Hiking Tallulah Gorge State Park

Our son was out of school and had a few days of vacation from his work. So, he decided that he would like to go hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park. He invited his mother and I. As a result, it was arranged for us to go on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. It was the last day of his vacation and he was looking forward to the trip.

Unfortunately, something came up at the last moment and my wife, his mother, was unable to go with us. So, we headed out that morning.

We first stopped at the place that I remembered from my childhood, the old lookout over Tallulah Gorge. Sadly, it is closed, but we got our first view of the gorge.

Then, we starting looking for trail information and finally, after some searching discovered the main building and the head of the hiking trails around and through the gorge.

It was a beautiful day and we had a great time together. He even endured me going down the 221 steps to the suspension walking bridge. Of course, I missed that ‘suspension’ part and got a bit woozy for a moment. Then, with several rest pauses we made it up the 347 steps on the other side. No, I didn’t count them, but that’s how many steps the map says there are. Note that if you are hiking Tallulah Gorge State Park that you don’t have to use the steps to enjoy the hiking trails around the park. Most of the public trails are user friendly.

It was a great experience to spend this time with one of my step-sons.

I was also able to take a lot of pictures. When I noticed that there were over 150 photos, I was glad we were not in the day where you were limited to 24 or 36 pictures on a roll of film. There were so many I wanted to share with you that it was easier to do so in a video.

Of course, a piano player needs to include music with the video and what better song to fit these photos than “This Is My Father’s World.” I’m including the lyrics by Maltbie D. Babcock below. The background music for the video is my solo piano arrangement of the tune by Franklin L. Sheppard.

It was great to enjoy God’s creation and to enjoy it with my step-son, hiking Tallulah Gorge State Park. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

1. This is my Father’s world,
   And to my list’ning ears,
   All nature sings, and round me rings
   The music of the spheres.
   This is my Father’s world,
   I rest me in the thought
   Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
   His hand the wonders wrought.
2. This is my Father’s world,
   The birds their carols raise;
   The morning light, the lily white
   Declare their Maker’s praise.
   This is my Father’s world,
   He shines in all that’s fair;
   In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
   He speaks to me ev’ry-where.
3. This is my Father’s world,
   O let me ne’er forget
   That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
   God is the Ruler yet.
   This is my Father’s world,
   The battle is not done;
   Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
   And earth and heaven be one.

“This Is My Father’s World” by Maltbie D. Babcock

Blessings,
Richard