Oz's Big Adventure: Tallulah Gorge State Park

After camping at Little Talbot State Park, we set out on part two of my big adventure to Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia.  It was an almost eight-hour drive from Jacksonville, Florida to Tallulah Gorge so we were sure to leave super early on the morning of Ma and Daddy-dog's anniversary.

Tallulah Gorge State Park overlooks Tallulah Falls, a series of six waterfalls that cascade through the 1000-foot gorge carved by the Tallulah River.  The Park boasts an impressive Interpretive Center, over 10 gorge overlooks, nine hiking and biking trails, a 50-site campground and a suspension bridge.  We couldn't wait to see everything in all its Autumn color.

Even though it was raining when we arrived, we set up camp and then went out on our first, short hike on the North Rim Trail.  This trail had five overlooks and we were sure to stop and enjoy the view from each one.  I was quite brave and would get as close to the edge as possible to get the best view.

The next day we decided to hike the South Rim Trail even though it was gray and drizzling.  This trail seemed a bit longer than the North Rim and there was more hiking stairs than on the other side.  I really enjoyed all the hiking steps and would run up and down them whenever I got the chance. 

Everybody kept telling Ma how they thought I was such a cute and energetic puppy.  Little did they know they were watching a senior dog breeze past them with ease on the hiking trails.  Of course, whenever I got the chance, I stopped to take a little break.  I even found a small cave with a carved bench to stop and rest my paws.

The views of the gorge were spectacular even when the sun wasn't out.  We enjoyed the Autumn colors so much as well as hiking in a cooler climate.  We sure didn't miss the Florida heat and humidity during the day.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on some of the gorge trails like the Sliding Rock Trail or the Gorge Floor Trail because of the terrain.  That was a little disappointing but we still enjoyed hiking the rim.

On our only sunny morning, we headed over to the Terrora Trail which looped around a small lake.  Since it was a loop trail, we were surprised when people who headed out before us were coming back down the trail toward us.  The Terrora Trail, which I nicknamed the Terrier Trail, is a moderate level trail so we thought maybe those people couldn't handle it. 

That's when we came upon what made people turn around - a downed tree across the trail.  That didn't matter to me though; Ma told me "Go Through" and I went right under that tree!  Ma and Daddy-dog climbed over it and we continued on the trail to its end.

One morning, I even got to hike up to Inspiration Point!  Inspiration Point overlook is part of the North Rim Trail.  It was a pretty steep climb and once we got there, a nice gentleman took our family photo for us at the overlook marker.

I also got to do some biking at Tallulah Gorge but not mountain-biking.  We rode the Shortline Trail which is a 3 mile paved trail that followed the Old Tallulah Falls Railroad Bed.  It was a nice change of pace for me since I got to ride in my Solvit Products HoundAbout II trailer.  You can see that the trail is cut into the mountain and is surrounded by beautiful woods and forests.

We spent four nights at Tallulah Gorge State Park and had a great time.  I would think that Autumn is probably one of the best times of year to visit because of all the different color leaves.  Of course, as Floridians, we had some difficulties adjusting to the colder temperatures at night especially when it was time for bed...in the tent.  It makes you wish you had an RV or at least a camper to sleep in!

If you ever get a chance to visit northeast Georgia, be sure to visit Tallulah Gorge State Park.  You may not know this, but many of you have seen this park before...on the big screen.  Tallulah Gorge State Park is where many scenes from the movie Deliverance were filmed.  But it is much more beautiful in person so be sure to visit this beautiful park.