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Along the border between Georgia and South Carolina sits Tallulah Falls, a small town abounding in natural wonders. Located two hours northeast of Atlanta, the area around Tallulah Falls is alive with moving water. The landscape has long been noted for its scenic attractions, as it is studded with waterfalls that crash over rocks and through the forest as they travel along the river gorge. Tallulah Falls was once a bustling Victorian resort town that built up around the Tallulah River, and it is now a charming small-town destination for people seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and waterfall watching. Visit during fall for spectacular foliage or in summer to cool off in the refreshing mountain water. Read on for some of the must-see experiences in Tallulah Falls that you should put on your itinerary the next time you visit this Peach State treasure.

What To Do

Explore Tallulah Gorge

The biggest draw in the area is Tallulah Gorge State Park, the centerpiece of which is the namesake gorge. It stretches two miles long and drops almost 1,000 feet deep, carved out over centuries by the Tallulah River. The Tallulah Gorge Rim Trail is one of the best ways to see the gorge and take in the beauty of the landscape. It’s particularly beautiful in fall when the foliage begins to turn. To see the dramatic sights, you can hike the rim trails to take in overlooks over the gorge and Tallulah Falls. If you’re feeling adventurous, get a permit to hike to the gorge floor. A limited number are given out each day. Eighty feet above the rocky gorge floor, a suspension bridge provides stunning views of the river and waterfalls.

gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Take A Hike

If your boots are laced up and ready to roam, the area has many trails to hike, including on the gorge floor, that are rated easy to very difficult. To access the gorge floor trails, obtain a free permit at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center on the day of your visit. Note that visitors must wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or Crocs are allowed). Only 100 permits are issued per day, and depending on the day’s demand, can run out in the mornings. They will not be issued after 4 p.m. (3 p.m. during daylight savings time). While you’re there, spend some time at the Interpretive Center to learn more about the area, its history, and the protected species found inside the park.

gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge/Trails

See The Falls

When you visit this nature-loving spot, you have to see the waterfalls that give the town its name. They are a series of rushing cascades along the Tallulah River and include Hurricane Falls, Tempesta Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Oceana Falls, and L’Eau d’Or Falls, each of which you can glimpse at different points along the river. All of the waterfalls except Bridal Veil Falls can be seen from the rim overlooks. The hiking trails and scenic overlooks can take you to prime spots for viewing these cascades.

Relax Near The Lake

In Tallulah Gorge State Park, visitors can enjoy water activities at Tallulah Falls Lake, a 63-acre lake with 3.6 miles of shoreline. The lake is a reservoir formed by Georgia Power in 1912 at the completion of the Tallulah Falls Dam. Guests can swim, boat, picnic, fish from the pier, or just enjoy the public beach and day use area.

explorerabun.com/tallulah-falls-lake, U.S. Highway 441 South, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Buy A Memento Of Your Trip

If you’re on the hunt for a dose of shopping and a souvenir to take home, stop into The General Store, which stocks locally made art and pottery as well as nostalgic toys and gifts, hiking guides, and accessories perfect for a mountain cabin.

tallulahpoint.net, 100 Main Street, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Where To Stay

Sleep Surrounded By Nature

When you’re in Tallulah Falls, you’ll have opportunities to pitch a tent and camp in nature, but if you’d like a few more home comforts, you can book a stay at Lodging on the Lake, where you’ll still feel surrounded by outdoor ambience. Choose from two cabins where you can relax by the fire, wake up to lake or waterfall views, and have easy access to the park's multi-use trails.

lodgingonthelake.com, Terrora Circle, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Experience Small-Town Charm

For a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, Glen-Ella Springs Inn andamp; Restaurant is a beautifully appointed getaway located a bit farther from town. Relax on the covered porches, sit by an evening fire, and wake up refreshed in the historic inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

glenella.com, 1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarksville, GA 30523

Where To Eat

Enjoy A Mountain Meal

After a busy day spent exploring the area, seeing the waterfalls, and hiking the trails, you’ll be ready for a meal. Max’s Lakeside serves pizza, pasta, salads, and Italian sandwiches. Take advantage of mountain weather and dine on the wraparound porch. After the meal, head downstairs for a cocktail at The Swing Bar where the bar seats are swings instead of chairs.

maxslakeside.com, 1659 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552

Fuel Up

For a sip of something refreshing (or caffeinated) try Tallulah 1882, which makes its home in a lovely, sunlit space and serves menus of teas, coffees, and specialty drinks. This cozy coffee spot also has a variety of baked goods, so you can grab a sandwich, scone, or cookies to go.

tallulah1882.com, 105 Moss Street, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Have A Good Time

You can also track down sustenance—and a good time—at Tallulah Adventures and The Edge Cafe and Bar, which is a gathering place with an outdoor bouldering wall, pavilion, and a selection of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. Learn to rock climb or take a painting class—there’s all kinds of adventure here.