FALL -TALLULAH GORGE- GEORGIA

Hurricane Falls

The goal of the visit.

Only the bottom portion is visible from an observation deck, but its height can be gauged by the rather large pool at its base. A large force must be at work to carve this pool.




Geology is a humbling science second only to astronomy. But geology is touchable, we trip and fall and pick ourselves up in geological environs. We can ponder the stars, but we can touch the earth, see the effects of time's passage before our very eyes. A speck of stone is revealed in each dawn’s light as new, never before seen by conscious beings, tiny specks of life that are aware as no other specks have been in the eons that is earth’s existence.
























On July 18, 1970, the high-wire artist Karl Wallenda walked across the gorge. Only eight years before members of the Flying Wallendas were doing their famous human pyramid in Detroit, falling and killing two and injuring him. In 1978, eight years later he himself would fall and be killed while performing.
The towers used in 1970 are still to be seen above Tallulah Gorge, a grim reminder of a dangerous profession.

Just along the rim the long downhill trail to Hurricane Falls and the river bottom start. There is plenty of warning about the trail, all justified, 1099 steps I think! The downward steps aren’t that tough but uphill they turn against you.


Atop the rim of the gorge looking upstream, white waterfalls and rapids are seen, while looking downstream some pines cling precariously to the wall, and the beauty of the season and sunlight dramatically complete the scene.











Hurricane Falls is only partially seen from the bottom and the downstream look is mostly boulders. It is hard to believe that
kayaking is possible through the rocks but when the river flow is increased with releases from the dam it is quite popular.























Looking up the gorge walls you can see an overlook. I commented to a man that I had seen at the overlook earlier about how smart to be up there. He replied “ No, not really, because up there you what to be down here!!”





About two-thirds up from the river bed, past the suspension bridge above the falls, the steps seem endless!!