Tallulah Gorge - Persistent Trillium Hike (Habersham County, Georgia)

 Tallulah Gorge State Park is just a few minutes north of the Panther Creek Falls Trailhead, and I had noticed they were doing another of their Persistent Trillium hikes today, the timing of which worked well with my previous hike. So, I decided to join the rangers for a guide hike to see some rare endemic flowers.

After meeting the group at the visitors center and having a discussion about the appropriate amount of water to bring on this short hike, we headed out. We first hit a couple of view points of the gorge itself overlooking Tempesta Falls, which is currently raging. Earlier today, water was released from the dam and the kayakers were having a marvelous time navigating the river. 

From there, we walked across the highway bridge and to the South Rim Trail. Along the way, the rangers (who are actually the Manager and Assistant Manager of the park) pointed out several plant species. They also mentioned that this area had been a touristy garden in Victorian times and that much of the imported flora remains in one form or another.

Soon though, we reach a side trail that they lead us onto and here we are able to see a few examples of the persistent trillium. This specific species of the small ground flower only grows with a five miles radius of the park. From what we learn from the rangers, it gets its name because the leaves remain throughout the year, while many of its cousins shed theirs. The small flower itself starts white, but soon turns to a lavender color before degrading. We're only able to see a few examples of the flower, but it's nice to experience. 

After seeing the flowers, we head back the way we came. Along the way, the Park Manager has to correct a couple of children dangerously climbing on hand rails. I appreciate the tact with which she does it, but that must be the worst part of the job. Returning to the visitors center, I see we've gotten in about 1.9 miles during this short hike. It's not much, but it adds to the days total, and I still have a couple of stops remaining.