A hiker suffering from heat exposure was rescued Sunday afternoon from Tallulah Gorge State Park during a five-hour emergency operation involving multiple agencies.
Habersham County Emergency Services (HCES) was dispatched at 1:12 p.m. on July 27, according to EMS Director Jeff Adams. First responders hiked into the gorge to reach the patient and began treatment on scene. Rabun County EMS assisted with patient care and helped rehabilitate rescuers affected by the heat.
Georgia DNR used a long-line aerial lift to extract the patient and transport them to a designated landing zone, where EMTs were standing by.
The incident underscores the growing risks of hiking in extreme heat and comes as state officials implement new safety rules at the popular park.
New heat index policy
In response to a sharp rise in search and rescue (SAR) incidents, the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Division recently introduced new heat-related restrictions at Tallulah Gorge. When the heat index reaches the National Weather Service’s “Extreme Caution” category, stair access into the gorge will be restricted.
There is no single temperature that triggers the restriction. The heat index reflects how hot it feels by combining air temperature and humidity.
Park staff have responded to an increasing number of emergencies over the past two years—many due to heat, fatigue, and dehydration. In some cases, rescuers have required medical attention themselves.
“Visitors are encouraged to plan hikes during cooler seasons and take necessary precautions when exploring the park,” officials added.
The park’s steep terrain and 1,099-step staircase make it one of Georgia’s most physically demanding state parks. A daily permit is required to access the gorge floor.
