Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, GA May 21 to 25-2016
This is a wonderful place to go hiking and sight seeing. Lots of trails, a museum with loads of historical information about the Gorge and the towns around it. The museum is named the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpetive Center. The first time we visited years ago, we wondered who Jane Hurt was and why she would donate a museum about yarn. Oops! A visit to the museum back then quickly showed our assumption was wrong. Do go if you’re in the area, and admission is included in the day use fee.
We had made reservations several days ago to make sure we could get in for the weekend. The on line reservation indicated there was only one site available that could accommodate our rig so we signed up for it.
When we got there, it turns out there were 3 open spots we could get into. We made our choice and settled in for the next 4 days.
After several hours of driving to get here, we needed to get some exercise. We took a hike down to the dam to see how much water was being let into the gorge. The answer was not much, enough to see some rapids, but not enough to do any kayaking.
After weeks of getting prepared, always being in project mode, and visiting with friends, we decided to just take Sunday off. It was a little cool (yay!) and Mocha wanted a warm lap to sit in.
Late in the day, we had a bit of a scare when the Clampet Clan pulled into the campground looking for a place to land. First they parked close to us then decided it wasn’t good enough and drove over the landscaping to get off the site where they had parked. The first part of the clan was driving a big Ford Expedition pulling a huge flat bed trailer loaded down with lawn chairs, barbque grilles, bicycles, and even a powered wheel chair. Next came an old travel trailer that had seen better days. Somewhere in this mix was a passle of kids. (That’s country for a bunch) We were relieved when they drove up over the hill to the other side of the campground. They wanted two sites side by side and we were between 2 empty sites that they were eye balling.
On Monday, we figured the tourists had left Helen, GA so we decided to drive over and see the sights.
On the way we, as we are known to do, we got side tracked by a covered bridge. The Stovall Bridge still stands, although it’s pretty much covered by graffiti.
How nice it is to visit a tourist destination when there are hardly any tourists there. No crowds to fight, no standing in line, it was great!
We had lunch at the Troll Tavern, so named because its under the bridge. Well, not really. But the outside dining area is lower than the bridge, so I guess that counts. Sauerkraut is really not my favorite, but EJ really wanted some, and I figured what the heck, it can’t be as bad as I remembered. It was on turkey ruben sandwich, and it was actually pretty good. I may have to revise my opinion.
After luch and walking around town, EJ suggested we go visit Anna Ruby Falls. You have to go through the Chattahoochee National Forest to get there. Once again the Geezer Pass came through and we got in for free. It was about a half mile hike from the parking lot to the Falls and back with some sections steep enough that we were wondering what happened to all the oxygen in the air.
And of course a selfie pic to prove we were really there.
When we got back two families had set up next to us, one with a tent set up in an RV only site. After a while, the camp host drove around and straightened that out. Ahh! The joys of camping in a state park.
On Tuesday, our last full day here, we took another hike in the park. Even though it was pretty warm in the direct sunlight, most of the hike was under the trees and comfortable. The views were gorgeous and we found a spot where we could actually see the gorge and falls.
Some of the local wildlife.
Frank thinking “Boy, this is really deep!”
What’s left of one of the Karl Wallenda towers.
And if you walk down 310 steps you get to cross a suspension bridge. Then you get to walk back up 310 steps.
On Wednesday our visit comes to an end and it’s time to pack up and go. Part of the process is to protect Sunny. Over the years we’ve tried various forms of toad protecters and each one resulted in damage to the car is some fashion. From chipped paint to broken fog lights. We hope this method will be the answer. Thanks KC & Sheila for sharing the info for this great product.
Our next stop will be Gaffney, SC where Big Guy will get his annual maintenance.
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