About the Friends of Tallulah Gorge State Park

Friends of Georgia State Parks and  Historic Sites is a growing group of dedicated people who show their  support in a number of ways.  Some volunteer time, some contribute financially, and some seek legislative support for the parks.  Whatever your involvement, you are giving back to Georgia in a meaningful way.  Currently there are more than 50 chapters across the state.
 

Friends of Tallulah Gorge State Park  (TGSP), a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization, is one of the most active  State Friends chapters.  Friends of TGSP work in tandem with TGSP staff to maximize the park's potential and provide a safe working and visitor environment.  
 

Examples of Activities Funded by Friends of TGSP:
 

• Provided funding for Inspiration Point Overlook - opened July 2010.
• Purchased equipment such as hand radios, printer, TV, laptop, flash drives, paddles, life jackets, etc.
• Conducted programs such as Wails to Trails, Christmas in the Gorge, Junior Rangers, and Jail Tales Trail.
• Organized projects such as the bird area, native plant gardens, pollinator garden, and trail and overlook maintenance. 
• Provided volunteers for the gift shop, front desk, white water releases, school groups, hikes, etc. 
• Updated the audio system in Interpretive Center theater.
• Updated the fire sprinkler system in the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center.
• Purchased a laser counter to record visitors to the Shortline Trail.
• Installed a Tallulah Falls Victorian history diorama video in the Interpretive Center.
• Purchased two snake cages for the Center.
• Replaced the rubberized surface path which leads from the Interpretive Center to the North Rim Trail.
• Repaired the walkway and floor of the open shelter at Overlook 6.
• Created a new overlook on the north rim trail, Overlook 1A - opened summer, 2014.
• Replaced and refreshed the exhibits along the walkway in the Interpretive Center.
• Provided funding and staffing support for public events in the Park.
• Purchased a weed eater for use by Park maintenance.
• Purchased two slack lines for use in the Park.
• Purchased a popcorn machine to be used for special events at the Park.
• Replaced the hand dryers in the restrooms. 
• Repaved and striped the parking lot in front of the Interpretive Center.
• Purchased a golf cart to be used by the campground volunteers. 
• Installed matting on the bridges along the Shortline Trail.
• Provided partial funds to replace the projector system in the Theater.
• Assisted in replacing the partitions in the men's and women's rest rooms in the Interpretive Center.
• Purchased supplies to be used to aid the persistent Trillium growing in the Park.
• Provided snacks for Ranger Conference at TGSP.
• Purchased tea sets for use at Tour and Tea at Tallulah special events.
• Purchased back packs to be used by Park Rangers during hikes and rescues.
• Purchased holiday light displays for the campground and park entrance.
• Replaced 32 benches in the Park for the enjoyment of our visitors.
• Purchased a replacement water fountain for the Interpretive Center.
• Added mulch to the garden areas of the Park.
• Placed signs in the gardens to note which areas are maintained by the Friends.
• Purchased and installed a display board listing native plants and birds.  Board was placed in front of the window in the  Interpretive Center.
• Purchased supplies to be used by the Park and Gift Shop staff.
• Purchased hay bales to be used at the archery stations.
• Purchased eighteen bear and squirrel proof double trash cans/recycle bins for use at the day use area and the Shortline Trail.
• Cleared and mulched area for new Outdoor Classroom.
• Sponsored snacks for the rangers visiting the Park from southeast US.
• Purchased two utility carts for staff use in the Park and campground.
• Created and paid for new background board for visitor photos.
• Purchased power yard tools such as a blower, weed eater, etc.
• Purchased and installed a water bottle filler and an automatically filled dog water bowl.  It is next to the Interpretive Center.
• Planned and carried out Celebration of 30th anniversary of Tallulah Gorge State Park.
• Purchased blazes to be used to mark the trails.
• Created and paid for a winter snow people board for visitor photos.
• Purchased new holiday decorations for the Interpretive Center - trees, ornaments,  garland, bows, wreaths, etc.
• Contributed to the cost of the gate at the campground entrance.
• Hosted a pizza party as  thank you for the Search and Rescue team.
• Purchased a new portable sound system.
• Purchased materials to build a new walkway from the parking area to the rim trail.
• Paid for repairs to the roof, flooring, and electrical at the Old Jail.
• Paid for fence to be installed around Search and Rescue Training Area.