February 4, 2025
Stone Place & High Bluff Trails
at Tallulah State Park, GA
A beautiful and warm winter day with sunny skies and temperatures reaching 74°F. The trails were in good condition with just one large and a few smaller blowdowns that were easily passable. Our first, the Stone Place Trail, is in a mixed forest dominated by tall pines. We took a long side trail off of the Sourwood Trail, but were unable to find an overlook that we were hoping for. Our second trail, the High Bluff Trail, is well defined and took us through a controlled burn area to a point just east of Bridal Veil Falls. However, those falls were not visible without a steep, rocky descent to a better vantage point . . . not today. We proceed back to the interpretive center via the Inspiration Loop Trail stopping at three of the Tallulah Gorge overlooks. All-in-all an easy hike on very pleasant trails.
Today's Hikers: Tom Carmichael, Ken Kellerman, Allyson Aldrich, Alison Morris, Londa Sprinkle, Barbara Laughead with Jake, Vilmarie Nixon, Gerald Richardson, Dave Norton, Mary Lu Norton, Renee Corbett, Angela Evans, Vic Robson, Betty Smith, Debbie Griffin, Shelia Getman, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell
The route
5.8 mi · 594 ft climbing · 3h 16m out, 2h 49m walking · 2.1 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%
16 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (17)
Another "Great day for a hike." Today's Hikers (L-R) Back:Mike, Tom, Ken, Allyson, Alicia, Londa, Barbara with Jake, Vilmarie, Gerald, Dave, Mary Lu, Renee, Angela, Vic & Betty; Front: Debbie, Shelia & Jenny Good trail conditions overall. The only large blowdown was on a side trail we were exploring, hoping for an overlook of Tugalo Lake. End of the side trail, but no overlook. Everyone is still in a good mood since the dead end was at the beginning of the hike! Barbara's very friendly, new to us, trail-dog, Jake. The always scenic view from High Bluff down the gorge toward Bridal Veil Falls Headed back, but many commented on the slow recovery of vegetation from the controlled burn in April 2018. Renee and Vilmarie cross a wet drainage swale. . . careful! Right Dave? No Jenny. I will not poise for a picture by this tree. A classic view of Tallulah Gorge looking west from Inspiration Point with a close up of Oceana Falls Lost hiker??? No, just Vic. We all hope we can be hiking when we are 86 years old. Most know of Karl Wallenda’s tightrope walk across Tallulah Gorge in 1970. But, J.A. St. John, aka Professor Leon, seems to have been the first to high-wire the gorge in 1886. Headed back after visiting Overlook #1. A view from Overlook 1A of the suspension bridge at the bottom of the gorge. Jake taking it easy after the hike.