Overlooking jaw-dropping Tallulah Gorge, a 1,000-foot chasm carved over millions of years, the town of Tallulah Falls was once a bustling resort town that rivaled Niagara Falls. People from all over came to see the awe-inspiring beauty of North Georgia’s natural pursuits.

Located two hours northeast of Atlanta, Tallulah Falls is home to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Best visited in fall when the trees surrounding the abyss turn vibrant shades of red, gold and orange, the multiple overlooks and hiking and biking trails are world-class. Visitors can clamber for a permit to hike the gorge floor — only 100 are allowed per day — or they can cross it on a swaying suspension bridge 80 feet above the jutting rocks. Pop into the impressive Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to learn about the area’s delicate ecosystem and craggy terrain.

The town’s namesake falls are a series of waterfalls cascading into the gorge with names such as L’Eau d’Or, Hurricane, Oceana and Bridal Veil. Each one makes for an incredible photo opportunity.

In town, the General Store offers old-fashioned goods and snacks. Down the road is Tallulah 1882, a coffee shop housed in a historical train station that serves signature tea lattes, Moon Mylks and espresso drinks. Stop in for a scone before heading out on the Shortline Trail, a 3-mile, paved path following the Old Tallulah Falls Railroad bed. 

For the anglers of largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill and sunfish, Lake Tugalo has 597-acres of serene water. Lake Yonah is engulfed by sheer canyon walls of solid granite and has excellent bass fishing as well.