Description
The Tallulah Falls Rail-Trail (a.k.a. Shortline Trail) spins a short, smooth circuit through Tallulah Gorge State Park. From its trailhead beside Tallulah Falls Lake the 1.7-mile paved path meanders through a beautiful southern Appalachian forest and crosses a small suspension bridge over the Tallulah River. You can ride out and back or combine the trail with a short road segment to form a loop.
The route follows the easy grade of the old Tallulah Falls Railway, a great alternative to more arduous hiking trails that scale the nearly 1,000-foot granite walls of Tallulah Gorge. In the late 19th century the railroad granted tourists access to the gorge and its spectacular waterfalls. While you can't see the chasm from the trail, a detour across US Highway 23/441 will take you to its dizzying lip.
In the spring and fall, controlled releases from Tallulah Dam bring kayakers intent on challenging the imposing river, while Halloween heralds the annual Wails to Trails event, when costumed hikers haunt the trail.
Parking and Trail Access
Tallulah Gorge State Park is on US Highway 23/441 in North Georgia, just north of the town of Tallulah Falls. To reach it from town, drive north about 0.5 mile and turn left at the first park entrance, just past the dam. Continue along the park road to the Shortline Trail parking lot (user fee). The trail lies just south of the main park entrance.
Contact:
Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Drive
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
(800) 864-7275
Perfect for family
By
tyathensga
in
March, 2013
Absolutely beautiful trail. Easy for all ages! If I had a gripe it would only be that it is not long enough. Excellent condition and it literlly feels downhill almost the entire ride. We did the complete circle twice and then hiked to the bottom of the ...
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A neat trail
By
in
March, 2005
This trail provides for a very enjoyable short ride along a stream in this state park.
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Pleasant Ride
By
in
November, 2004
"My buddy and I had spent the earlier part of the day riding and hiking the North Rim of Tallulah Gorge. We planned it so the rail-trail portion would be last so we could enjoy a 'cool down' ride. And we did!!
The trail isn't challenging....it's enjoyable. ...
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