Everyday Guide to the North Georgia MountainsYour Subtitle text
Mountainfreak Reports
Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center
One of the more popular attractions at Tallulah Gorge State Park is the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center located at just off Hwy. 441 in Tallulah Falls. Named for noted conservationist, Jane Hurt Yarn, the center highlights the geology, wildlife and history of Tallulah Gorge and the surrounding areas in the north Georgia mountains.
Tallulah Gorge was and is being formed by the Tallulah River cutting through the Tallulah Dome rock formation, and has been a tourist attraction to varying degrees since the early 1800's. A railroad was built from Atlanta to the gorge in 1882, enhancing the ability of tourists to visit the attraction-which led to a boom of hotels, gift shops and other commerce that benefited from the tourist trade. in 1970, the gorge received some national attention when famed tightrope artist Karl Wallenda traversed it atop a steel cable (display above). A series of spectacular waterfalls on the river were and still are one of the main attractions at Tallulah Gorge...but the spectacle is not what it once was before Georgia Power dammed the river in numerous spots north of the gorge for the generation of electricity. The power company does allow the river to flow freely on certain dates, which draws big crowds for both the scenery and whitewater sports. The present day trails that lead to the waterfalls below start just outside the Jane Hurt Yarn Center.
Trail to the Gorge
Inside the Display Area
Tallulah Gorge was and is being formed by the Tallulah River cutting through the Tallulah Dome rock formation, and has been a tourist attraction to varying degrees since the early 1800's. A railroad was built from Atlanta to the gorge in 1882, enhancing the ability of tourists to visit the attraction-which led to a boom of hotels, gift shops and other commerce that benefited from the tourist trade. in 1970, the gorge received some national attention when famed tightrope artist Karl Wallenda traversed it atop a steel cable (display above). A series of spectacular waterfalls on the river were and still are one of the main attractions at Tallulah Gorge...but the spectacle is not what it once was before Georgia Power dammed the river in numerous spots north of the gorge for the generation of electricity. The power company does allow the river to flow freely on certain dates, which draws big crowds for both the scenery and whitewater sports. The present day trails that lead to the waterfalls below start just outside the Jane Hurt Yarn Center.
Trail to the Gorge
Inside the Center, park employees are stationed to answer any questions before you start into the display area. The building itself is very modern and kid-elderly-handicapped friendly. The displays cover the geologic upheaval that created the gorge, the local flora and fauna, the history of the area and the old train engine from the now defunct railroad is even parked inside one of the many rooms.
Inside the Display Area
I visited the center on a Sunday morning recently. There was a lot of activity about with hikers using the trail to the bottom and families enjoying the displays within the building. Admission is free but you will pay the $4 state park parking fee (per vehicle) as you enter the park. Give yourself a good hour - ninety minutes to investigate all of the offerings. There is no restaurant in the park, but the center has a small shop that sells snacks and mementos-and there are nice picnic areas available. Make sure to save some time to visit the nearby city of Tallulah Falls and the overlook just off the main highway (follow the signs).
