September 5, 2023
Stone Place and High Bluff Trails
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Another warm and humid, but pleasant late summer hike. The trail was in mostly good condition with a short section of the High Bluff Trail a bit overgrown, but still passable. The trails have color coded blazes and the intersections have good signage. There were a few, but not many late season wildflowers along the trail. This is an easy trail with nice views of Tallulah Gorge on the return portion of the hike.
Todays Hikers: John Cape, Lynn Hotle, Stephanie Kromelis, Jack Treadman, Ken Kellerman, Jack Wintle, Michele Volz, Jenny Bell, Rich Brown, Lynn Steele, Dick Metzgar, Jane Brown & Squirt, Bruce O'Connor, Ron ???, Jeanne O'Connor, Mike Bell, Heather Wall &Toby, Vic Robson, Renée Corbett, Shelia Getman.
The route
6.0 mi · 591 ft climbing · 3h 22m out, 2h 52m 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 (18)
A view of Tallulah Gorge toward the southeast from the North Wallenda Tower Observation Point (#1) Todays Hikers (L-R) Back: John, Lynn, Stephanie, Jack T., Ken, Jack W., Michele, Jenny, Rich, Lynn S., Dick, Jane, Bruce, Ron & Jeanne; Front: Mike, Heather, Toby, Vic, Renee, Shelia & Squirt. Getting ready at the trailhead at Tallulah Gorge State Park. This section of the trail is very easy. While not masses of wildflowers, there were enough to spark some interest. More wildflowers. Even some hint of fall in some trees such as Sourwoods. I'm coming! Checking out the views from High Bluff. Perhaps not the most spectacular views from High Bluff as it is still recovering from prescribed burns meant to revitalize those plants and animals dependent on fire dependent ecosystems. Not easy to ready, but an explanation of the fire dependent ecosystem of this section of Tallulah Gorge. I was unable to find a name for this small fall on the south rim of Tallulah Gorge visible from High Bluff. A bit overgrown on our way from High Bluff to Inspiration Point. But, there were quite a number of fruits along this final section of our hike. Checking the views and taking a break at Inspiration Point. It was getting hot by this time. And the views are quite nice from Inspiration Point including the suspension bridge from the north to the south side of the gorge. Shelia and Heather admiring the views from Observation Point #1. The final climb to the Interpretive Center and finish.