Anna Ruby Falls

If you avoid the major highways, there's a wonderfully winding road to the next state park, 40 miles west. It's a fun drive for the serious car driver and you remain in the Chattahoochee National Forest so it's picturesque for passengers too. We head to Unicoi State Park to see Anna Ruby Falls. Our parking fee for Tallulah Gorge State Park was valid at Unicoi, so you can really do a lot for just $5. However, Anna Ruby is a separate park within Unicoi and charges an additional $3 per person. Still an affordable price for a family trip.

This is a more family friendly hike. All ages and fitness levels are able to walk at leisure to the twin falls, about three-quarter mile one way.

Tallulah Falls

A short 2 hour drive north of Atlanta will get you to Chattahoochee National Forest. There's lots of budget friendly outdoor activities here, from hiking to boating. You'll find something for everyone with a taste for the outdoors.

We decided to check out Tallulah Falls and Anna Ruby Falls. First we went to Tallulah Gorge State Park and took a 4+ mile hike to the bottom of the gorge and viewed various waterfalls. I forget the exact elevation but it was 1,100 steps to the bottom. The steps back up to the top are killer but the views are worth the sweat. It is recommended that this hike is for the physically fit. My knees and calves were burning on every step.

At this park you will also see where that famous tightroper guy crossed the gorge. You can cross the gorge too, by taking the route that includes the suspension bridge. Normally when I hear the words suspension bridge I tend to, instead, think of a rickety old rope bridge with a cannibal tribe waiting at the other end. But this is a nice, wide, sturdy bridge where you see nice views of the Chattahoochee River.

There are no fees for the park, but there is a $5 parking fee. That parking fee is good for all same day Georgia State Park parking. This was handy when we then drove to another state park later that afternoon.