Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Falls is an arch dam located in Rabun County, Georgia, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Tallulah Falls
The primary purpose of Tallulah Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Georgia Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Tallulah River.
The dam stands 140 feet tall and stretches 426 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 63 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,450 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 186 square miles. Completed in 1913, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/26/2025.
At 140 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Georgia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Georgia |
| County | Rabun |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Tallulah River |
| Coordinates | 34.73878, -83.39556 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 140 ft |
| Dam Height | 140 ft |
| Dam Length | 426 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,450 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,450 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 63 acres |
| Drainage Area | 186 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 98,700 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Georgia Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/26/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | GA00855 |
| Federal ID | GA00855 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |