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Monday, November 16, 2015

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.

Beautiful view from an overlook in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier at trailhead of North Rim Trail in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier enjoys the view from an overlook at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier rests in a small cave on the South Rim Trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier finds another great view of Tallulah Gorge, Tallulah Falls, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier enjoying some hiking in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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. 

View of lake and old railway bridge on Terrora Trail in Tallulah Gorge State Park

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.

Oz the Terrier enjoys the view at Inspiration Point overlook in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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.

Oz the Terrier rides in his HoundAbout II Trailer on the Shortline Trail in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia

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.



32 comments:

  1. Wow!!!!! The scenery there is just amazing, so beautiful and the autumnal colours are spectacular. What a wonderful place to go fur walkies Oz
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  2. It's a such a wonderful place... and I would love to run up that stairs with you :o) I never saw a waterfall in the furs...or in the drops? ... I bet that's impressing to see :o)

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  3. What a pretty place. Lucky you!

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  4. What a beautiful park. We'll have to take a look into this, as we too live in South Florida. It is an 8 hour drive for us just to get out of this state. We love the foliage, this is something Mary has never seen, I bet she would live it. So, I will have to put it on the doggie bucket list.

    Mary is a senior too, so she may get a little tuckered out on tis kind of trip.

    Thanks for sharing Mr. Oz - such beautiful pictures.

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  5. Oz what a gorgeous park...and such panoramic views...look a the colors.
    Lucky duck got to go on your peeps anniversary trip!!
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  6. We didn't find out until the end that it was a Georgia state park.

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  7. Oh my!!!! These photos are absolutely breath taking! What an amazing place to visit!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  8. that looks like a wonderful place to go for an adventure

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  9. Looks like a great place to visit. Chester gets the same reaction from people (cute puppy) because he also doesn't look his age.

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  10. Oh wow, what a grreat trip! That looks just beeYOUtiful!

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  11. So gorgeous. Adventures like that are once in a lifetime. Did looking down make you dizzy?
    Lily & Edward

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  12. What a beautiful place to hike.

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  13. That's a fun road trip and beautiful place to visit. I would love to camp there.

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  14. Well....Sliding Rock Trail sounds like an accident waiting to happen, so no way would SHE attempt it even if dogs were allowed. It's a gorgeous place. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  15. Loved your video OZ, running up those stairs!!! That is a beautiful place fur sure
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

    Pee es
    tell your mom - no worries!

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  16. You were doing senior dogs proud! That is a gorgeous place to visit and you are right about the fall colors! Breathtaking. ☺

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  17. What a cool adventure Oz! I've never been at a park that big before, it looks like you had a great time. Too bad that some trails don't allow dogs, but you showed them by going under that tree. Why does it always rain when you guys go camping? Love Dolly

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  18. Oh, does that look like the BEST place ever to go exploring!!! So beautiful and I'll bet there were tons of cool smells!!!
    Yours sincerely,
    Margaret Thatcher

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  19. What a gorgeous place to go visiting and hiking! Looking at your blog posts here, and at Stanley and Murphy's on there page have me adding brand new places to my list of 'one day let's go!'

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  20. What an amazing place for a hike! You are so lucky to have gotten to visit it!

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  21. Ring-ding-ding-ding Hello Oz The Great & Powerful you truly had a wonderful adventure. We love to see the leaves change colors. Tallulah Gorge reminds us a little of some areas of Kentucky particularly Cumberland Fall State Park which we have hiked. The shale rock on the sides and the foliage look the same. Hot diggity dog diggity you are fast on those steps. Thank goodness you didn't run into those terrible men from Deliverance but then your bark would have a them off.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  22. What a beautiful park, Oz!! The leaves were so colorful and it looks like you had a blast hiking!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  23. Looks absolutely beautiful, and a nice workout too!

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  24. Wow Oz! You reminded me of Rocky going up those stairs like that! You are power-packed! You are also brave! My Mom is afraid of heights and that view would have freaked her out! Barks and licks and love, Dakota

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  25. What a beautiful place, thank you for sharing your adventure with us, looks like a great place.

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  26. What a gorgeous place to visit! Looks like you guys are pretty high up looking down in that one photo. What a view and what an adventure!

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  27. What a beautiful and fun place!

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  28. What a wonderful adventure, looks like a beautiful place! I love the video, you navigated those stairs like a young pup! Oz!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  29. What a wonderful adventure, looks like a beautiful place! I love the video, you navigated those stairs like a young pup! Oz!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  30. Breathtaking shots! Oz definitely had fun in that beautiful park. So beautiful with the fall collage.

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving a pawprint. I enjoy reading each and every one!
Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier