RAILS TO TRAILS
Help us transform unused rail corridors into beautiful, accessible trails that connect communities, promote outdoor recreation, and preserve the natural beauty of Northeast Georgia. The Rails to Trails project is more than just a pathway—it's a way to bring people together, encourage active lifestyles, and celebrate the history of our region.
About the Project
Join us in creating change!
Trail Section 1: Boardwalk ramp to bridge over Tallulah Falls Lake
Discover the Magic of the North Georgia Mountains
The North Georgia Mountains are known for their warm hospitality and enchanting environment. This region offers breathtaking panoramic views and unforgettable experiences with nature. Imagine crossing the Tallulah River on a century-old train trestle or biking alongside the awe-inspiring 1,000-foot-deep Tallulah Gorge. These natural wonders provide the stunning backdrop for the Appalachian Foothills Rails to Trails project.
Explore Over 50 Miles of Trails
The Appalachian Foothills Multi-Use Bike Trail will span more than 50 miles, connecting Habersham and Rabun counties as it follows the historic route of the Tallulah Railroad. This extensive network of trails invites nature lovers, bikers, and families to explore North Georgia’s scenic beauty. As we build these recreational facilities, the trails will enhance the quality of life for local residents while also attracting visitors, boosting the local economy.
Reviving History and Restoring Connections
At the height of the Railroad Age, the Tallulah Railroad was a gateway to the North Georgia Mountains, drawing tourists from Atlanta to this picturesque destination. Though the railway was abandoned as cars became the dominant mode of transportation, this project aims to bring its legacy back to life. By revitalizing approximately 50 miles of the old rail corridor and new construction of a multi-use trail, we hope to rekindle the region’s charm and inspire visitors to flock here once again.
The Tallulah Falls Railroad was instrumental in opening up the Northeast Georgia Mountains to the outside world. The TFRR brought industry and trade to the region and allowed fortunes to be made in the capitalization of local natural resources such as timber and water. On its route through some of the state‘s most scenic natural environments, the Tallulah Falls Railroad would become legendary in hearts and minds of vacationers who flocked to resorts and attractions that grew up along the edge of Tallulah Gorge during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In later years, with the popular rise of the automobile and road design technologies of the 1950s, the old railroad continued to ply its route losing money with each passing year. The legacy of the Tallulah Falls Railroad lives today in countless books, film, and documentaries. The re-utilization of its historic route would secure its place in history for generations to come and reestablish ties between the communities it served once again.
To preserve the scenic and historic value of the Tallulah Falls Railroad corridor to provide a cultural amenity for locals and tourists alike, to support the outdoor recreation industries in the region and encourage healthier lifestyles for area residents, and to use the trail to connect destinations along the corridor to develop a true transportation route.
The general mission of this effort is to preserve the scenic and historic value of the Tallulah Fall Railroad corridor while providing a cultural amenity for locals and tourists alike. The physical product of this mission envisions a linear park, or greenway, around a trail viable for walking, jogging and biking. The hope is for the trail to feature high quality trailheads for accessibility and connections with other local recreational trails. There is also the intent of using the trail to connect destinations along the corridor and develop a role as a true transportation route. This would also enhance the corridor‘s ability to function as both a means of connectivity between destinations but also serve as a recreational destination itself. A completed trail would serve as a tremendous attraction for locals and tourist, supporting the outdoor recreation industries in the region and encouraging healthier lifestyles for area residents. The vision is to redevelop the entire Tallulah Falls Railroad corridor in Rabun and Habersham Counties, a length of some 42 miles. While the intent will be to maintain as much of the original railroad corridor as possible, the final route of the trail and greenway will likely include segments that veer from the original railroad bed due to obstructions, proximity to roads or other hazards and development costs. There are aspirations for extending the trail and greenway to the railroad‘s original terminus in Franklin, NC, and there will be long-term consideration for extending the corridor south should the means and demands permit
Join the Journey
We’ve established a nonprofit to support this ambitious initiative, and we’d love for you to join us. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading the word, your support will help us revive history, enhance our communities, and share the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains with generations to come.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The idea of transforming the old Tallulah Falls Railroad corridor into a rail trail and greenway has been a dream since the 1990s. The Georgia Department of Transportation first recommended the trail in its 2000 Multimodal Transportation Study. Further studies by the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission (2010) and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia (2013) reinforced its feasibility. The rail trail is an integral part of the recreation plan for both Rabun and Habersham County's Comprehensive Plans.
The Town of Tallulah Falls revived the rail trail project by securing a Georgia Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Preliminary Engineering Grant for fiscal year 2023. In December 2023, the nonprofit, Friends of Northeast Georgia, was formed with support from Partnership Habersham and the Habersham Chamber of Commerce Leadership. As the project’s working managers, they are focused on developing outdoor recreation for both health and economic benefits. Working alongside the Tallulah Falls Downtown Development Authority, Friends of Northeast Georgia is leading the planning for the Rail Trail and Pedestrian Safety Corridor.
The organization has been actively collaborating with key stakeholders on trail design, easements, and fundraising to bring the vision to life.