TALLULAH FALLS, April 18, 2002 - In 1970, 35,000 onlookers watched in awe as aerialist Karl Wallenda crossed Tallulah Gorge on a wire cable. At the time, it was the highest, longest and most dangerous such act attempted. On May 4, onlookers will gather again to cross the gorge themselves, this time on a new cable suspension bridge swaying 80 feet above the gorge floor. Tallulah Gorge State Park will open its new 250-foot bridge at 10:30 a.m. with a short ceremony and Fun Trek. A $15 registration fee is required for the Fun Trek and includes a commemorative t-shirt and bragging rights for being among the first visitors to cross the bridge.

"This is quite an impressive bridge and was a challenging construction project because we had to lower the materials 300 feet into the gorge before we could begin," said Park Manager Bill Tanner. "But now our visitors can choose from the north and south rim trails, the rugged gorge floor trail which descends about 500 feet, and our new suspension bridge."

Visitors who cross the bridge will get a healthy workout during their hike. They will begin on the north rim trail behind the interpretive center, descend 400 steps to access and cross the bridge, ascend 400 steps to the south rim trail, hike over the Tallulah Lake dam, and return to the interpretive center. Collectively, visitors will hike 1.5 miles to finish the loop. The public can register for the Fun Trek on May 4 between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at the park`s interpretive center; however, pre-registration is encouraged to help park staff plan for the event. To pre-register, call 404-656-2770 or visit http://www.gastateparks.org. The trek is sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, the Department of Natural Resources and Georgia Power Company.

Tallulah Gorge State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 south of Clayton. It features outstanding rugged scenery, an interpretive center with a gift shop and award-winning film, hiking and mountain bike trails, camping, fishing and picnicking. Many trails, including the gorge floor trail, are open by permit only to protect fragile species. Tallulah Gorge State Park is open to the public through a partnership between Georgia Power Company and the Department of Natural Resources. Parking is $4. For more information about Tallulah Gorge State Park, call 706-754-7970 or visit http://www.gastateparks.org.