Scheduled releases occur the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs. Boaters are allowed on the water once the level stabilizes, which is about 9:30 am; the water is turned off at 4 pm. All boaters must start down the stairs by 2.45 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 $5.00 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. SHUTTLESӬ & TAKE-OUT PARKING
Boaters will need to set their own shuttles at the take-out. Please carpool, do not overcrowd the take-out and park in designated spaces only. Park vehicles close together and double park your cars if space allows and you are paddling together to leave room for others.
The $5 Park Use Pass will be required for both the Put-In and Take-Out parking areas and will only be available at the Put-In so head there first and leave as many vehicles there as possible.
For safety reasons, please make sure everyone is off the water and out of the Take-Out area by 5 pm. Please be aware that GA Power will want to close and lock the gate to the take-out parking area at 5pm.
2. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Tallulah releases are dependent on volunteers who help manage boater access. Those paddling the Tallulah can also help out as volunteers by taking the 8-12 shift and then go paddling in the afternoon.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up as a Volunteer for any of the releases please email Laura Dillon.
3. DON'T TRAMPLE THE TRILLIUMӬ
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.
4. NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED
Remember that alcohol is prohibited on all Georgia State Parks property.
5. PLEASE KEEP ALL DOGS ON LEASHES
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.
AND FINALLY
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 through membership dues and a big thank you to all of our partners and volunteers; Georgia Power, DNR, GCA, AWC and TRR.
For more information, please check out AW’s Tallulah Gorge Project Page