on the park itself, trails, lodging and fees visit: http://www.gastateparks.org/AmicalolaFalls .