With the Southeast struggling with one of the worst draughts of recent years last fall the annual relases for the Tallulah Gorge were cancelled.  With some recent rain in the Southeast AW has received the official nod that the there is enough water to run the releases in April.  The releases through this spectaculare gorge are the first two weekends in April.  Here are a few reminders for the Tallulah releases in case we have forgotten anything in the past year.

Release Information

• April 5, 6 and 12, 13
• Saturdays at 500 cfs and Sundays at 700 cfs
• Releases begin at 9:30 am and all boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake.
• You will need to sign a waiver at the top of the stairs to be permitted to paddle the river.
• Please continue to park across the road from the put-in for a $4.00 fee per vehicle, and remember that you must go under the bridge to cross the road.

Here are a few things to remember on your trip to the Tallulah:

1. NO MORE SHUTTLES:  Starting a few seasons ago there are no longer shuttle services at the Tallulah.  The takeout has very limited parking. Please carpool, do not overcrowd the takeout, and park in designated spaces only.
2. DON'T TRAMPLE THE TRILLIUM: Keep boats and bodies on the steps, bedrock, or water at all times, especially at the bottom of the stairs, where some boaters jump the right rail or throw their boats vertically over the back of the platform. Also, keep your impact on the riverbank to a bare minimum in connection with scouting rapids.
3. NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED: Remember that alcohol is prohibited on all Georgia State Parks property.
4. NO MORE BOATER CAMPING:  A few years ago the Park eliminated the boater camping lot. If you are making a trip into the area, please visit one of the nearby campgrounds.
5. DOGS: All dogs must be kept on six-foot leashes. The owners of unattended dogs, dogs not on leashes, or of animals locked in cars that the park deems as hazardous will be ticketed.
6. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION: If you would like more information about Tallulah volunteering, please e-mail Joan Hutton at hutton_joan@yahoo.com.
7. INFLATABLES:  Tallulah Gorge State Park has strict rules on what types of inflatbale crafts are allowed in the gorge.  If you plan on bring your inflatable whitewater craft check out the inflatable policy.
8. Don't forget, there would be no releases in Tallulah Gorge if it were not for the hard work of the American Whitewater staff and volunteers. Please support American Whitewater.

NEW, for the non-paddler in your group

For the first time the public will be able to take a ranger-led hike down Sliding Rock Trail to view paddlers braving Bridal Veil Falls. This is an extremely strenuous hike consisting of descending and ascending a 750-foot boulder field to the Class V Tallulah River. Ages 10 and up only please. Register in advance. There will be two hikes each day, one will be from 11AM-2PM and the other from 12PM-3PM. $4 parking. (706)754-7981