January 20, 2026
Short Line & Tallulah Gorge Suspension Bridge Trails
near Tallulah Falls, GA
Another perfect winter day for a hike with sunny skies, little wind, and seasonal temperatures of 32F to 38F. With the exception of one very large tree blocking the trail, the trails were in very good shape with bridges to cross all wet areas but also well used with lots of exposed roots in places. We started our hike on the Terrora Trail behind the old Tallulah Falls Jail and later took a side loop, the Upper Terrora Nature Trail off of the Short Line Trail. Both trails were new to most of us and a pleasant non-paved alternative to the Short Line Trail. We followed up the Short Line Trail with a walk along the north rim of Tallulah Gorge, then down and across the suspension bridge at the bottom of the gorge and back up to complete our hike along the south rim trail. It was another "great day for a hike" on one of Tony Presley's favorite sets of trails.
Today's Hikers: Linda Schultz, Jack Treadman, Eric Hotle, Lynn Hotle, Beth McDonald, Dick Metzgar, Jenny Bell, Matt Henderson, Beth Hawkins, Charles Hawkins, Angela Evans & Mike Bell.
The route
5.1 mi · 689 ft climbing · 3h 13m out, 2h 30m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
25 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (25)
The Terrora Trail circles around this scenic cove off the Tallulah River. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Linda, Jack, Eric, Lynn, Dick, Jenny, Matt, Beth H, Charles & Angela; Front: Beth Mc & Mike. We really missed our trail dogs today! Twelve hikers getting ready for a cold start at the Tallulah Falls Old Jailhouse. Surprise Hiker of the Day, Dick Metzgar. Always great to have any of these hikers that have been hiking with this group beginning with the "Old Friends Hiking Club." We started with the Terrora Trail Lake Loop, a short forest section joining the Short Line Trail. Lots of bridges spanning wet sections of all of the trails today. We did encounter this one large blowdown. Half-way down the Short Line, we took another loop, the Upper Terrora Nature Trail, that also passes above the Short Line. Continuing through the deep rock cut of the Short Line Trail we pass under an old bridge with an interesting American Sycamore tree growing through its structure. Yep. It's winter. Crossing the Tallulah River on a suspension bridge. Looking down the Tallulah River near the Terrora Generator Station. Looking down the Tallulah River near the old train trestle bridge supports. The dam and bridge at Tallulah Gorge viewed from Overlook #4. Looking upstream at L'Eau d'Or Fall and Hawthorne Pool from Overlook # 2. Hawthorne Pool and the top of Tempesta Falls viewed from Overlook #3. Our hikers who ventured down to cross on the suspension bridge (front to back): Mike, Lynn, Eric, Jenny, Jack, Beth H, Charles, Beth McD & Matt. A view from the suspension bridge looking up the Tallulah Rivier. Going up anyone? Curious how the step platform was built around a tree which has since begun to grow over the handrail. Waiting . . . . you're almost at the top. Now on the south rim, a view 400 feet down of Hawthorne Pool and Tempesta Falls from Overlook #7. Yep. That mural is still there . . . very nice. A view of the Gorge and the suspension bridge we just crossed from Overlook #6. What's up or . . . down?