Adventure: Tallulah Gorge + River Falls at the Gorge

The one question that we get the most in regards to our travels and camping is where is our favorite place to go. My mind always goes blank and I have no idea what to say. I remember being at a doctors office one day, and the nurse had said where are some cool places to go and I could not answer the question. I think of all of the places we have been and each one is different and unique in its own way, but this particular spot does it for me.

More specifically this campground does it for me. River Falls at the Gorge, located just a few minutes from Tallulah Gorge State Park is quite stunning.

River Falls at the Gorge Campground is a 68 acre park that is located only a mile and a half from Tallulah Gorge State Park. The best thing about this campground is that riverfront camping sites are the majority of the campground. Full hook up is available for the majority of these sites, and other lodging options are available like tent camping, cabins, rental rvs, and even tree houses. Check out this map to view the campground and available sites.

 

  

While camping here at this campground, you are completely immersed in nature in all the best ways. Being only three steps from the river you are able to listen to the water rushing as you lay in your camper. You are able to climb onto the rocks and go exploring, tubing or swimming in the river. It is a feast for the eyes. For those of you with small children, do not worry about river access. Of course adult supervision is necessary at all times, but in many of the camping areas there is a wall that separates the river from the sites. The level of the river at certain points of the season will remain low enough to play in the water, but at times if water needs to be released you will be notified by the campground. We were actually camping one time when the water needed to be released, and the river remained higher than usual for a few days. Water levels were fine to tube, but walking on the rocks was a no go.

  

All your regular amenities are available such as laundry, small store, swimming pool, bath houses and even a chapel for Sunday services. My kids loved the arcade that is there and available until 9pm or 10pm depending on the season. Listed on their website is also events throughout the year for parades, church services and even arts and crafts.

So besides just relaxing, hiking and playing in the waters of the river, what else is there to do in this area? Some of our favorite things to do in this area is to visit Downtown Clayton which has the cutest historic district. There are many local shops including my all time favorite Wander. If you are not following their Instagram page (@wandernorthga), you must just for your eyes pleasure. They do such a great job filming and photographing nature at its finest. This store features everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors, and there is the cutest childrens section downstairs. The downtown location will also host music hangouts on their patio at times. They also have a second location located in Tallulah Falls and this location is named the Outpost. This location houses a cafe, shopping area, outdoor rock climbing area and an area for arts and music. The ultimate hang out spot for everyone.

  

Another recommendation I have is to just drive. Yes, take a drive around Lake Rabun. This area is just a few minutes from leaving the campground. This road circles the lake and gives you the best view of all the lake houses that are in this area. While winding through this area, the area is so picturesque especially during the fall. When the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground, you forget that you are even in Georgia. Along this road, you may pass several small waterfalls that are on the rock wall faces, and you should make your way to Minnehaha Falls. This is the best trail for everyone who wants a little bit of adventure and a reward at the end. This trail is only .4 miles long and leads you to a hidden waterfall. When you arrive, you are forced to sit and simply stare.

  

Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must as well when you come to this area. Take your time and check out the museum that is at the visitor center. You will find taxidermied animals that are native to this area, as well as learn about the history including the story of the person who walked a tightline rope across the gorge. Along the trail there are many overlooks to get a beautiful view of the gorge, as well as a suspension bridge and stairs that give you access to walk down to the gorge floor. Free permits to go all the way down to the gorge floor can run out quickly, so be sure to snag yours as soon as you get there. If you are hiking with little ones, please be aware that you will need a hiking backpack or carrier to get down to the gorge. For the overlooks and for the start of the path there is no stairs. Only to get to the suspension bridge and gorge floor you will need to use stairs. Round trip to get to the gorge floor it is a total of two miles, which equals to about 1,099 stairs. Do not let that scare you. There are resting points along the way and overlooks. We did this with two children on our backs, and despite sweat and heavy breathing at times it can be done. It is well worth it.

  

The last little treasure you may want to check out in this area is The Dillard House. This resort offers a breakfast that is family style, which means you do not order anything individually. They bring everything out to you which for us included eggs, biscuits, muffins, cinnamon rolls, gravy, grits, potatoes, sausage, bacon, pork tenderloin, and pancakes. Was it absolutely too much food? Of course. Did we have so much fun laughing and stuffing ourselves full? You bet we did. When you are finished with breakfast you are able to walk to the back of the property to pet the horses and look at the chickens and goats they have on property.

  

This is by far one of my favorite camping spots so far because its just so simple. It is simply stunning the way that it is. The way the river rushes, the way you can get lost in the woods and come upon a treasure. This post just barely scratches the surfaces of all there is to see and do. It is definitely a nature lovers oasis.