Tallulah Gorge Hike, Slide and Swim - Mon, Sep 3 2012

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Tallulah Gorge Hike, Slide and Swim


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Tallulah Gorge State Park   Hike: Tallulah Gorge Hike, Slide and Swim  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Sep 3 2012  8:20 am >> Mon, Sep 3 2012 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Aug 24 2012 11:20 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Sep 1 2012 12:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 40 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:4 Miles
Pace:Leisurely
Trip Leader(s):
Mark
Ayo
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

It rained... this event downgraded to a D3 and done at Panther Creek Falls.

After arriving at the park, we'll get the permits to hike the floor of the gorge at the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center. The carpool departs early so that we can arrive by 8:15-8:30 AM and have a better chance of getting the gorge floor passes.

If for any reason we cannot get the permits, we'll have a back-up hike at the Panther Creek Falls Trail.  If it rains the night before or if rain is forecast, the hike may be delayed, postponed or cancelled. The park doesn't issue permits if the rocks are wet. Rain makes the hike on the gorge very difficult, if not impossible.

The plan is to walk down the Hurricane Falls Staircase, which has about 550 steps. Cross the suspension bridge and, at the bottom, get past the gate that says "Permit Required". We'll have to go to the other side of the river. A dry crossing is possible, but be prepared to have to step in the water. Then we'll scramble along the rocky margin of the river until we reach the Bridal Veil falls. The terrain is very uneven. There is one place that is slightly slippery, so you may want to wear shoes with good grip. At the falls, we'll stop for a swim, slide, have lunch, relax, take pictures and enjoy the views. The slide is really fun, I recommend you try it, if you've never done it before.

Getting out of the deep pool may feel tricky. If you are not a good swimmer, check where you are going to get out of the water before you get in. There is also a shallow pool, so knowing how to swim is not required for this trip. Just stay out of the deep waters and away from the slide.

After a couple of hours, we will hike back out of the gorge on the south side.  This is rated a D4 mostly because of this hike out of the gorge and the scramble along the river. The Sliding Rock Trail (south side) trail is a very steep (45° inclination) trail. It is not very long, but it is still strenuous.  When we reach the top of the gorge we will circumvent it until we arrive back at the visitor center.

The pace of this hike is leisurely. After we have the permits there is no reason to run. The total hike is only about 4 miles.

 

Note: Your TL also has a Three Forks hike posted the day before and will be camping in between that event and this one.  If you are interested in signing up for both and camping in between, please let me know.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Plenty of water or sports drink to stay hydrated
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Change of clothes for the ride home
  • Swimming suit or quick dry clothes for swimming
  • Dry bag or zip-lock bags for the permit and your electronics
  • Shoes for the hike (flip-flops are NOT acceptable)
  • Towel
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Insect repellant
  • Water shoes / sandals
  • Hat
  • Towel
  • Change of clothes for the ride home

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Directions will be given at the event.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):156Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $62.40 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

- All roads to the park are paved. There are no planned stops between the carpool and the park. Flush toilets are available at the interpretive center, but not after the hike starts.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event, but the park charges a $5.00 parking fee per car if you don't have the Georgia State Park Permit.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.